Pettah Market, located near Colombo Fort, is one of Sri Lanka’s busiest and oldest trading hubs, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and endless variety of goods. It’s a lively maze of narrow streets packed with shops and street vendors selling everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices to textiles, jewelry, electronics, and souvenirs.
Each street in Pettah specializes in different products — for example, Sea Street is known for gold and jewelry, while Maliban Street is famous for fabrics and saris. The market also reflects Colombo’s multicultural identity, with temples, mosques, and churches found throughout the area.
Noisy, colorful, and full of life, Pettah Market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Sri Lankan trade and culture. It’s the perfect place to experience Colombo’s local spirit, taste street food, and soak up the energy of one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods