Shopping in Kandy

Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, may be known for its rich history and the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, but it is also a great place for some shopping adventures! From lively markets to modern malls and many more retail options there is much to discover for both shopaholics and casual shoppers alike. Here is a guide into some of the best places to shop at and key items to purchase.

Explore the Kandy Market Hall

If you are on the hunt for souvenirs and want to soak up some local culture, then the Kandy Market Hall (or Central Market) is a great place to head to. Located in the heart of the town centre and close to the clock tower, this well-known public municipal market can be found within a two-storey building which has a courtyard area too.

Ideally, spend time visiting the different stalls and take in the colourful sights that make for some great pictures too. At the Kandy Market Hall, you will find all manner of handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles, books, shoes and leather goods along with vegetables, fruits, tea, spices, sweets and fish. Do remember you can bargain and try to bring the price down!

Visit the Kandy City Centre

For a more modern shopping experience, you can head to the Kandy City Centre, the city's only mall. Look forward to shopping in air-conditioned comfort at this bustling retail hub which attracts locals and tourists alike. Located close to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the city's lake, it is where one can purchase everything from clothes and souvenirs to electronics and beauty care products.

Local stores like ODEL, Cotton Collection, Glitz, Avirate and Hameedia offer plenty of clothing options, while well-known international brands can be found here too; these include U.S. Polo, Levis, Giordano, Nike, Adidas, The Body Shop and Revlon. There are also shops selling cosmetics, perfumes, jewellery, watches, Apple products, footwear, books, televisions and more. Once done with shopping, you can head up to Level 4 of the mall where there is a food court with an eclectic array of dining options amidst some great views as well. If you are interested in finding out more about what this city has to offer, do check out local sites such as Kandy Escapes which provide useful insights and guides.

Seek Handloom & Batik Items

Those planning to get in some shopping when they travel to Kandy should make time to buy some distinctive local products. Kandy is known for its handloom items which make for great keepsakes too and stores such as Selyn are well worth visiting; be it handwoven fashion including sarees and sarongs, homeware, items for kids or unique gifts, there is much to peruse and buy.

You can also look to purchase batik items in Kandy from clothing to décor. Shops such as Jayamali Batik Studios are amongst the places you can visit for some distinctive batik products. Batik-based cotton t-shirts and shirts, as well as cotton and silk sarees, will make your wardrobe stand out, while batik bedspreads, wall hangings, cushion covers, bags and scarves can be found as well.

Buy Some Ceylon Tea

One of the best things to do in Kandy is not only to visit nearby tea plantations but also purchase some world-renowned Ceylon Tea. While tea products are easy to find at shops in the city, don't miss a chance to head to the Ceylon Tea Museum where you can learn about tea and also purchase various items too.

Located around 3 km from the city in the area known as Hantane, the museum offers insights into the production of tea in Sri Lanka and features various exhibits and machinery. While it has a café where you can enjoy tea along with some refreshing views, it also has an outlet where you can purchase pure Ceylon Tea from reputed brands along with tea-related souvenirs.