Top 05 Places to Go Shopping in Kandy – A City Rich in Traditions

Mark's Bookshop in Kandy is a haven for avid readers who would love a chance to catch up on local history, heritage and art. The cosy little bookshop is well stocked up with a wide range of literature from the past. Many chronicle the country's history, in terms of traditions, culture and folklore. There are piles and piles of books with some catchy titles you will love to explore. Located at Sri Dalada Veediya, right smack in the city, the bookshop is a short drive away from Hotel Topaz Kandy.

Proving that in Kandy, things to do for shopaholics can be a cultural experience as well, Waruna Antiques is a remarkable little shop worth visiting. Most of the little treasures there, serve as a link to the country's history. Ideal for the shopaholic looking out for a unique souvenir to take back, this shop offers a diverse collection of antique jewellery, art, old coins and colourful traditional Sri Lankan masks to shop for; it's more than an antique store, instead this is a culturally rich little treasure trove, waiting to be explored. Located in Peradeniya, a locale easy to explore from your Kandy hotel, the owners of this shop have been known to leave customers alone, allowing them to enjoy a happy browse, while prices too are quite reasonable.

Concerned about the environment, and minimising waste? Then head over to Earthbound Creations and shop for goods made from recycled or eco-friendly material. A range of goods from stationary to envelopes, bags etc. made from recycled materials are available if you are on the hunt for that perfect gift or souvenir to take back.

Batiks are beautiful fabric creations; the art has been mastered and skillfully practised for hundreds of years in Sri Lanka. A colourful range of designs are on offer, and in Kandy, you can head over to the Jayamali Batik Studio for some very high quality and contemporary designs appealing to the modern consumer. The shop stocks up on an exclusive range of batik clothing and wall-hangings; just too tempting to resist, and you are going to want to indulge the shopaholic in you and take back an entirely new wardrobe. Make sure to stick to the reputed batik sellers, to ensure you receive a quality product, as opposed to the colour running out of your new sarong.

Selyn, in an artisan shop which brings together a range of textile products created by the skilled artists of Sri Lanka. The gorgeous handlooms are woven in a myriad of colours, bright and cheerful, using techniques which have been carefully passed down over the generations. At this shop, you will be stuck for choice, as the handloom fabrics are turned into beautiful sarees, sarongs, kurta tops, bed linen, cushion covers, tablecloths and a range of traditional Sri Lankan gift items.