Once the seat of an ancient kingdom, Kandy, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a unique shopping experience amidst the regal, colonial structures and an intricate, temple complex surrounded by rolling forested hills and a tranquil lake. From colourful markets adorned with garlands of spices to elegant boutiques showcasing luxurious designs, the city has much to offer. Enjoy the experience of exploring Kandy's vibrant shopping scene and bringing home unique mementoes and valuable trinkets to commemorate your visit.

Image via Wikimedia Commons - Ji-Elle, Kandy-Textiles (2), CC BY-SA 3.0

Before embarking on your shopping adventure, remember to haggle politely when purchasing items at local markets and shops - bargaining should remain a fun, cordial interaction, not an aggressive confrontation. It is also advisable to purchase souvenirs at the beginning or end of your trip, to avoid carrying them around as you explore the quaint streets and sacred sites of Kandy. Don't forget to consider the weight and carry-on restrictions for your on-flight luggage as well.

A must-visit for authentic finds, the Central Market located in the heart of Kandy city is woven with a maze of stalls, selling everything from fresh produce and popular local spices to ayurvedic tonics and gorgeous handicrafts. Bargain for unique souvenirs all in one place, including colourful textiles, wooden carvings and more, amidst the aromatic scents of cinnamon or other spices. Purchase some distinctive keepsakes after a journey exploring the streets and natural landscape of the region, one of the most essential things to do in Kandy.

In addition to state souvenir stores (such as Laksala), artisanal settlements and craft villages were established around the city almost half a century ago, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about centuries-old traditions, central to life in Kandy. The craft village of Nattarampotha, located 7 to 10 km away from Kandy town, features the work of dedicated artisan families, from expert weavers to silversmiths and brass workers. Plan excursions from hotels such as Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, to this site where you will find handcrafted ornaments that tell a story of a booming arts industry, kept alive by generations of villagers - visit humble workshops on quaint country bylanes, displaying products with traditional Kandyian motifs meticulously etched onto various household items.

Famous for its local handicrafts and textiles, Kandy has perfected the art of 'batik', featuring wax-traced intricate designs on vibrant dyes. Visit local shops in Kandy town to find a wide range of batik products, from clothing to home décor, and other various traditional textiles. Bring home a gorgeous batik sarong or a handloom dress from a family-owned business or souvenir boutique, including Jayamali Batiks Studio, who offer customised designs and unique batik prints unlike any other. You can also discover other handicrafts around the region, like the colourful and eccentric 'devil' masks to ward off evil, antique lacquerware embellished in bright vermillion and warm yellows, as well as priceless pottery pieces, perfect for unique souvenirs.

Sri Lanka's central province is renowned for its gem and jewellery industry, sourcing bright red rubies and various colourful semi-precious stones from the area's abundant rocky hills and rivers. In Kandy, explore the city's numerous jewellery stores that have been operating for generations, where you can find exquisite pieces crafted with cornflower blue sapphires, cat eyes, star rubies, and other glimmering jewels. Be sure to haggle and compare prices to get the best deal, however, avoid doing this at larger retail and department stores.

Sought after and beloved globally for centuries, no holiday in Sri Lanka is complete without packing a few boxes of Ceylon tea to bring back home. Kandy is no exception, surrounded by generations-old tea plantations cascading down the rolling green hills of the central province. Look to visit tea boutiques in the city that offer a variety of flavours and blends. Purchase high-quality tea leaves to savour after your Lankan adventures or indulge in a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon Tea right at the source, found virtually anywhere. Do not miss a trip to the Ceylon Tea Museum which offers insights into a rich history, showcases traditional machines used in tea factories, offers a tea-tasting experience, and has a charming cafe.