Joanna James
Colombo is a unique place to carry out some shopping since there are a range of locales to choose from, with each of them offering a unique range of shops and shopping experiences.
This is one of the oldest shopping malls to appear in the nation, and is still one of the country's most popular. This multi-storey complex has a range of stores, offering all kinds of items ranging from DVDs to electronics to traditional souvenirs. This a great place to do some souvenir shopping simply due to the range of shops available, and the prices are also quite reasonable. There's even a small nightclub in the ground floor that opens after dark. Liberty Plaza is also centrally located in Colombo 3; close to many a Colombo city hotel such as the Mandarina Colombo.
This is probably the ultimate place to peruse some authentic Sri Lankan hand-made items. It is a state corporation run by the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion whose purpose is to protect and develop the cultural crafts of the island. Within Laksala you will find everything from leather products to teas and spices to even jewellery and gem stones. It is a comprehensive one-stop destination to experience the entire spectrum of traditional and cultural arts and crafts. The best part is Laksala accepts credit cards, which makes buying these traditional items much easier as opposed to doing so directly from the source.
Another one of the island's most popular shopping outlets, this one is a bit more high-end, and is situated in a beautiful vintage mansion that has been converted into a massive emporium. The elegant and stylish interior of this shopping complex features a comprehensive range of choices when it comes to fashion, encompassing clothes, accessories and even cosmetics. You will also find a great range of eateries offering everything from gourmet burgers to Lankan delights to gelato ice cream. Additionally, there's a range of unique items such as kitchen accessories and luxury watches from brands such as Tag Heuer.
This is the go-to place for an unforgettable shopping experience in Sri Lanka, and features everything from vegetables to the latest electronics. It's best however to take a local with you since the sellers can cite any price they wish, so you might either get ripped off or receive the best deals. Haggling is essential so it's best to be either familiar with the concept or go with someone who is.
If you ask anyone a place to do some shopping in Colombo, chances are they will recommend Majestic City. It is a true haven for shopaholics, with a vast range of shops divided across three floors, selling everything from clothes to electronics to body-building supplements. The food court is also one of the most popular in the country, where you can have cuisines ranging from Italian to Malaysian. The top-most floor contains a cinema and is one of the more advanced ones in the country, with multiple halls catering to various audiences.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
