A CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST COUPLES

Shopping in Kandy

A guide to the 13 best shopping experiences

Steeped in tradition and rich heritage, the suburbs of Kandy are famous for their centuries-old crafting traditions such as brass and silver making, mat weaving and wood carving. Kandy offers authentic shops and shopping experiences that include traditional arts and crafts made right in the hill capital as well as from all across the island. Amidst its picturesque streets, visitors can discover an array of treasures, from natural ayurvedic products, and Ceylon Tea to exquisite artefacts like Raaksha masks and Buddha statues. Enjoy our curated list of the best 13 experiences for shopping in Kandy.

1. Ceylon Tea Museum

For tea aficionados and history enthusiasts alike, the Ceylon Tea Museum offers an immersive journey into the world of tea production. Delve into the machinery and processes behind tea cultivation, and peruse a rich collection of books, photographs, and artefacts detailing the industry's heritage. After the tour, indulge in a tea-tasting session at the museum's rooftop café, boasting panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Don't forget to browse the souvenir shops for unique tea blends to take home as mementos. The Ceylon Tea Museum is located approximately 3 km from Kandy.

Location: Ceylon Tea Museum, Hantana, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30 AM - 3:45 PM, Sunday: 08:30 AM - 3:00 PM* (*Closed on Mondays & Poya Days falling on weekdays)
Ticket Prices for Non-Residents: Adults - LKR 800 | Children - LKR 400.

2. Main Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kandy's Main Market, a treasure trove of locally crafted goods and culinary delights. Explore stalls brimming with handicrafts, spices, fresh produce, and more, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. Amidst your shopping spree, take a culinary detour to savour traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Location: Central Market, 196 Market Street, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

3. Jayamali Batiks Studio

Started in 1979 as a small family business, the studio is Mr Upali Jayakody's brainchild. His talent for creating unique Batik print wall hangings earned him recognition by locals and tourists. Made of high-quality materials, one can find home decorations - including bedspreads and cushion covers for ladies' and gents' clothes. Customers can also order customised products. It's a great place to buy something for yourself or a loved one.

Location: No.194, Central Market, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

4. Earthbound Creations

The mission was to reduce the harmful impact by creating recycled products along with uplifting female workers and providing employment opportunities. Earthbound Creations uses the Sri Lankan influence in each product giving back to the community. Eco-friendly products such as newspaper crafts, paper bags, varied types of containers, paper pencils, stylish bags, greeting cards, and other stationery are available in-store, making it the perfect reason to buy gifts or souvenirs.

Location: 28, Yatinuwara Street, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM.

5. LUV SL (ODEL)

LUV SL (ODEL) is known as one of the best places for souvenir shopping. It has an array of products ranging from clothes, accessories, stationery, crockery, souvenirs, and toys. The brand is influenced by all things Sri Lankan.

Location: 6 Queen's Hotel, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

6. Selyn Fair Trade

If you're looking to take home some timeless Sri Lankan artisanal wares, then there's no need to look any further because Selyn is the answer. Sarees, sarongs, kurtas, bed linen, tableware, kids’ and adults' fashion accessories and oh so much more in kaleidoscopic hues await you at Selyn.

All products are handwoven and are made of 100% cotton and silk fabrics. As the name suggests, the Fair Trade Company promotes fair practices. Purchasing products from Selyn means that local artisans receive due recognition along with the remuneration they deserve.

Location: No 71/1, Temple Street, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 09:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

7. Hemachandras – Jewellers since 1942

Hemachandras Limited is the right place to shop if you're looking for ornate designs. With generations of experience under their belt, they provide high-graded jewellery and high-quality service to their customers along with fair product pricing. Through a careful selection process, the finest and most authentic gems are sourced and thereafter transformed into stunning jewellery pieces for you. When visiting the showroom, you will be able to view an interesting short video on Sri Lankan gemstone mining.

Location: No. 939 Peradeniya Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 08:30 AM - 5:30 PM

8. Waruna Antiques

This place is a one-stop-shop paradise for those who like traditional and handmade items. From textiles, masks, wood carvings, statues, and crystals to furniture and other miscellaneous decorative items, everything is available here.

Location: 761, Peradeniya Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday 08:30 AM – 6:00 PM

9. Laksala

Established in 1982, Laksala is the only gift and souvenir shop owned by the State. Ensuring that its products are carefully crafted and made of authentic raw materials, Laksala carefully selects its manufacturers to guarantee that the end products are of the utmost quality. The product variety ranges from spa items, leather, and ceramics to an eclectic selection of traditional souvenirs. For those concerned about the shop being closed at any point, there's good news because Laksala is open all year round (365 days!). And in case you can't make it to their store, there's always the option of visiting their online store. The international shopping feature further allows you to purchase and have the products shipped to any part of the world - isn’t that just brilliant customer service?

Location: No. 05, Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Open from Monday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

10. Rangala House Gallery

One can find original Sri Lankan paintings and other artwork by local and upcoming artists displayed here. For the art connoisseurs or even those who enjoy browsing, the paintings can be bought for a home gallery or even as a very special gift. Their service includes product packaging, to ensure that the items can be easily transported.

Location: 2nd Floor, 7 1/1, Temple Street, Kandy
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 09:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 09:30 AM – 5:00 PM

11. Marks Bookshop

Providing an assortment of books across categories such as art, history and other local literature, this bookshop is the perfect place to learn about Sri Lanka. Buy a book (or 3), and you'll find yourself with the ideal travelling companion.

Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

12. Kandy City Centre

Located in the centre of the city, Kandy City Centre is a modernised ten-story building with state-of-the-art facilities and over 50 stores to visit. Like any other shopping mall, it also has a supermarket, a food court, restaurants, and an entertainment area for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Location: Kandy City Centre, #5, Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

13. Kandy Buddhist Publications Store

If you're looking for a serene spiritual escape, look no further than the Buddhist Publication Society (BPS) Bookstore. Nestled within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex, near Kandy Lake, this non-profit organization is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Buddhist teachings.

Stepping into the BPS Bookstore is like entering a sanctuary of knowledge. With its spacious library boasting a vast collection of books on Buddhism, it offers a place to delve into the religion's rich history, practices, and philosophies. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner seeking deeper knowledge or simply curious about this ancient religion, the BPS Bookstore has something for everyone.

Location: 54 Sangharaja Mawatha, Kandy.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

COMPLETE BESPOKE TOURS

Speak to Our Concierge

Telephone

+94 76 757 8865

hello@honeymoonguidesrilanka.com

Address

2D,
Inner Bagatalle Road,
Colombo 03,
Sri Lanka.