Other crafts
Galle is famous for its lacemaking and you can marvel at the intricate and painstaking work involved in the hand production of lace. Metal work is huge in the Kandy area and tends to be intricate and fussy but beautiful, with articles such as candlesticks and dishes popularly produced. Sri Lanka is also famous for its leatherwork and you can find a great selection of bags and shoes among other leatherwares.
Gems
There are huge numbers of precious stones in Sri Lanka as the country is one of the world’s biggest gem producers. Sapphire, ruby, garnet, topaz and moonstones are just a few of the beautiful precious gems you can find here, so this really is a great place to buy gems and jewellery. You will find jewellers just about everywhere, but Negombo, Galle and Colombo are particularly good for jewellery and gem shopping.
Markets
A market really lets you get a feel for a country and its people, and there is nothing quite like wandering through a market to find great local trinkets and treats. There are many markets in Sri Lanka specialising in crafts, food, spices, and clothing, but for a really great taste of the island try The Good Market in Battaramulla; it is a real foodies dream. This farmer’s style market has herbs, vegetables, chutneys and teas, as well as crafts and paintings. Open Thursdays from noon until 8pm.
Tea
The variety of tea on offer in Sri Lanka is amazing. Not only that, but the quality is second to none. If you are a tea fan then pick some up in a vast array of flavours. Surprisingly the best way to buy tea is from the supermarket, you can even find unblended single-estate teas here. There are also a few specialist tea shops including the Mlesna tea shop chain, which can be found in a few different towns including Colombo and Kandy.
Haggling
Remember to haggle. Haggling is the norm with street and market sellers, and you can pick up some good bargains this way. You are most likely to find bags and trinkets here, but make sure to barter well, it is expected. You can also barter in the smaller shops, but go a little easier here and you will probably get a small discount. With the larger and smarter boutiques it is possible to get small discounts if you ask for a ‘special price’ but this can often be a fruitless effort.
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