The city of Colombo recently began a process of development and reestablishment, after a thirty year civil war that had been plaguing the country, came to an end in 2009. Hotels in Colombo were upgraded, shopping precincts were created and upscale restaurants emerged along with designer fashion houses and trendy galleries. Amidst the progress, splashes of greenery remained in the form of urban parks and a centrally located lake. The Beira Lake provides a scenic backdrop for Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, one of the top hotels in the country.
Colombo is slowly but steadily establishing itself as a shopping destination in Asia. Recently opened venues like Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct and The Independence Arcade are tastefully converted historic buildings that now function as trendy shopping destinations. These complexes house an array of shops selling everything from electronics to herbal teas. There is also a strong focus on promoting local products like handicrafts, batiks and even gems. Restaurants and food courts are located on the premises, allowing shoppers to snack or even sit down for an elegant meal.
Sri Lanka is a global player in apparel manufacturing and small clothing stores are plentiful in the nation’s capital. Larger clothing stores like Odel, Mondy, Cotton Collection and House of Fashions are bigger names that are popular with tourists. Specialty items that are uniquely Sri Lankan, like handloom fabrics and handicrafts, can be found at stores like Barefoot, Laksala and Gandhara. Locally grown produce like tea, cashew and spices are also much sought after and make great souvenirs. Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation sells the decadent nut in many forms, extensive displays of the better known tea brands can be found in shops or stalls at department stores and shopping complexes, while spices are sold in a few dedicated shops but also in supermarkets: namely Arpico, Keells and Cargills.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
