iShop Pettah Floating Market

New Pettah market

Perched between Pettah’s main bus and train station, you find a series of wooden pontons with red -roofed pavilions that are home to more than 90 small stalls, shops and restaurants. The ‘floating’ market is a recent addition to the Pettah. First opened in 2014 to relief the pressure on the busy Pettah bazaar, the shops mainly sell cheap electronics, clothes and jewellery. Nothing special to buy here, but it’s a fine spot to relax. The water cools the air a little (it may be a bit smelly though) and it’s a nice break from the hubbub of Pettah. At sunset the place is a hugely popular hang-out spot for romantic young couples who come here in order to enjoy each other’s company, away from prying eyes such as yours.

Local delights

The spacious Testa Bake House on the west end provides a marvellous space in which to enjoy short-eats, ice cream or a cup of coffee and watch the occasional pelican grace its surface. Additionally, there are numerous food stalls spread around the area frying up juicy burgers, spicy kottu rottis or warm samosas.