Shopping in Sri Lanka
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A
Lakpahana
As with Laksala and Lanka Hands, this Cinnamon Gardens showroom carries traditionally crafted items, including lacework, jewellery, batik and masks, as well as tea.
reviewed
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Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre
The Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre has a good selection of local lacquerwork, brassware and other craft items in a colonial-era showroom covered in a patina of age (see above). There are some craftspeople working on the spot.
reviewed
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C
Odel Unlimited
Head here to shop with the glamorous. You’ll find everything from homewares, designer-label clothing and sportswear to banana soap.
reviewed
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D
Vijitha Yapa Bookshop
Stocks a comprehensive collection of foreign and local novels, magazines and pictorial tomes on Sri Lanka. The branch in Crescat Boulevard shopping centre in Kollupitiya, Col 3 is smaller.
reviewed
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E
House of Fashion
This three-storey surplus outlet for the nation’s garment industry is the place to go for serious clothes shopping. Many items are hugely discounted.
reviewed
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Thowfeek
Exceptionally cheap prices on name-brand clothes. The store is above a vendor selling cheap kitchenware.
reviewed
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Ibrahim Jewelry
A recommended jeweller that is several cuts above (ahem) the omnipresent gemstone vendors.
reviewed
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Upali Jayakody
Kandy has a number of batik manufacturers. Check out the original designs at this shop.
reviewed
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F
Vijitha Yapa
Has periodicals, newspapers (including foreign titles), maps, fiction and non-fiction.
reviewed
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Suthuvili Gallery
This small shop has simple displays of elaborate and beautiful polychromatic masks.
reviewed
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Cargills Food City
This supermarket also has a pharmacy.
reviewed
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Shoba Display Gallery
Beautiful lacework made right here in the shop – many of the finished products are used in the costumes of big-budget period dramas. The shop is the base for innovative charity Power of Hands Foundation (www.powerofhandsfoundation.com), which teaches local women dying crafts and ensures them a fair price for their work. Even if you’re not buying, pop in to witness the process of making lace – amazing! If you’re interested in a more hands-on approach, then (with advance notice) they’ll teach you how to weave your own lacy wonder.
reviewed
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Amaya Hills Ayurvedic Treatment Centre
You could also splurge at the Ayurvedic treatment centre at Amaya Hills. The body oil massage and steam bath takes 1½ hours - the steam bath is very hot. The 40-minute facial treatment includes an oil massage, sandalwood/turmeric mask and steam. Although Amaya Hills is a bit far from town you can relax around the pool after the treatment with a drink, and make an afternoon (or morning) of it.
reviewed
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H
Barefoot
Designer Barbara Sansoni’s beautifully laid-out shop, located in an old villa, is justly popular for its bright hand-loomed textiles, which are fashioned into bedspreads, cushions, serviettes and other household items (or sold by the metre). You’ll also find textile-covered notebooks, lampshades and albums, and a large selection of stylish, simple clothing.
reviewed
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I
Buddhist Publication Society
The Buddhist Publication Society, on the lakeside 400m northeast of the Temple of the Tooth, is a non-profit charity that distributes the Buddha’s teachings. Local scholars and monks occasionally give lectures, and there is a comprehensive library. See online for free information downloads. It’s a good place to ask about meditation courses.
reviewed
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5th Cross St
Immediately inland from Fort, the bustling bazaar of Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most ethnically mixed places in the country. You name it, and a boutique (street stall) will be selling it in Pettah. Each thoroughfare has its own speciality; 5th Cross St (and Gabo's Lane) specialise in Ayurvedic medicines.
reviewed
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Gabo's Lane
Immediately inland from Fort, the bustling bazaar of Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most ethnically mixed places in the country. You name it, and a boutique (street stall) will be selling it in Pettah. Each thoroughfare has its own speciality; Gabo's Lane (and 5th Cross St) specialise in Ayurvedic medicines.
reviewed
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2nd Cross St
Immediately inland from Fort, the bustling bazaar of Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most ethnically mixed places in the country. You name it, and a boutique (street stall) will be selling it in Pettah. Each thoroughfare has its own speciality; 2nd Cross St specialises in jewellery stores.
reviewed
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South Ceylon Industrial Agency & Handicraft Factories
This place employs traditional craftspeople from villages that specialise in the various handicrafts. You can watch jewellery, leatherwork, batik, lace and machine embroidery being created. And yes, gemstones are polished. Prices are negotiable. A three-wheeler from the station costs about Rs100.
reviewed
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J
Raux Brothers
This 48-year-old antiques showroom, located in a large, beautiful colonial house, stocks an impressive range of furniture and artworks crafted from wood. There are genuine antiques and handcrafted new pieces. This is possibly the best antiques house in the city.
reviewed
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K
Paradise Road
In addition to a variety of colonial and Sri Lankan antiques, you’ll find a good selection of original homewares here. Paradise Road’s Gallery Cafe carries a similar array of collectables. Both are excellent places to look for small gifts to take home.
reviewed
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Kandyan Antiques
Some of the antiques here are genuine, while others are skilful copies; the staff can tell you which is which if the price tags don't make it obvious. There's also a good selection of Buddhist and Hindu religious art.
reviewed
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M
Elephant Walk
Similar in scope to Paradise Road also in Cinnamon Gardens, this well-decorated shop housed in a Bawa-designed bungalow carries hand-crafted houseware, furniture, lamps and stationery, and gourmet food items.
reviewed
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Dudley Silva
Dudley Silva is a good place for batik – and the 140-year-old house is an attraction in itself. There’s a signpost a little past MH Mettananda’s shop as you head south towards the centre of town.
reviewed
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N
Beema
Self-caterers can head to the 2nd floor of the big market building near Liberty Plaza. It's an indoor place with fruit, vegetables and a good range of imported foods at very competitive prices.
reviewed