Coupled with the many shopping centres and markets, shopping in Sri Lanka is a dream experience. If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home from your trip, here are some tips on where to get the best Sri Lankan souvenirs in the country!
Franciscan Sister’s Jam Room
One of the most unique things to bring home would be homemade jams, marmalades, sauces, pickles, and even homemade wines. The wines here are made from ginger, beetroot, lime and strawberries. Just like its name suggests, this store is run by nuns and you can find the store in a Roman Catholic convent in Nuwara Eliya. The money made from the sales would be used to give orphans and people who have fallen off the track a second chance in life.
The store is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm daily!
Paradise Road
With a Mediterranean ambience, Paradise Road exhumes class and elegance. This upscale store specialises in minimalism, with a focus on selling exquisite homeware. It is also a tourist attraction in Colombo, making it a store hard to miss. Decorate your home with unique products ranging from rustic furniture to porcelain. The second level of this store focuses on selling linen products.
Paradise Road is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm!
Saturday Good Market Event
If you are looking for Sri Lankan natural personal care products or healthy snacks, the Saturday Good Market event is the place to be at. It happens every week in the Nuga Tree Car Park near the Colombo Racecourse Mall. It aims to support local social enterprises and responsible businesses while focusing on a healthy and natural way of living. You can find a range of items from food, snacks, ethnic fashion wear, toys to even houseware. Enjoy some live music and henna art as you walk around this local market.
The Saturday Good Market happens weekly from 9 am to 5 pm!
Pettah Floating Market
Formerly a canal in an industrial area, the Pettah Floating Market has been transformed into a shopping area. There are many shops located under the red-roofed pavilions for you to shop for various items such as clothing, shoes, jewellery and bags. The items here are also much more affordable than the high-end shopping malls. The best time to head to the floating market would be during the golden hour so that you can catch the sunset while doing some shopping. If you are hungry, there’s even a food court for you to grab some snacks or drinks.
The market is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm!
Lakpahana
Known as the home of arts and crafts, Lakaphana is a designated souvenir boutique. You’ll find traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts made from wood, metal and even leather here. This traditional gift shop focuses on producing the perfect gifts for tourists, selling affordable items such as the painted elephants, demon masks and secret boxes.
Lakaphana is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 6 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm!
