Sri Lanka is a country full of surprises such as the precious stones that are sold in many jewellery shops at much cheaper prices than in Europe thanks to the mines near Kandy and Galle; as well as the typical devil masks used in the rituals of the south; and, of course, Ceylon tea, the best in the world.
Shopping tips in Sri Lanka
The first thing that you should know is that in Sri Lanka you can haggle everywhere, including the jewellery shops in Galle and Colombo. Therefore, you must train yourself in the art of knowing how much to pay for what you want and then not get angry if someone else buys it cheaper.
In addition to Colombo, Galle and Kandy are the cities with the most commercial activity, and there is even a shopping centre where you can buy everything. The same goes for the Pettah market in the Sri Lankan capital, where you can find all kinds of handicrafts, teas and spices, among other products.
If you decide to buy jewellery, it is best to do so in official shops where they can give you a certificate and an invoice to avoid problems at customs when you leave, even if it is a little more expensive than that on the street.
Remember that it is difficult to pay by card at roadside stalls and small shops. You should carry cash in case you are interested in anything.
Typical Sri Lankan products
Tea
Ceylon tea, the best in the world, is produced in Sri Lanka since the coffee plantations were destroyed by a fungus more than one century ago. Most of the beautiful plantations are in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Dimbula.
If you go through this area, you will be in the best place to buy it, i.e. directly from the plantations that sell it during visits or at the Kandy market.
Remember that Ceylon tea is black and charcoal- roasted, which gives it its characteristic smell and taste.
Spices
Along with tea, spices are another product that all tourists end up taking home in their suitcases, due to their quality and because of their presence in shops, markets and daily food.
The most famous in Sri Lanka are cinnamon and pepper, but you can also find others that are very typical in Sri Lankan cuisine such as cardamom, cloves, some chillies, nutmeg and ginger.
The best spices are found in the Kandy area, very close to the tea plantations, making the Kandy market a festival of colours, smells and sensations.
Crafts
Handicrafts are the most common products at the roadside workshop stalls that can be found anywhere on the island and at specific markets. The most typical are the famous devil masks, which are carved in wood and used in some ancestral rituals in the villages of the south of the country.
Wood carvings, especially of elephants, Sri Lanka’s main animal, are also very famous and come in all colours and sizes. Also, watch out for the puppets which represent different characters and are one of the most typical gifts from the country as they are used for one of the oldest theatrical performances, the Rūkada Nātya.
Jewellery
The Ratnapura mines, where many of the precious stones are mined and then set into rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants, are responsible for almost every tourist visiting Sri Lanka looking for a piece of jewellery to take home as a souvenir.
You can find everything from aquamarines to topazes, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and tiger’s eyes. You can also buy them unmounted in a jewel, just the stone, and take them back home to be set but, in this case, it will not be as cheap.
The best places to buy them are jewellery shops in Colombo, Galle and Kandy, especially as they will provide a certificate and an invoice that can be claimed at customs.
Fabrics
One of the most beautiful things in Sri Lanka are the stalls that sell the saris that have been worn for thousands of years by women on the island. In this case, a blouse, a wrap and a dupatta are worn and they can be bought separately and in any colour and shade imaginable.
There are also many sarongs in different fabrics such as silk and cotton, and they are highly prized because they are made using the batik technique, i.e. a layer of wax is applied when a specific colour of dye is not wanted.
In Kandy’s market stalls, you can find some truly wonderful bedding and wall hangings. You should also look for beautiful fabrics at the Pettah market in Colombo. If you want haute couture, go to the shopping centres in those two cities.
Where to stay
One of the best places to stay is the Occidental Paradise Dambulla, in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, and very close to the country’s main tourist attractions such as the Dambulla Caves and Lion Rock in Sigiriya.
It is located in the middle of nature and you can dine among trees or take a dip in the swimming pool surrounded by greenery. Its bright and comfortable rooms are adapted to different types of guests, including families, to ensure rest and relaxation.
There are two restaurants, one serving local food and the other international, where a traditional oven bakes incredible pizzas, and two bars for sunset drinks by the pool.
Other highlights include the Ayu Balinese Spa where you can completely relax and the Fitness Centre equipped with the latest technology.
If you choose to stay near the sea, the best hotel is the Occidental Eden Beruwala, facing the Indian Ocean, on the west coast, in one of Sri Lanka’s best bathing areas.
Its 158 rooms are decorated with local cultural motifs, creating an ambience that is closely connected to the sea and the values of ancient Ceylon.
The hotel has several food areas, restaurants and bars to enjoy at all times.
Its Ayurvedic Spa is the ideal place to unwind, with an extensive range of massages, and it also has a hairdressing salon, beauty centre and gym.
