Always abuzz with maddening crowds and storefronts bursting at the seams the market district of Pettah is an experience in itself even if one is not a shopaholic in search of a bargain.  As Colombo’s leading market region the narrow cobbled and paved streets that make up the Pettah bazaar offer a plethora of goods and an unforgettable retail encounter like no other in the heart of this bustling marketplace next to the Colombo Fort.
Tipped as one of the best destinations in the Sri Lankan capital for both shopping and seeing the sights the Pettah bazaar is ideal for those who wish to get a concentrated glimpse of local culture. With its entrance marked by the Khan Clock and a monument dedicated to Grandee Franjee Bhikkajee Khan the bazaar is littered with diverse architectural structures. The famed Dutch building at the market currently serves as a museum documenting the life and times of 17th, 18th and 19th century Ceylon after being converted from an official residence of a colonial governor.

Renowned for packing in hundreds of stores selling everything imaginable the Pettah bazaar is equally famous for its steal of a deal bargains. Comprising of 24 blocks the crisscrossing alleys of the marketplace all connect with the Main Street which has its own brand of shops and architecture. Each lane in the market is devoted to specialized goods so one need not explore the entirety of the venue to find what is required. The gold jewellery shops for example are concentrated around Sea Street while household appliances are all the rage down Keyzer Street. Glassware items are on offer at Prince Street which also houses stores selling electrical goods and mirrors. Luggage and entertainment products such as Sinhala, Tamil and English CDs and DVDs are found along Malwatte Avenue. Other items on offer down the bazaar’s many alleyways include footwear, rare books, fabrics, handbags, watches, children’s wear and cutlery while fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits, dried fish and spices are also available.

Visitors in search of luxury Colombo hotels should look no further than the Cinnamon Lakeside for the best that the capital has to offer.  A hot pick establishment among seasoned guests that travel to Colombo this stylish rest rates as one of the city’s best accommodation providers.