Top shopping destinations in Sri Lanka

Known as Sri Lanka's premier department store Odel occupies a converted colonial style mansion in Colombo. Ideally located down Alexandra Place the venue is a one-stop retail hub for serious fashionistas with an eye for global brands. Offering shoppers a wide variety of clothing and lifestyle items the top-pick fashion items on sale at the venue include its accessories, casual clothing, souvenirs and footwear. Winter wear and sportswear are also available at the locale which houses several food and beverage outlets including a gelato ice cream parlor.

Located near the Galle Face Green down Galle Road Colombo Crescat Boulevard is a premier mallscape in capital Colombo. With flagship stores of local and international brands occupying its confines this plush shopping complex also boasts a food court that is the toast of the town. As an all-encompassing mall the venue is littered with fashion stores, accessory hubs, jewellery and cosmetic outlets. Visitors staying in Cinnamon Red Colombo or similar centrally located business hotels Colombo has on offer will be within a short drive of this well-known shopping hub.

Often regarded as a bargain shopping mall for the masses House of Fashion is situated within the leafy confines of Colombo 8. As larger than life shopping complex that is renowned for affordability above all else the hot pick items for sale at this popular local mall is clothing and home ware items. Lifestyle products and gift items are also available here along with a vast choice of men's, women's and chiildren's fashion items, accessories and handbags.

The popular stomping ground of budget shoppers in Sri Lanka the Pettah Market offers every variety of consumer goods available at wholesale rates. Occupying a maze like location in Pettah the bargain friendly retail atmosphere of this bustling thoroughfare is anything but ordinary. As the most frequented street market in Colombo 11 this always crowded local market is perfect for bargain hunters and treasure seekers alike.

Often regarded as a favorite haunt for Colombo's youth Majestic City is a mega shopping complex boasting all the trappings of a premier retail space. Home to its own Cineplex the venue brings together a vast number of outlet stores for local and international brands under one roof. Spread out across five floors top buys at MC as it is locally known is of course fashionable clothing, footwear, jewellery, DVD's and lifestyle products. The venue's food court is also a popular local fixture that is especially crowded on weekends.

Known as the gold and gem hub of Sri Lanka the hamlet of Ratnapura is the gem-mining epicenter of the island. Home to some of the most reputed gem flagships in the island the city is a glittering dream come true for gem collectors and jewellery enthusiasts.

Revered among seasoned visitors to the island as the place to purchase the finest souvenirs and keepsakes for loved ones back home Laksala is a government run handicraft and souvenir hub like no other. Offering shoppers a wide variety of wooden, bronze, brass, cloth and jewellery items with a local flair the venue showcases the talents of many traditional craft schools in the island due to its association with the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion.