Joanna James
Located on the western coast of the country, Colombo is a modern metropolis in the making and it is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is also one of the most famous tourist hotspots in the country and shopping ranks at the top among the best things to do here. Read on to know more about 7 shopping spots in Colombo.
Odel is one of the most popular shopping chains in the country and one of the biggest sellers of world-renowned fashion products in Sri Lanka. There is something for everyone here; even if you are a tourist travelling on a budget, do make sure you visit here during your vacation. You might as well find something very interesting to buy.
If you are a tea connoisseur – a person who loves his/her tea; then this is definitely a must-visit place in Colombo. Here you can find a number of differently blended and exquisite tea flavours like rose, jasmine, mango, mint etc. The centre not only sells tea but also souvenirs, and other things tea related. Located in the Majestic City which is also a shopping destination by itself, Mlesna Tea Centre should not be missed during your stay at Colombo.
If you are looking a place to buy authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs, textiles and handicrafts, this is the place you want to be. At Barefoot, you get to buy unique and meticulously crafted products that are well worth what you are spending for. It is also a popular brand in the country that has a chain of boutiques all over the island. All the boutiques boast a tranquil and relaxed ambience where you could shop to your heart’s content. The popular one in Colombo is located next to the Galle Road where you also find destinations the likes of Mandarina Colombo which is a luxury hotel in Colombo.
A utopia for the artsy ones! The Rangala House and Art Gallery will greet you with a wonderful display of vibrant colours. The gallery is home to an exclusive collection of paintings that are creations of some of the most skilled artists of the country. If you like something you see here, you could buy them and if you are worried that you have to carry it all the way home fret not! They ship internationally.
If you are fascinated by Sri Lankan culture and wish to take something home with you in memory of this vibrant nation, this is another place that has a lot of souvenirs. What is more awesome here is, everything here is quite inexpensive compared to other places. You can buy a lot of traditional crafts such as the Vesmuhunu (The Demon mask), brass work, ornaments and souvenirs made of porcelain and ceramic and much more at Lakpahana
This is an ultra modern shopping complex located in the heart of Colombo. The Mall is home to stores of some of the world’s top-selling brands, namely Nike, Addidas, Armani Exchange, fossil and more. There is also a food court here with stunning views of an emerging metropolis and of course delicious food! The Colombo City Centre is certainly one of the best places to shop till you drop.
Preserving the architectural legacy of the colonial Colombo, The Arcade independence square houses a host of boutiques, cafes and centres for entertainment. There are also a slew of outdoor sitting areas, water fountains, gardens surrounding the premises. The 24 retail stores located here also includes stores that represent some of the world’s renowned fashion and electronic brands. There is also a movie theatre inside.
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.
