WHERE TO SHOP IN GALLE FORT …
A street-by-street shopping guide to boutique storefronts in an around the Dutch Galle Fort, curated with thanks to YAMU for its suggestions and recommendations.
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
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.
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.
- 41 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 222 6299
- Email: gallefort@barefoot.lk
- Visit Website: http://www.barefootceylon.com/shops
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
- 15 Rampart Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
- Tel: +94 091 223 2220 / +94 091 224 2777
- Fax: +94 091 223 4213
- Email: galle013@peoplesbank.lk
- Web: http://www.peoplesbank.lk
CHURCH STREET
Stick No Bills Poster Gallery
The number one destination for poster art and poster design. Authentic, exclusively licensed travel posters, maps & designer postcards of Ceylon / Sri Lanka.
- 35 Church Street, Galle Fort (Flagship Gallery).
- Tel: +34 663 949 075
- Email: meg@sticknobillsonline.com
- Visit Website: http://sticknobillsonline.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StickNoBillsPosterGallery
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.
- 50A Lighthouse Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 835 3966 / +94 77 441 6244
- Email: info@exoticroots.com
- Visit Website: www.exoticroots.com
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.
- 33 Church Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 091 2 226813
- Email: mohh.aaqib@gmail.com
- Visit Website: https://www.facebook.com/DutchGallery
Aysha Gem & Jewellery
Wholesalers and retailers of handmade jewellery and natural gemstones from Sri Lanka.
- 39 Church Street, Galle Fort
- Tel: +94 77 1379 714/ +94 91 2234 385
- Email: newchoicegem@yahoo.com
- Visit Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ayshagems
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.
- Tel: +94 91 223 1991
- Email: cjsgalle@cjs.lk
- Visit Website: http://www.cjs.lk
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.
- Tel: +94 77 022 5417
- Email: info@chathamluxury.com
- Visit Website: http://www.chathamluxury.com
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.
- Tel: +94 091 223 1891
- Email: sales@sifani.com
- Visit Website: http://www.sifani.com
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.
- Tel: +94 91 223 1852
- Email: info@stone-n-string.com
- Visit Website: http://stone-n-string.com/views/v_index.php
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.
- Tel: +091 223 1612
- Email: sales@zamgems.com/ gallefort@zamgems.com
- Visit Website: http://www.zamgems.com
Gem Boutique
Jewellers for 25 years, our design team provides computerized designs. We feature the finest jewellery, made by the most skilled jewellery designers.
- Tel: +94 091 223 1880
- Email: http://gemboutique.weebly.com/contact.html
- Visit Website: http://gemboutique.weebly.com
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.
- Tel: +94 912 231 848 / +94 772 250 621
- Email: witheredleaves@hotmail.com
- Visit Website: www.witheredleaves.com
HOSPITAL STREET
Orchid House
A teashop with a sideline in jewelry and sweet smelling incense.
- 28A Hospital Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 742 9090
- Email: orchidhouse@hotmail.com
- Web: http://www.orchid-house.net
Laksana Gems & Jewellery
An exquisite collection of natural gemstone jewelry: beads, birthstones, brooches, bracelets, pendants, rings and earrings to mix and match.
- 30 Hospital Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 4381 800/ +94 77 7900 170
- Email: laksanagem@hotmail.com
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.
- 42A Hospital Street, Galle Fort
- Tel: +94 91 223 4600 / Fax: +94 91 222 4530
- Email: lihiniyagems@gmail.com
- Web: http://www.lihiniyagems.com
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.
- Law Court Square, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 020 8642 / +94 77 377 2122
- Email: info@goodmarket.lk
- Web: https://www.facebook.com/goodmarketlk
LEYN BAHN STREET
Olanda
A real treasure trove for furniture lovers, you can spend hours looking around this place!
- 30 Leyn Bahn Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 223 4398
- Email: info@olandafurniture.com
- Web: www.olandafurniture.com
Kid-ology
Handmade clothing, nursery décor toys and accessories for the little people in your life.
- Carrousel de Galle, 53 Leyn Bahn Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 091 222 3321
- Email: seemamoceri@gmail.com
- Web: https://www.facebook.com/Kid-ology-1691571291070013
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.
- Carrousel de Galle, 53 Leyn Baan Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 790 7878
- Email: info@teazoneceylon.com
- Web: http://www.teazoneceylon.com
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.
- 56 Leyn Bahn Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 711 4229 / +94 77 791 4277
- Email: https://www.facebook.com/sithuviligallery
- Web: http://www.sithuviligallery.com
KK by George
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.
- Carrousel de Galle, 53 Leyn Bhan Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
- Tel: +94 071 285 3114
- Email: sales@kkcollection.com
- Visit Website: https://www.facebook.com/kkcfort
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.
- 33 Light House Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +091 2 224 4086 / +94 77 342 9025
- Email: embark@embarkpassion.com
- Web: www.embarkpassion.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbarkLK
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.
- 54A Light House Street, Galle Fort
- Tel: +94 91 223 5944
- Email: info@spaceylon.com
- Web: http://lk.spaceylon.com
PEDLAR STREET
KK Collection
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.
- 71 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
- Tel: +94 071 275 9040
- Email: sales@kkcollection.com
- Visit Website: https://www.facebook.com/kkcfort
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.
- 5 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 438 0561
- Email: info@sandaken.com
- Web: www.sandaken.com
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.
- 19 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 454 5079 / +94 777 781 577 / +94 77 910 6830
- Email: decoristastore@gmail.com
- Web: https://www.facebook.com/decoristastore
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!
- 34 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 9174 965/ +94 76 5340 797
- Email: fortlace@yahoo.com
- Web: http://www.fortlace.com
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.
- 50 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 (091) 2223 120
- Email: info@eodel.com
- Web: http://www.odel.lk/odel-galle
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.
- 63 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort
- Tel: +94 91 2226349
- Email: joeden_2000@yahoo.com
- Web: http://www.joedenmimimango.com
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.
- 63 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 432 7360
- Email: info@TallentireHouse.com
- Web: http://tallentirehouse.com
Koccoriko
You will find a good selection of handmade handicrafts, souvenirs, handlooms, clothes, tea, handmade jam, spices and gift items.
- 66 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 77 714 7736/ +94 91 223 5741
- Email: lovingnestgalle@gmail.com
- Web: http://www.lovingnestgalle.com/koko_jojo.htm
Shoba Display Gallery
The gallery offers a beautiful range of crafts and products made by local women who participate in livelihoods projects.
- 67A Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 222 4351
- Email: info@shobafashion.org
- Web: http://www.shobafashion.org
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.
- 72 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 2227 004
- Email: FB message
- Web: https://www.facebook.com/salt.clothing.SL/
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.
- 77 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 223 1778
- Email: http://www.facebook.com/thethreebytpv
- Web: http://thestorebytpv.com
JoJo
Sells jewellery, gems, antiques, coins, and Chinese porcelain. The owner of JoJo has been in the jewellery business since 1984.
- 78 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 224 4644
- Web: https://www.facebook.com/Jo-Jo-381485028695981
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.
- 92 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 222 7199
- Email: pedlarsjewellers@gmail.com
- Web: http://www.pedlarsinn.com/gallery-2/jewellery
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.
- 7A Rampart Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 438 5999
- Email: info@casual-edge.com
- Web: http://www.casual-edge.com
Lanka Gems & Jewellery
A factory outlet with a great collection and friendly staff!
- 33 Rampart Street, Galle Fort.
- Tel: +94 91 224 2717
- Email: jewelgem@sltnet.lk
- Web: http://www.lankagemsandjewellery.com
Dutch Wall Antiques
Wholesale and retail dealers and exporters of gems, jewelry, antiques and antique furniture.
- 55 Rampart Street, Galle Fort
- Tel: +94 091 222 7042 / +94 091 720 0619
- Email: info@dutchwallarcade.com
- Web: http://www.dutchwallarcade.com
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.
- #32 Galle Road, Urawatta, Ambalangoda.
- Tel: + 94 91 225 8005
- Web: http://lk.kompass.com/c/southern-antiques-reproduction/lk006538
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.
- 315 Galle Road, Balapitiya
- Tel: +94 91 225 8583
- Email: sudathantiques@hotmail.com
- Web: http://www.angelfire.com/film/sudath/copy_of_index.html