Explore the Vibrant Pettah Floating Market
Discover the charm of Sri Lanka at Pettah Floating Market—your gateway to local culture, delicious food, and unique treasures.
The Pettah Floating Market is a vibrant and bustling attraction located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that uniquely combines shopping and cultural experiences. This floating market features a variety of colorful stalls set along a scenic waterway, providing visitors with a delightful atmosphere to explore. As you navigate through the market, you will encounter an array of goods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the rich heritage of Sri Lankan craftsmanship. The local vendors are always eager to share their stories and knowledge about the products they sell, making it an engaging experience for tourists. Walking through the market is an adventure in itself, as you can sample delicious street food that showcases the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. Whether it’s spicy samosas, sweet coconut cakes, or traditional rice and curry, the food offerings are diverse and tantalizing. The market also features various cultural performances and events throughout the day, adding to the lively atmosphere of the area. Visitors can take a break and relax by the water, soaking in the vibrant sights and sounds of the market. The Pettah Floating Market is not just a place to shop; it's a cultural hub where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life. With its unique setting and engaging offerings, it’s no wonder that this market has become a favorite among tourists looking for an authentic experience in Colombo. Make sure to allocate plenty of time to explore, mingle with the locals, and capture the colorful scenes with your camera.
Local tips
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and crowds.
- Bring cash, as many vendors may not accept credit cards.
- Don’t hesitate to haggle for better prices, as bargaining is a common practice here.
- Try the local street food—some of the best flavors can be found at food stalls.
- Take your time to explore all the stalls; unique finds await around every corner.
A brief summary to Pettah Floating Market
- WVM4+344, W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo, Colombo 11, LK
- +94112873640
- Monday 8 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 8 am-10:30 pm
- Friday 8 am-10:30 pm
- Saturday 8 am-10:30 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the Kollupitiya area, make your way to Galle Road (the main coastal road). Walk towards the direction of the Colombo City Centre shopping mall. Once you reach the mall, continue walking straight until you reach the intersection at the Liberty Plaza. Turn left onto Liberty Road and keep walking until you reach the end of the road. You will see the Pettah Floating Market ahead.
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Public Bus
Head to the nearest bus stop in Kollupitiya. Look for a bus heading towards Pettah. You can take buses numbered 138, 149, or 150. The fare is usually around LKR 20-30 (less than $0.10) depending on your starting point. Inform the conductor that you are going to Pettah. Get off at the Pettah bus station, then walk a short distance towards W E Bastian Mawatha where you will find the floating market.
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Tuk-Tuk
If you prefer a quicker mode of transport, you can hire a tuk-tuk. You can find tuk-tuks waiting at various points in Kollupitiya. Negotiate the fare before you start, but expect to pay around LKR 200-400 (approximately $1-2) depending on traffic. Ask the driver to take you to Pettah Floating Market, specifically to W E Bastian Mawatha. The ride will take about 15-20 minutes.
Attractions Nearby to Pettah Floating Market
- Pettah Floating Market
- Pitakotuwe Bo Gaha
- Sri Kaileswaram Temple
- Beira Lake
- National Railway Museum
- Dutch Museum
- Colombo Fort Railway Station
- Fort Railway station
- 1st Cross Street Pettah
- Old Town Hall Market
- All Saints' Church
- PIXEL BLOOM
- Colombo Lotus Tower
- Kayman's Gate - Dutch Bell Tower, කයිමන් දොරකඩ
- The Old Town Hall Building
Landmarks nearby to Pettah Floating Market
- A.E Gunasinha Statue
- Colombo
- Pettah Bodiya
- Linear Park - Beira Lake
- City Centre
- Samanthapura
- Transworks House
- Gaffoor Building
- Slave island Boarding
- Delft Gateway - Colombo Fort
- PANCHIKAWATTA පංචිකාවත්ත பஞ்சிகாவத்தை
- St. Peter's Church Fort
- Dutch Hospital - Shopping Precinct
- Statue Of Vivekananda
- Slvar Memorial Roundabout