Galle is far from an under-the-radar spot along Sri Lanka 's shores. The city's architecture is reflective of centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule, and it ranks high on the bucket lists of the million-plus travellers that land on this dazzling Indian Ocean isle each year. However, aside from the must-sees, such as Galle Fort and the surrounding picturesque beaches, creatives and fashionistas have worked tirelessly to secure Galle's spot on the radar of committed shoppers.
From galleries-cum-beach clubs that sell historic curiosities to eco-conscious fashion stores, these are the best places for shopping in Galle right now. A hippy multifunctional space on Ahangama beach, the breeze block-built, lightbulb-strung Ceylon Sliders comprises a surf shop, art gallery, restaurant, music venue and beach club . Key wares include hand-shaped surfboards as well as wetsuits and swimwear from local brands including Cruise Culture and Wave Vision, alongside international favourites such as Bing Surfboards.
It also sells Izipizi sunglasses and Sleepers flip-flops, the latter made in Sri Lanka. Visitors can book in for International Surfing Association-certified lessons, and rent boards and other equipment. Address: Ceylon Sliders, No 9 New Galle Road Rest House Junction, Weligama 81700 Website: ceylonsliders.
com Exotic Roots on Lighthouse Street taps into Galle’s 17th- and 18th-century Dutch East India Company trading history with porcelain wares from the Dutch period and curios.
