Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy isn’t just known for its scenic beauty with sprawling tea plantations and stunning Buddhist shrines, but it also stands as a paradise for shopaholics and travel enthusiasts alike. The city offers a wide range of unique products that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage and artistry. Whether you’re a collector of local handicrafts, a lover of traditional textiles, or someone who simply wants to take home a piece of Sri Lanka’s charm, Kandy has something to captivate every kind of shopper.
From vibrant boutiques brimming with stylish clothing to small souvenir shops filled with cultural artifacts, the city boasts a shopping experience that’s unlike any other. The local markets are alive with color, filled with items that showcase Sri Lanka’s famous craftsmanship, including handwoven textiles, intricately designed batiks, and fine jewelry. The renowned Ceylon tea, world-famous for its rich flavor, is also a must-buy, offering travelers a taste of Sri Lanka’s rich tea-growing history.
What makes shopping in Kandy truly special is the opportunity to pick up items that have a deep connection with Sri Lanka’s history and traditions. These aren’t just any souvenirs—they’re treasures that tell a story of the island’s heritage, culture, and artistry. Whether you’re browsing the historic streets, visiting artisanal galleries, or exploring the bustling markets, Kandy offers a shopping adventure that will leave you with not only unique gifts but lasting memories. And, with so many incredible places to shop, you’ll have plenty of options to fill your bags and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. With our comprehensive Kandy shopping guide, you’ll easily navigate through the city’s best shopping spots and discover the perfect items to bring home!
The Main Market in Kandy is the go-to destination for authentic Sri Lankan handicrafts and local items. Located in a charming colonial-style building, this market offers a variety of goods, including handwoven textiles, wooden carvings, and traditional Sri Lankan paintings. The vibrant atmosphere makes it an ideal place to experience the daily hustle and bustle of the city. The Main Market is perfect for tourists looking for local items and handcrafted goods at affordable prices.
Specialty: Handicrafts like textiles, wooden crafts, jewelry, and paintings.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the freshest goods and less crowded streets.
Location: Central Market, 196 Market St, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Luv SL By Odel is a trendy and sophisticated shopping mall in Kandy where you can find everything from high-quality fashion to authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs. This store boasts an extensive collection of local souvenirs, home décor, fashion accessories, and clothing from international brands. Its colorful ambiance and modern design create a vibrant shopping atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to grab both trendy fashion and stylish gifts for loved ones.
Specialty: High-quality Sri Lankan souvenirs, fashion accessories, and local handcrafted goods.
Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for a quieter shopping experience.
Location: Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
For tea lovers, the Ceylon Tea Museum is a must-visit! This historic spot is not only a museum showcasing the rich history of Sri Lanka’s tea industry but also an excellent place to buy fresh, authentic Ceylon tea directly from the plantations. The museum offers visitors a chance to taste various types of Sri Lankan tea and learn about the tea-making process. The perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir, the teas available here are of the highest quality and make a perfect gift for friends and family.
Specialty: Ceylon tea and tea-related souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon, after enjoying the museum tour.
Location: Hantana, Kandy, Sri Lanka
For a truly traditional Sri Lankan shopping experience, Jayamali Batik Studios offers one of the best collections of original Batik textiles. Batik is an ancient art form that involves creating patterns on fabric using wax and dye. Jayamali Batik Studios is well-known for its exquisite Batik wall hangings, garments, and home décor. Whether you are looking for colorful batik shirts, dresses, or handmade fabrics for your home, this is the place to go.
Specialty: Traditional Batik fabrics and home décor.
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon, to avoid the crowds.
Location: Central Market, 196 Market St, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Selyn is one of Kandy’s most popular stores for traditional handloom products. Famous for its authentic, locally produced textiles, Selyn specializes in handwoven sarees, kurtas, bed linens, and other cotton and silk fabrics. With a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production, Selyn provides a wide range of high-quality handloom products, making it an excellent spot to buy beautiful, handmade garments.
Specialty: Handwoven sarees, bed linens, kurtas, and home textiles.
Best Time to Visit: Late morning when the store is less crowded.
Location: No 102 Fife Road, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for convenience, the Kandy City Center is the perfect place. As the only shopping mall in the city, it brings together a wide range of shops in one location. From clothing, electronics, and accessories to local handicrafts and souvenirs, the mall offers a hassle-free shopping experience for those looking to shop for a variety of items. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new wardrobe, souvenirs, or even electronics, the Kandy City Center is a one-stop shop for all your needs.
Specialty: Clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and gifts.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a quiet shopping experience.
Location: Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
For those interested in arts and crafts, Rangala House Gallery is a hidden gem. This unique gallery showcases local paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural life of Kandy. In addition to beautiful art pieces, the gallery also offers organic jams made from local fruits, making it a great place to pick up a delicious and meaningful souvenir.
Specialty: Sri Lankan paintings, sculptures, and organic jams.
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon to enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Location: 7/1/1, Temple Street, Kandy
For antique enthusiasts, Waruna Antiques is an unmissable destination. This store offers an exceptional collection of historic items, including vintage jewelry, old coins, traditional Sri Lankan artifacts, and more. The store’s unique collection makes it an ideal stop for anyone interested in bringing home a piece of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
Specialty: Rare antiques, vintage jewelry, coins, and artifacts.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and to see the full collection.
Location: 761 Peradeniya Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Located near the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, the Buddhist Publication Society offers a range of books and literature focused on Buddhism, meditation, and Sri Lankan culture. This peaceful spot also features a library and non-profit bookstore, making it a perfect place for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Buddhist philosophy. While here, visitors can browse through a unique collection of spiritual books and get a deeper connection to the region’s history and practices.
Specialty: Buddhist literature, meditation guides, and spiritual books.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a quiet, peaceful shopping experience.
Location: 54 Sangharaja Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
For those looking to take home some traditional Sri Lankan flavors, Cargills Food City is an excellent stop. This large grocery store offers fresh local produce, spices, jams, packaged foods, and beverages. It’s a great place to shop for locally sourced ingredients, spices like cinnamon, and jams made from Kandy’s famous fruit varieties.
Specialty: Local spices, jams, organic groceries, and packaged foods.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon for a relaxed shopping experience.
Location: 3, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Whether you’re looking to bring home a piece of Sri Lankan culture, shop for fashion, or indulge in local food, Kandy offers a diverse and rich shopping experience that will make your holiday even more special. With its mix of traditional markets, modern malls, and cultural shops, Kandy guarantees that every traveler will find something memorable to take home.
Budget: Sri Lankan shopping can be affordable, but keep in mind that high-quality items, especially teas, antiques, and handwoven textiles, may come at a premium.
Bargaining: It’s common to bargain in local markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
When to Visit: Most markets open early in the morning. Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
