Street Shopping Hotspots in Sri Lanka

The axiom that a voyage without shopping is unjustified ought to be accepted, if not already. In the ages past, Sri Lanka’s eminence was instilled in its domestic produce and the handcraft. Lacework, ivory carvings, and metalwork among other resources such as gems, spices, and tea have been somewhat of a specialty of the island nation. Sri Lankan streets are destinations of delight for shoppers.

Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes, as you’re about to be baffled with the amount and variety of apparel, shoes, bags and the handcrafted jewellery available in the markets, especially in Colombo. That being said, book hotels in wellawatte depending on what, where and how much you intend to shop. List the following destinations on your itinerary for the best shopping experience:

Majestic City

Shopaholics beware! No one has ever had a wallet to match expenditure on worthy products on display at the windows of this shopping complex. An all-inclusive shopping experience awaits if you’re looking for bags, clothes, shoes, watches, etc. Moreover, the greeting cards give testament to the name of the area. If you’re planning more than one session of purchasing at the Majestic City, you’re better off staying at Yoho Upatissa Road Bambalpitiya.

The Old and New

The different sects of Buddha represented by monastic sites make Anuradhapura a must-see destination. The long and narrow streets of the New Town, hardly 3 kilometres from the bus and train station, are packed with shops. Avail the best spices, freshest veggies, seafood, books and clothes. The new part of the town, on the other hand, is famous for postcards and tchotchkes. Choose the best of Anuradhapura hotels under Yoho Bed’s banner including lake view villas and guest houses here.

Gem of a Place

Just about a century of kilometres away from the capital city, the mining town of Ratnapura summons jewellery enthusiasts from across the world.  You must behold the city renowned for decorating Princess Diana’s ring with a blue sapphire. The famous ‘Heart of the Ocean’ necklace from Titanic got its mystic jewel from Ratnapura as well. Get a feel of the markets from days past where dealers from over the world visit for trade. Stay at the Yoho Kudawa Bungalow with its sun terrace and water sports offerings. It’s perfect to hide amidst the woods away from the busy city after sessions of discovering precious gems for your trinkets and necklaces.

Pettah Market

Reach out to the heart of Colombo and witness the hustle and bustle of the Sinhalese life with its sounds and smells in the air. Grab the best bargains on fruits, clothes and electronics as they are available at wholesale prices. All the same, prepare yourself to haggle or visit with a local if you don’t want to pay double the original price. The loud markets teeming with an array of items are a sight to witness even if you don’t want to make a purchase. Go solo and stay at Yoho Casons Hostel for a day of various emotions at the Pettah Market.

10 comments

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  1. Parnashree Devi

    I am not much into street shopping while traveling. But I like to pick some unique souvenirs from the countries I travel to. I have never been to Srilanka. This list of shopping places is quite lucrative. I would definitely visit Pettah Market for my souvenirs for sure.

    • Nish

      Sri Lanka is pretty amazing. It’s one of those places I can go multiple times. We were planning to go this summer, but unfortunately Covid played spoilsport.

  2. Martha

    I’m not much of a shopper but I would definitely want to book an overnight stay to make sure I can see all the venders and what the have to offer! I love that they offer a wide array of goods from dazzling sapphires that outside the Heart of the Ocean to local spices and seafood. I’m sure all the shops are colorful and you can get lost in them for hours!

  3. travelwithpooja

    Now this is my kinda post! I absolutely love street shopping. I keep buying things and souvenirs on my trips whenever I travel. The majestic City sounds majestic. Would love to visit it. Anuradhapura also sounds promising. Ratnapura will be on my list for the Titanic trivia.

  4. Subhashish Roy

    Me and my wife prefer street shopping any day as compared to Mall shopping when we travel as it is here that you get authentic stuff without the high prices. Sri Lanka was in our plan for this December but as things stand the trip may be deferred. The cover photo is beautiful and Anradhapura & Ratnapura would be interesting destinations to visit.

  5. Umiko

    I have stopped shopping during trips since a few years back, but I still like window shopping. 😉 The Old Town of Anuradhapura sounds interesting to me as I like looking at locals arts and crafts. I think I can’t afford anything in Ratnapura, but it will be wonderful just to see the beautiful gems there.

  6. Ann

    Woow! What an amazing cover photo of Sri Lanka. Just the header photo wants me to travel there immediately. I have never been to that part of the world but am very keen on visiting. Seems like I would love to shop at Majestic City just as much as the next person. It is so cool about the Ratnapura and Titanic! I had no idea about that even though it is one of the movies I so much love.

  7. Linda (LD Holland)

    We often don’t shop to buy when we travel. But we do love to window shop and see the local goods. Love that there are so many different kind of shopping experiences. And I would make sure to shop with hubby since he is the haggler in the family!

  8. knycx

    That’s a great angle introducing Sri Lanka and I would to get back there again for some shopping. Pettah Market sounds interesting with its tie to the Sinhalese life

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