Among the many things to do in Sri Lanka are to dine on authentic Sri Lankan food, explore the old city, and much more. Keep your thirst for shopping alive despite all this. Where to shop in Sri Lanka? Is Sri Lanka a wonderful place to go shopping? Yes. The bright side is that Sri Lanka provides an amazing shopping opportunity for everyone. Everything from Ceylon tea and spices to Palmyra crafts and souvenirs abounds. So, here’s the ultimate Sri Lanka shopping guide for tourists. Contact us for more details!
Why do tourists love shopping in Sri Lanka?
Anyone who has been to the beautiful island country of Sri Lanka would attest that shopping there is an absolute treat. You can find a wide variety of handcrafted goods, such as jewelry and batiks, at prices you will be pleased to pay. Moreover, renowned towns like Kandy and Colombo offer a vast array of options. In these places, you can buy many things, from high-end items to ordinary street items. Sri Lanka is a tourist’s paradise, and its shops will show you all the amazing things the nation has to offer, from vivid saris to stunning gemstones and intricate stone carvings.
If you’re planning a holiday in Sri Lanka any time soon, keep reading this Sri Lanka shopping guide for tourists.
Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Therapy
1. Spices from Sri Lanka
Nobody can write a Sri Lanka shopping guide for tourists without mentioning the world-famous Sri Lankan spices. You’re not wrong if Sri Lanka comes to mind when you think of spices. Sri Lanka has always played an important role in the spice trade. For these and other reasons, Sri Lanka has long served as an important trading post. Many spice gardens are becoming popular tourist destinations around the nation. Truly, if you were to search Sri Lanka for spice stores, you would likely discover an abundance of options at every corner.
Sri Lankan seafood recipes aren’t complete without dried goraka fruit, curry leaves, and Ceylon cinnamon, three of the most popular spices in the country. Sri Lankan spices are well-loved for their ability to replicate the country’s unique flavors and aromas. Buying a popular spice is a beneficial idea if you’re a visitor to Sri Lanka.
2. Ceylon Tea
Universally acclaimed, Ceylon tea is the pinnacle of Sri Lankan tea quality. It world-renowned is due to the high quality and skillful preparation of the tea. And that’s why we include Ceylon Tea in our Sri Lanka shopping guide for tourists. Some examples of the many kinds of tea are black tea, Dimbula, Nuwara Eliya, and Uvo.
There are several high-end tea shops in Colombo where you can shop for a range of world-class tea products. You can also visit tea plantations to get a glimpse of the renowned Sri Lankan tea industry.
3. Saris and Sarongs
Famous and distinctive among Sri Lankan traditional garments are saris and sarongs. In traditional Indian dress, women wear saris and men wear sarongs. An apron and a lightweight jacket resembling a shirt are also components of a sarong. These dresses are perfect for the Sri Lankan climate and will keep you cool and comfortable.
On your next trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to pick this up as a gift for those you care about.
4. Traditional Masks
The mask-making tradition in Sri Lanka is well-known. Located on the southern shore, the seaside town of Ambalangoda is famous for its wooden mask production. Finely hand-carved and painted with the brightest brilliant hues available, Sri Lankan masks are a sight to see! This custom has its origins in old rites and demon dances.
The finest shopping destinations in Sri Lanka
Let’s get to the best part of our Sri Lanka shopping guide for tourists: the best shopping places.
1. Kandy Market
Make sure to stop by the lively Kandy market when you’re in Sri Lanka for some shopping. Walking through the market’s labyrinth of booths and merchants is like entering a sensory paradise. At this market, you may get a wide variety of fresh fruits and colorful raw spices.
Authentic tastes and attire will accompany the pervasive fragrances you’re sure to experience. This market is perfect for bargaining. Be sure to sample the delicious samosas, kottu roti, and tropical fruits that are local specialties. In addition to being a great place to shop while in Sri Lanka, you may also meet some friendly people.
2. Colombo’s Lakpahana & Laksala
This is one of the top destinations that every Sri Lankan shopping guide for tourists recommends. Almost every city and village in the world sells some kind of handicraft. Nevertheless, the quaint boutiques and modest handcraft goods found in Sri Lanka’s capital cities of Colombo and Kandy are a major draw for tourists and visitors.
In Colombo, you may find some of the greatest venues to purchase handicrafts in Lakpahana and Laksala. The world-famous devil face masks are only one of their fascinating and beautiful exhibits. They also make for a wonderful artistic and hip memento. This establishment is very essential for any shopper visiting Sri Lanka!
3. Sri Lanka shopping guide: Ceylon Tea Museum & Ceylon Tea Supermarket
Sri Lanka changed its name from Ceylon to reflect this. All throughout the globe, people recognize Ceylon tea as a top-notch beverage. Sri Lankan tea, or Ceylon tea, is an absolute must-have when visiting the island. Ceylon tea, the national favorite, has numerous health advantages and delicious tastes. Although there are several varieties, the most common Ceylon tea is black tea. The majority of the tea leaves are slender and wiry.
Ceylon tea has become Sri Lanka’s specialty as a result of the country’s tropical woods and high elevation. As a result, we must remember to bring a little bit of Ceylon tea essence with us when we return home! An iconic Ceylon tea brand is Dilmah. Not only is the Ceylon Tea Supermarket in Colombo an absolute must-visit, but so is the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantane, which is just 3 kilometers from Kandy.
4. Crescat Boulevard
You won’t find better shopping than Crescat Boulevard in Colombo! If you want a shopping experience that is both luxurious and convenient, you should come here. Located in the middle of the city, Crescat Boulevard is Sri Lanka’s premier shopping destination. At the ground level, you’ll find delicious dining alternatives. If you are tired or hungry, you may discover a broad selection of souvenirs and the current fashion trends here.
When residents want to go shopping on the weekend, they go there. This is the perfect spot for tourists who want to view the finest of Colombo’s market.
5. Paradise Road
Shop for the finest locally produced crockery, souvenirs, handicrafts, antiquities, and more at Paradise Road. This is an old residence giving a superb shopping experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This Sri Lankan attraction is well-known for its hand-painted black and white plates. It’s lovely that visitors wouldn’t think twice about purchasing these plates from here.
Similarly, you may find a wide variety of antiques for sale on Paradise Road. Even though they’re easy to find, buying antiques here is unique from anywhere else. Not only that but getting here isn’t a big deal—just hire any local vehicle to bring you here for shopping. Paradise Road is near the Gangaramaya shrine in central Sri Lanka.
6. Gems & Jewelry Shopping in Sri Lanka
Gems and jewelry are a major component of any Sri Lanka shopping guide for tourists. If you’re looking for a few top destinations, here they are:
Colombo Jewelry Stores
Those in Colombo with an eye for style will love this high-end jewelry store’s one-of-a-kind creations. Colombo Jewelry Stores has been known for its high-quality, fashionable, and luxurious pieces. This place is renowned for its unparalleled workmanship and valuable stones. In Sri Lanka, CJS is a well-known and esteemed brand that caters to both local and foreign customers.
Zam Gems
Are you in search of distinctive, handcrafted jewelry? You can get it, and more, at reasonable pricing, at Zam Gems. Necklaces, earrings, pendants, and bracelets adorned with meticulously cut precious and semiprecious stones, such as the well-known Ceylon Stones, are part of their one-of-a-kind assortment of handmade jewelry. Zam Gems’ expert artisans may also create unique designs to meet your specific needs.
Stone N String
If you’re looking for attractive and stylish jewelry, Stone N String is the place to go. Stone N String creates timeless pieces of jewelry as well as trendy pieces for children, reflecting both style and quality. You may find rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches among their designer jewelry pieces. In addition, they offer a wedding line that includes jewelry in both Western and Kandyan designs.
7. Galle Face Green Fair
At night, Colombo’s Galle Face Green Market comes alive with a vibrant market. Numerous electronic devices are available for purchase on the open market. If you are looking for a glimpse of Sri Lankan culture, this market is the place to go.
You may also savor the delectable specialties of Sri Lanka by indulging in some tasty street cuisine. Kottu roti and isso wade, often known as shrimp fritters, are well-known dishes. Some foods you may try include roti with meat and veggies.
8. Liberty Plaza
One contemporary retail mall that has a multistore hub to make shopping easier is the Liberty Plaza in Colombo. There is a wide variety of fashionable and traditional Sri Lankan clothing available for purchase as well.
Retail therapy also includes purchasing health and cosmetic items. There are plenty of places to eat and bookstores to peruse in the mall, so you can take it leisurely and enjoy your lunch. There are better spots to buy souvenirs, but it is a one-stop shopping center for needs.
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