Pettah Floating Market in Sri Lanka is an open-air marketplace where sellers bring local goods on boats on the Beira Lake. From bags to clothes, electronics to fruits, shoes to toys, there is so much to buy here at nominal prices! With food stalls nearby, you can spend your evening hours near the beautiful lake as you buy the best local sellers have to offer. It offers a peek into the Sri Lankan culture and shows the vibrant side of the island country. Bring your family or go solo because the experience will be so extraordinary, that you will wish to come again and again.
Quick Glance At Pettah Floating Market In Sri Lanka
The Pettah market is located in Pettah, in Bastian Mawatha, a part of Colombo, and has 92 stalls where various items are sold. It is an amazing place to buy local handicrafts and local produce at great prices. Some items you can buy here include souvenirs, electronics, bags, clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, jewellery, mobile-related accessories, camera equipment, etc. You can enter from the east and west entrances (the main entrance). You can shoot some excellent photos during and after sunset at around 5 pm as the place comes alive with tourists and vendors.
Timing: 9 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: Free
Must Read: Things To Do In Sri Lanka
History Of Pettah Floating Market In Sri Lanka
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A long time ago, Pettah was a place most people avoided. It was full of non-operational warehouses, illegal activity, dirty water, abandoned buildings, and shady people no one wanted to interact with. Eventually, the Colombo administration decided it was time to change Pettah once and for all. They started to redevelop the area and sought Urban Development Authority’s help to clean the area. The canal was cleaned and cleared so that boats could be perched there. Cement paths made it easy for people to shop and explore the area. Wood walkways gave the place an old-world charm. Now, there are over 90 stalls that decorate the area and create a picture-perfect scene that photographers love to capture. The market is always busy with tourists and locals bringing life to a once rather deserted place.
How To Reach Pettah Floating Market In Sri Lanka
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The location of Pettah Floating Market is W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Here is how you can reach.
- Bus: The nearest bus station is Pettah Bus Station and the market is opposite. Otherwise, you can board a bus to Bastian Mawatha bus station. Then just walk to the market area.
- Train: The nearest railway station is Fort Railway Station. You can hire a tuk-tuk to get to Pettah Floating Market.
- Taxi or tuk-tuk: You can hire any of these modes of transportation for a quick trip to the famous Pettah Floating Market.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka With Family
Places To Visit Near Pettah Floating Market In Sri Lanka
Here are some places you can visit near the floating market.
1. Jami Ul Alfar Mosque
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Also known as the Red Masjid, it is a popular mosque built in 1909, making it among the oldest temples in Sri Lanka. Over 12,000 worshippers can visit the mosque at a time to offer prayers. Due to its stunning design, it is considered an architectural marvel.
Location: Second Cross Street in Pettah, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Sightseeing
2. Colombo Lotus Tower
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South Asia’s tallest structure that is supported by itself! Standing tall at 350 metres, the tower has many interesting aspects. It has a museum, observation decks, halls for dining, and luxurious rooms.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Sightseeing, photography
Suggested Read: Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka
3. Gangaramaya Temple
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An iconic Buddhist temple dear to Sri Lanka, it features statues, stories, antiques, and more that will interest a curious explorer. The best time to visit the temple is in February, when many significant festivals and events occur.
Location: Jinarathana Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Offer a prayer, visit the temple ground
4. Galle Face Green
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Are you a nature enthusiast? Then, you must visit this place full of trees and plants of many varieties. Spanning an area of 5 hectares, this family-favourite spot also features a beach with white gold sand and pristine waters.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Take a walk on the beach
Suggested Read: Ravana’s Cave In Sri Lanka
Tips For Visiting Pettah Floating Market In Sri Lanka
Remember these tips to maximise your trip to the popular Pettah Floating Market in Sri Lanka.
- The best time to visit the market is in the morning, right after the stalls are set up. Bargaining is easier then, and it is not as hot as in the late morning (towards the afternoon).
- Negotiation is the norm here because they will quote inflated prices. Be ready to bargain to the best of your ability for a fantastic deal. But try not to overdo it.
- Try to leave unnecessary items at home and only bring essentials with you so you can walk freely and enjoy your open-air market shopping experience.
- Pickpocketing is an issue here, so be aware of the people around you and keep your valuables safe. If the hotel has a safety deposit box, you can leave them there.
- If you want to avoid other tourists and crowds, come in the morning before they begin to arrive. Tourists are generally there by 10.
- Take a quick tour of the vendors and then return for items you want to take back home such as souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Most vendors take cash. Make sure you have enough cash to easily pay and buy what you want.
Further Read: Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Pettah Market Sri Lanka offers such an incredibly immersive experience that you must add it to your trip to Sri Lanka itinerary. You can get a slice of the culture, the friendly locals, the competitive vendors, the delectable cuisine, the breathtaking views, and so much more at the bazaar. Are you prepared for a thrilling shopping experience by the lake?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pettah Floating Market In Sri Lanka
What does Pettah mean?
The word ‘Pettah’ is derived from ‘Pettai’, a Tamil word that means a town outside a fort.
Can I visit the market during the weekend?
The market is open 7 days a week so you can always go there. However, weekends tend to have the most rush compared to other days of the week.
What is Pettah famous for?
It is mostly known for the open-air market.
What are popular foods in Sri Lanka?
Kottu, dhal curry, hoppers, wambatu moju, string hoppers, polos, ulundhu vadai, watalappan, and thambili.
Is Sri Lanka cheap?
Yes, it is generally cheaper than other tourist destinations but it is more expensive than India.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
