Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and a popular metropolitan amidst travelers, famous mainly for the towering skyscrapers, leisure facilities, and pretty beaches. Luring in travelers from around the globe with its stunning beaches, exciting watersports, shimmering architecture, and a great nightlife, Colombo is among the most favorite destinations of everyone who sets foot in Sri Lanka. While the city of Colombo has seen rigorous development over the years making it a home of a number of leisure facilities like posh hotels and resorts, restaurants and cafes, nightlife, entertainment hubs, shopping arcades, and more, it has still managed to retain its cultural charm and heritage reflected greatly in its monuments and Buddhist temples. A part of that culture is also reflected in the many local and modern markets in Colombo where tourists from around the world love to grab handmade merchandise and Sri Lankan artifacts to take home as souvenirs or home decor pieces. So, if you’re venturing into the city of Colombo anytime soon, make sure you stop by these markets and local bazaars of Colombo to entertain that shopaholic within you and get a taste of the vast culture of Sri Lanka. Take home a tiny part of this beautiful heritage with you that will always remind you of your fabulous vacation!
3 Best Markets In Colombo, Sri Lanka
Here are a few of the best local markets and bazaars in the otherwise unconventional city of Colombo where you can grab local handmade goods and souvenirs to remind yourself of your amazing trip as well as gifts for your friends and family to compel them to visit this lovely nation.
1. Pettah Floating Market
Not many are aware of the sprawling floating market of Pettah, which is why one of the most unusual things to do in Sri Lanka is to visit this pretty little market. When here, one can buy a variety of knick-knacks like clothes, footwear, bags, accessories, jewelry, electronics, to even fruits and vegetables. Established on a bridge located above the bustling Beira Lake, this fascinating market is a must-visit for everyone on their trip to Sri Lanka.
Where: W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
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2. Galle Face Green Night Market
Galle Face Green has come to be known as one of the best places to sample Sri Lanka’s most in-demand street food. As the sun begins to go down, street vendors pull out their pans and best eats that satiate every palate type. The street food at Galle Face Green is to die for, especially the food at Nana’s. Nana’s is one of the most sought-after street food joints at Galle Face Green and has the locals frequently visiting these open-air restaurant outlets to grab some yummy dishes. The best dish at Nana’s is the Kottu. Kottu is made from leftover foods like Sri Lankan curry, chapati (Indian flatbread), vegetables, fish and meat, all chopped and made into a dish full of flavor and spice. At Nana’s, a variety of Kottu variations are available, right from cuttlefish Kottu to mutton Kottu. If you thought that was the end of your meal, brace yourself for the Sri Lankan local Elephant Ginger Beer. You can’t be in Colombo and not have the EGB, as the locals fondly call the brand of soda. Another street food at Galle Face Green that you must try is Hoppers. Hoppers are the most versatile Sri Lankan dish you’ll eat. Hoppers are basically pancakes in the shape of bowls that are eaten with eggs for morning breakfast or with some delectable Sri Lankan curry for dinner. You can add masalas and chutneys according to your taste and enjoy this local street food at the Galle Face Green beachside. After downing all these spicy treats, head to one of the stalls selling Saravita and Coconut. As we already know, coconut is very widely consumed in Colombo and make for the base of most Sri Lankan curries. The Saravita dessert is also prepared using freshly shredded coconut that is delicately wrapped in betel leaves and then sweetened by adding some artificial sweeteners. If you’re not used to the hustle and bustle of a busy street, eating at the street food stalls in Galle Face might be a little overwhelming for you but is an experience (and food) you cannot miss!
Where: Nanas, Galle Face Dr, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka.
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3. Kala Pola Art Market
Why stop at just handicrafts and local goods when you can also take home a large chunk of Sri Lankan heritage trapped in its colorful art and craft? The Kala Pola Art Market happens to be a brilliant roadside collection of decorative paintings as well as photographs by talented artists and photographers. You’ll find the central themes in the paintings will mostly be Sri Lankan ideography, landscapes, and lots of elephants. This place won’t be difficult to locate. It’s a rather small art market located on the sidewalk across Colombo’s Viharamadehi Park right next to the back entrance of the Colombo National Museum. It’s definitely worth a visit once you’re done with your sightseeing tour of the city. You’ll be surprised to find that most art pieces here are priced at reasonable rates.
Where: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Shopping is an integral part of any tour that allows you take a part of that country or city’s rich culture and heritage back home with you to remind you of the memories you made there. These fabulous markets in Colombo offer the same experience wrapped up in a plethora of beautiful handmade goods and crafty artifacts made available to travelers at reasonable prices. So, don’t forget to pay these a visit during your holiday in Sri Lanka with friends and family!
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