Shopping in Batticaloa is an exciting adventure unto itself, best undertaken via a talking tour of this charming little seaside town. A romantic excursion can be had by couples seeking a bit of cultural exploration together, and if you prefer to use comfortable transport in the form of a limo, a charming Sri Lanka resort in the area such as the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa will be happy to organise it for you. It is a select venue of all the Sri Lanka honeymoon hotels on offer. If you’re looking to pick up some fresh veggies and fruits to snack on, or some local handicrafts to commemorate your time here, two prominent shopping options are available for some local retail therapy. To be immersed head-on into the bustle of a local bazaar, the Batticaloa Market is the perfect place to host a shopping adventure. From intriguing vegetables known as lady’s fingers, snake gourds, drumsticks (yup, they’re edible!), banana flower and jack fruit to an exotic array of spices and herbs, your next Sri Lankan meal experiment is good to go. Chat with the friendly local vendors to find out which combinations of spices make the tastiest curries. Pick up some local handicrafts to treat yourself or the folks back home. Learn about the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine, purchase a few tasty local snacks, and browse through the aisles piled high with choice picks of produce. The market is located on Lady Manning Drive near the Batticaloa Lagoon, which hosts the area’s unique eco park. To pick up a quality selection of beautiful handloom fabrics, head over to the Handloom & Handicraft Sales Center, which features a colourful array of saris and sarongs, bed sheets and tablecloths, and more. The friendly staff will be all too glad to answer your questions, and do engage in a little bargaining to seal the deal on some fine Sri Lankan merchandise!
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.