Joanna James
Regarded as one of Asia's best shopping destinations, Sri Lanka is home to its fair share of larger than life malls. From the cosmopolitan capital's best shopping complexes to the biggest mall in the hill station, here are 4 of the country's top malls.
Occupying pride of place in the island's hill capital, Kandy, the KCC or Kandy City Centre is arguably the best shopping complex outside of Colombo. Contained in a mammoth structure that's modern but also pays homage to the temple city's architectural heritage, the venue is home to over sixty shops retailing everything from clothing, footwear and accessories to electronics. Some of the biggest local brand names to claim signature outlets inside the KCC include Hameedia, Embark, Cotton Collection and Aditi while globally renowned brands the likes of Nike, Giordano and Levis have also set up shop here. Known to be one of the best places in Kandy to buy precious jewellery, the Colombo Jewellery Stores and Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers also have showrooms in the sprawling confines of this mega mall. Best known for its food court as well as its array of home decor and consumer products stores, the KCC also offers captivating views of the Kandy Lake from its convenient location.
Reputed to be the biggest department store in the entire island, the recently opened One Galle Face Mall is a one of a kind retail space in Sri Lanka. Ideally situated close to the Galle Face Green, the venue which is housed in what was once the headquarters of the Sri Lankan army is spread out over seven storeys and also includes a state-of-the-art Cineplex run by PVR Cinemas. The 250 retail outlets inside the mall occupy a majority of the 480,000 square feet of the mallscape which also includes more than forty restaurants. Ten rooftop eateries are also part of the venue which also houses one Michelin Starred restaurant outlet from Singapore. Those based at John Keells Properties and other high-end hotels in the area will be within close range of this mall.
Situated in Colombo 7, The Arcade Independence Square looks nothing like any of the other shopping complexes in the island. Housed in a structure that resembles a colonial building, the locale is a premier dining and retail hotspot in the nation's capital. Signature outlets of Nike, Kookaburra, Levis, Stone 'N' String. Giordano, TITAN and Samsung are found here alongside a Parfumerie store and an Amante retail hub. A Cineplex with 3D movie screenings is also part of the landscape of this massive compound where some of Colombo's fine dining restaurants have also set up franchises.
As one of the older shopping malls in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Crescat Boulevard remains the best shopping compound in the Colpetty area. With three floors of luxury shopping and entertainment outlets, the venue is the preferred haunt of many local residents when it comes to doing their seasonal shopping or spending time with friends and family. Home to a plethora of fashion stores and exclusive tea outlets, the mall is also well-known for its spa facilities and basement floor food court.
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.
