Shopping info
The elite and the collectors of fine porcelain, spices, and diamonds continue to be drawn to Sri Lanka. With little modernization, Sri Lanka nevertheless maintains its claim to be the exotic marketplace it was along the Silk Route. Tusks have given way to tea. Exquisite blue sapphires and stunning handwoven wraparounds in enticing color combinations are just a few of the many products on offer. Find the piece of art that will decorate your precious corner, if you have one, by looking around. Costume jewelers made of silver and other metals inform you that the artisans have preserved the creative detail-focus of their illustrious forebears, whose carvings fascinated you in the shrines you visited.
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Gems
The blue, white, and star sapphires, the chrysoberyl cat’s eye, the spinel, the tourmaline, the garnet, the topaz, the moonstones, and the zircon are all options. A precious stone with beauty, clarity, and durability is a lifetime investment in today’s derivatives-heavy world.
Handloom Products
Wraparounds, sarongs, kurthas, and an extensive selection of blouses and shirts in attractive colour combinations are among the available garments. Tablecloths and upholstery supplies come with a guarantee of value and quality, in addition to being made of hand-spun cotton.
Antiques
Along with the furniture from the Dutch era, you can search for china, pottery, and glass. Reproductions of furniture are always an option, and they are more cheaper. The paperback is a smart choice if you’re the patient kind who can wait for it rather than the hard cover.
Spices
All of the exotic spices sought after by the Romans, who discovered that the Arabs had beaten them by a mile and a half, are now available in elegant gift packets with a lovely message to the recipient.
Tea
Several varieties and flavors of tea are offered, including Earl Grey, which was once prized in Victorian England salons as the product of the Jewel of the Empire. The trendy teas marketed under the Sri Lanka Exports label now have more unique flavors. The tea can be bought in unique and artistic packaging made of soft wood, polished hard wood, metal, leather, cloth, and even vacuum-packed reeds.
While on your Sri Lanka vacation, you can purchase anything besides gems, antiques, and works of art from the numerous shops that cater to travellers or from mega markets. The Sri Lanka airport always has what you might need if you forget or lose something.
