Shopping in Galle

The Lit Fest Bookshop

Situated in the building adjacent to the Halle de Galle, this Pop-Up Bookshop is operated by Barefoot (Friend of the Festival). It stocks titles from all our festival authors.

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

KK Collection (Festival Bronze Partner)

For elegant souvenirs, try KK Collection, which reopened in 2015 with increased floor space and a courtyard. Apart from a range of gift items and handicrafts, the boutique now offers an exclusive range of clothing for men and women, along with exciting pieces of jewellery. On-site tailoring facilities mean alterations can be undertaken immediately. Offers top-end products such as handlooms, garments, handcrafts and accessories. Also has a Sri Lankan restaurant, which serves excellent coffee and beverages.

Explore and shop at KK The Collection, Galle Fort

Barefoot (Friend of the Festival)

Known the world over for its specialist selection of books, the Barefoot Bookshop carries a wide range of fiction, design, architecture and guide books. It also stocks a renowned collection of bright fabric clothing, bags, toys and accessories which incorporate the internationally-known Barbara Sansoni designs in bold, brilliantly-hued hand loom fabric. The contemporary clothing collection comprises of draped garments and stitched garments constructed from simple geometric sections of cloth. The Barefoot shop also offers a wide range of home-ware and handicraft.

Shop Barefoot at Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

KK by George (Festival Bronze Partner)

The KK brand continues to evolve with the opening of a second fashion and lifestyle boutique – KK by George that sells women’s clothing and jewellery like its first shop – KK Collection (see above). Offering a variety of high-end products, the designer garments are stylish designs created by its owner, George Cooper, an internationally renowned interior designer and one of Sri Lanka’s tastemakers.

BANKS AND ATM’S

There are a few ATMs in Galle Fort:

Commercial Bank

  • 22, Church Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 091 223 4377 / +94 091 223 2223
  • Fax: +94 091 224 2770
  • Email: gallefort@combank.net
  • Visit Website: http://www.combank.net 

Bank of Ceylon

  • Super Grade Branch, 2 Light House Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 091 223 4214 / +94 091 223 2269
  • Email: boc003@boc.lk
  • Visit Website: http://web.boc.lk 

People’s Bank

STREET BY STREET RECOMMENDATION OF WHERE TO SHOP IN GALLE FORT

(With thanks to YAMU for its suggestions and recommendations)

CHURCH STREET

Exotic Roots

Located within the historic walls of Galle fort, itself spanning almost 5 centuries, Exotic Roots has its home in a beautiful shop humming with pieces of colourful family created art pieces.The pieces in the shop are original handmade and handprinted creations by three resident artists, Catherine, Asia and Inca.

Dutch Gallery

Has knick knack antiques such as large door and almirah keys from bygone eras, brassware, candelabras, tiny bronze/brass chests, vintage jewellery, old Ceylon coins and intricately carved brass conch shells.

Stick No Bills Poster Gallery

Welcome to Stick No Bills, the number one destination for vintage poster art and poster design. The gallery curates, exhibits and sells rare advertising, travel and movie posters dating from the late 1800s through to the present day.

Aysha Gem & Jewellery

Wholesalers and retailers of handmade jewellery and natural gemstones from Sri Lanka.

Ibrahim Jewelers

Offers a beautiful array of gems and takes orders to create bespoke designs on request.

  • 47, Church Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 77 7566 494/ +94 091 2234 253/ Fax: +94 091 2242 724
  • Email: ibrahimjewellers@fortgalle.net
  • Web: ibribrahimjewellers.fortgalle.net

OLD DUTCH HOSPITAL BUILDING, HOSPITAL STREET

Colombo Jewellery Stores

One of the best high end jewellery stores in Sri Lanka, it offers fabulous precious gems, enviable craftsmanship and a keen eye for fashion. CJS is a hallmark of luxury, style and quality.

Chatham Luxury

Sri Lanka’s first multi brand luxury watch boutique, Chatham, features some of the world’s most desirable watch brands – Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Chopard and OMEGA.

Sifani

Timeless jewellery, each piece showcases a love for vibrant colours and wearable designs, as well as unique colour themes and the use of unusual semi precious gems set with diamonds.

Stone N String

A popular Sri Lankan brand of fashion jewellery, the collection includes hallmark designer coral selections with white, pink and jade coral designs. Its jewellery uses semi-precious or precious gems, sterling silver and gold. It also has men’s accessories such as cufflinks, rings, tie pins, and leather belts.

Zam Gems

Unique modern jewellery made from genuine materials at affordable prices. The collection includes pendants, rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets made of precious and semi precious gemstones. Also makes personalised jewellery designs.

Gem Boutique

Jewellers for 25 years, our design team provides computerized designs. We feature the finest jewellery, made by the most skilled jewellery designers.

The Withered Leaves

Pure Ceylon tea blends in a variety of creatively designed tins. Ideal to take back home as gifts for family and friends.

HOSPITAL STREET

Orchid House

A teashop with a sideline in jewelry and sweet smelling incense.

Laksana Gems & Jewellery

An exquisite collection of natural gemstone jewelry: beads, birthstones, brooches, bracelets, pendants, rings and earrings to mix and match. 

Lihiniya Gems

Gem and jewellery merchants since 1983. They specialize in Ceylon Sapphires and can create custom jewellery to suit your budget and needs. Precious and semi-precious loose gem stones can be ordered.

LAW COURT SQUARE

Good Market

You’ll find organic spices, tea, heirloom rice, specialty food stalls and tropical fruit jams here. Local artisans will feature clothing, homeware and eco-gifts. As a curated marketplace, vendors go through a strict process to ensure standards. Takes place on Saturdays only.

LEYN BAHN STREET

Olanda

A real treasure trove for furniture lovers, you can spend hours looking around this place!

Kid-ology

Handmade clothing, nursery décor toys and accessories for the little people in your life.

Casual Edge

Offers a wide variety of high-quality casual clothing for men, women and children in linens, weaves, handlooms, silk and cotton. They also have a second shop at #7A, Rampart Street

  • Carrousel de Galle, 53 Leyn Bahn Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 (0)91 438 5999 / +94 77 790 1099
  • Email: info@casual-edge.com

Tea Zone

A wide selection of teas from the major tea-growing regions in Sri Lanka. The Tea Zone also offers locally produced coffees and features a full range of Kemara herbal products.

Sithuvili

Sithuvili is jam packed with interesting wall art, carvings and more. Spend time exploring the various rooms and artefacts. Has a selection of antique temple paintings by local artist and craftsman.

LIGHT HOUSE STREET

Embark

If you love animals, you’ll love Embark. There are so many items to purchase—all with a dog theme, and of good quality. 10% of all profits go to the caring of stray dogs. The staff are very helpful and will assist with sizes unavailable on the shelves.

Spa Ceylon Boutique

The flagship store in Galle, this luxury Ayurveda spa range uses organically made products. Makes for a thoughtful gift from Sri Lanka! Also sells at the Barefoot Shop.

PEDLAR STREET

Sandaken Studio Moonstone

Specializes in custom-built handmade jewellery in line with international standards. Range of services include wholesale and retail sale of gem and jewellery, gem cutting, polishing, gem mining, lapidary services, jewellery manufacturing and consultancy services.

Gekko

A cute little shop with friendly staff and a great collection of jewellery, books, tea and handicrafts.

  • 18 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 091 2235 811
  • Email: gekkofort@outlook.com 
  • Web: www.gekkofort.com

Decorista 

Something new, something different, is all what this small shop is about. They sell Sri Lankan handmade products such as home decoration ware, candles, greeting cards, souvenirs, statues, historic maps and prints, cloths and 100% cotton hand-loom fabric.

Elite Boutique (Fort Lace)

Also known as Fort Lace, it sells Sri Lankan handmade crafts, batik, tea, spices, souvenirs and of course the exquisite and dainty hand-woven lace that parts of the South are famous for!

Christopher Handicraft

A place teeming with a variety of antiques and handicraft items collected from all around Sri Lanka. Browse around and something is sure to strike your fancy!

  • 45 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 077 42 88 575

Treasure Chest

Dealers in gems and jewellery

  • 47 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
  • Tel: +94 91 224 7122 / + 94 77 330 1919

LUV SL – ODEL

Unique Sri Lankan-inspired home-grown products in the souvenirs, fashion, accessories and household items categories. Retails casual clothing, resort wear, stationery, mugs, picture frames, toys, cosmetics, toiletries, curios and special exotic food items.

Mimimango

The large showroom offers an ever- developing collection of kaftans, tops, trousers, sarongs, scarves and dresses compatible with a range of looks. Jo Eden Mimimango clothes are always a head turner.

Tallentire House

Exclusive designer fabrics (100% cotton twills, voiles and canvas), cushions, bolsters, curtains, tableware, pyjamas, aprons and loungewear made in Sri Lanka. They offer a full interior design service for hotels, restaurants and private houses. As well, they can design and manufacture unique fabrics and soft furnishings exclusively for you.

Koccoriko

You will find a good selection of handmade handicrafts, souvenirs, handlooms, clothes, tea, handmade jam, spices and gift items.

Shoba Display Gallery

The gallery offers a beautiful range of crafts and products made by local women who participate in livelihoods projects.

SALT

Sells handmade designer garments: from vivid and colourful crop-tops to dramatic floor-sweeping batik dresses, and everything in-between. Has stunning tie-dye and batik clothing too.

The Three by TPV  

The Three by TPV is a Swedish novelty store in Galle Fort with some quirky clothes, jewelry and interior decor. They have a second shop at 43, Leyn Bahn Street.

JoJo

Sells jewellery, gems, antiques, coins, and Chinese porcelain. The owner of JoJo has been in the jewellery business since 1984.

Pedlar’s Inn Jewellers

Situated in the middle of the Pedlar’s Inn Cafe, the jewelers provide a great selection of Sri Lankan stones and designs.

RAMPART STREET

Casual Edge

Offers a wide variety of high-quality casual clothing for men, women and children in linens, weaves, handlooms, silk and cotton. This outlet is smaller and less crowded than its one on Leyn Bahn Street.

Lanka Gems & Jewellery

A factory outlet with a great collection and friendly staff!

Dutch Wall Antiques

Wholesale and retail dealers and exporters of gems, jewelry, antiques and antique furniture.

BEYOND GALLE

For the serious antique and furniture collector, about 30 minutes north or south of Galle, you’ll find a selection of local antique stores:

Sujeewa Antiques

Dutch Period antique furniture: stone and marble finishes, fountains, chandeliers, glassware, ceramics, old clocks etc.

  • 460 Galle Road, Ambalangoda.
  • Tel: +94 91 225 7403 / +94 71 727 2372 / +94 77 768 1129 / +94 77 378 7289
  • Email: sujeewaantiques@yahoo.com

Southern Antiques

Rare Sri Lanka maps, porcelain, furniture etc.

Sudath Antiques

Situated on the road to Matara, Sudath Antiques is the place you can find solid heirloom pieces such as rice boxes, spice chests, bookcases and more.