Joanna James
As one of Sri Lanka's most popular hill country tourist hubs, Kandy is a heritage city that's also lined with malls and shopping compounds. From local markets to handicraft hotspots, here are some of the top retail spaces in the hill capital.
The Main Market in Kandy is found on Market Street and is housed in a colonial structure that's easy to identify among the other buildings in the Central Market. Known as the best place to pick up tasteful souvenirs, this shopper's paradise is ideal for those in search of handicrafts and other products to take back home as keepsakes or as gifts. The prices are reasonable, and one can also pick up exquisite textiles as well as artwork by local painters.
Those based at Hotel Topaz or any similar Kandy City hotels will drive past the Jayamali Batik Studios at least once as it occupies a central location in the hill capital. Renowned as the finest Batik vendor in Kandy, travellers with a passion for Batik dyed clothing, homeware and decorative items will find an impressive selection of products at this venue.
Tourists who are in search of souvenirs and gift items that are quirkier and more concentrated around consumer goods will find no better venue than Luv SL by Odel. This large shopping complex offers tourists their pick of Sri Lankan themed t-shirts, mugs, key chains and other products including stationary made using eco-friendly materials. Located on Sri Dalada Veediya, the colourful and vibrant atmosphere of this retail hub alone is well worth the visit.
No shopping spree in Kandy would be complete without stocking up on some Ceylon Tea from the Ceylon Tea Museum. Ranked among the best places to purchase traditional teas produced in Sri Lanka, those who visit the locale can also enjoy an informative tour of the premises and understand the island's rich history of cultivating tea. Visitors can also buy fresh tea leaves right from the local tea plantations if they time their trip accordingly.
As the most popular mall in the entire central province, the Kandy City Centre is an iconic retail hub for the masses. Housing hundreds of stores within its plush confines, locals and tourists alike head to this fashionable shopping complex as much for its entertainment and dining options as to shop in its exclusive boutiques. Located on Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Mawatha, the KCC, as it is affectionately known, is a landmark you will not want to miss during a trip to Kandy.
Kandy is often regarded as one of the best cities to purchase authentic Sri Lankan handlooms and Selyn is a brand that's been associated with this product range for decades. Whether you wish to purchase a handloom sarong or sari or simply a top or a shawl, the bright and attractive colour schemes used in Selyn designs will make an impression. Tourists will find that apart from 100% cotton clothing, the store also specialises in silk wear.
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.
