Top 07 Shopping Destinations in Colombo – Cosmopolitan City

ODEL stores are located at central points of Colombo and the suburbs as well as outstation. The flagship store, ODEL Unlimited is found in Colombo 2. It is an extremely popular department store that stocks up on high-end brands as well as the house label. At ODEL you can purchase the latest in designer signature perfumes for men and women as well as branded cosmetics. Clothing and accessories by reputed international labels are available together with top quality ODEL designer goods. The homemaker section has a range of products and decorative objects for the modern and trendy home while a food court, gourmet ice cream parlour, French Deli, dessert bar and spa goods add to your overall shopping experience.

Located in Colombo 8, House of Fashions is a department store that caters to all manner of shoppers. If its budget-friendly designer clothing, imported shoes, accessories, kids wear, electronic, homeware and swimwear you seek head over to this very popular shopping mall.

One of the city's premier malls Majestic City is where you go shopping, eat, watch a movie and simply chill. The place is home to a bevy of stores selling everything from electronics to watches to shoes and DVD's to the latest in tech gadgets and toys. There is even a supermarket and multi-screen cinema screening the latest blockbuster movies. The food court is often crowded as it is a favoured spot for dining on a variety of cuisine from Sri Lankan rice and curry to Thai specialties. Majestic City sits along the Galle Road in Bambalapitiya with the ocean at its back. If you follow this stretch of road back to Mt Lavinia a suburb just half an hour away, you stumble upon Colombo's best beach for entertainment and play

A shop owned by designer Barbara Sansoni the Barefoot Gallery is located in an old villa on the Colombo 3 section of the Galle Road. The store is easily reached from a hotel in Mount Lavinia just in case you decide to find accommodation close to the beach. Colourful hand woven cotton are available by the yard while comfortable and vibrant garments for men and women are perfect for emulating island lifestyles. Also, handcrafted toys in various hues, made from woven fabrics and local material available there make beautiful gifts.

Go to Laksala for arts and crafts from across the country. Beautiful leather creations, pottery, wooden items, silver, and brassware, as well as reed and cane products, are well stocked at this handicraft centre. You can buy quality batik products and even some popular local sweets at any Laksala outlet in Colombo. All goods are sourced from artisans located across the island. In Sri Lanka, Ayurveda and handicrafts are skills handed down from generation to generation and you can enjoy both in Colombo. The perfect elixir to a tiring day of shopping in busy Colombo is a stint at an Ayurveda spa. Colombo has plenty of these to choose from; close by is Siddhalepa ANARVA Mount Lavinia.

Famous Japanese Noritake products are manufactured in Sri Lanka as such you can purchase some of the best creations from this elegant designer crockery line. Visit the showroom for a range of designs and products which you will find simply irresistible.

Eco-friendly 'made in Sri Lanka' products are available at this charming little shop. Paper and other products made from elephant dung – minus the smell – are sold here and make unique gifts. You can also purchase batiks and beautiful local artworks at this store located on Stratford Avenue in Colombo 6.