Shopping in Sri Lanka is all about buying souvenirs and, of course, the famous Ceylon tea. These purchases are best made in the island's stores and shops. Stores are usually open from 10:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and from 9:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many stores in the resort areas are open much longer, often on weekends. In the provinces, most stores do not have a permanent schedule, and their hours often depend on the owner's preferences.
A shopping tour in Sri Lanka makes sense for the following products:
- Tea: Ceylon tea is famous all over the world, and the best-quality tea is available in its homeland.
- Spices: In Sri Lanka, spices are grown in separate gardens, and there is a wide variety of them. Bring back cinnamon, curry, mustard, ginger, vanilla, turmeric, pepper, and nutmeg from Sri Lanka; they are definitely worth it.
- Columbia clothing: Columbia clothing is available here, and it's often much cheaper than in Europe.
- Paper made from the droppings of wild elephants: Locals use these brownish parchment sheets to create unique postcards with elephant drawings, which they sell to tourists. The proceeds support the elephant nursery.
- Precious and semi-precious stones: Stones are quite affordable in Sri Lanka, especially if you're skilled at bargaining. However, be cautious when buying jewelry with these stones, as they can be more expensive.
Sale seasons are not common in Sri Lanka, and discounts may not be readily available. It's often better to negotiate with the seller for the item you like; that way, you have a chance to save money.
