Pettah Floating Market, Colombo - Timings, Things to Buy

At a distance of 1 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Pettah Floating market is a bustling market located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sensational shopping spots in Colombo and among the must-visit places during Sri Lanka Trip.

Opened in the year 2014, the Pettah Floating Market on the Beira Lake is a popular landmark in Colombo. The floating market is a series of pavilions constructed on the far end of the restored Beira Lake between the Pettah Bus Station and the Railway Station. The entrance is on the west side of the market area where there's a wood-carved flanking marked 'The Floating Market'. The main objective of the market was to relocate unlicensed street vendors off the footpaths, particularly in congested areas like the Pettah, where they had no facilities and were forcing pedestrians onto the road. Businesses, however, have struggled at the floating markets due to high rents and low sales.

There are about 92 trade stalls and shops along the waters, with vendors selling fruits, vegetables and flowers on the wooden boats floating lazily on the lake. There are several restaurants and eateries in the market area, which give an enjoyable atmosphere to dine in. It is a relaxed and breezy place in the middle of the busy city of Colombo where people can hangout for free.

Timings: 8 AM - 8 PM