Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING
Sri Lanka has a wide variety of attractive handicrafts on sale. Markets in major towns are
good places to start. Top-quality vanilla beans, for example, are sold very cheaply.
Colombo offers a great and growing range of places to shop. Elsewhere, interesting
shops and boutiques can be found in tourist areas, especially Galle. Laksala, a
government-run store found in most cities and tourist towns, has items of reasonable
quality.
BARGAINING
Unless you are shopping at a fixed-price shop, you must bargain. Before you hit the open
markets, peruse the prices in a fixed-price shop for an idea of what to pay. Generally, if
someone quotes you a price, halve it. The seller will come down about halfway to your
price, and the last price will be a little higher than half the original price. Try and keep a
sense of perspective. Chances are you're arguing over less than US$1. See First Time Sri
Lanka ( Click here ) for information on bargaining.
BATIK
Originally introduced by the Dutch in colonial times, the Indonesian art of batik is very
popular in Sri Lanka. Some of the best and most original batik is made in the west-coast
towns of Marawila, Mahawewa and Ambalangoda, and there are also several worthwhile
outlets in Kandy.
GEMS
You'll find showrooms and private dealers all across Sri Lanka. In Ratnapura, the centre of
the gem trade, it seems that everybody is a part-time gem dealer. Your challenge is the
same here as elsewhere in the world: make sure what you're being offered is not worth-
less glass. The best way to avoid the myriad gem scams is to avoid buying any.
MASKS
Sri Lankan masks are a popular collector's item. They're carved at a number of places,
principally along the southwest coast. Look for shops from Galle and to the East.
SPICES
Spices are integral to Sri Lanka's cuisine and Ayurvedic traditions. A visit to a spice
garden is an excellent way to discover the alternative uses of familiar spices.
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