Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo. This multi-ethnic Pettah district is one of the busiest, crowded and most interesting places in Colombo. Pettah market is basically a stretch of shops starting from Olcott Mawatha to the main street and beyond. At the Pettah market you will be able to find absolutely anything you want and it is a common sight to see three-wheelers racing in a hurry, vendors pushing carts piled with goods and people hastening along the streets. There are vendors selling fruits and vegetables, meat, clothing items, electronic items and even jewelry. The Pettah Bazaar is the place to be if you wish to buy interesting items at affordable prices.
The Pettah Market lies outside the remains of Colombo Fort and is basically a stretch of shops selling all kinds of goods. The streets of Pettah are at all times crowded from morning to late-evening hours Monday to Saturday. Pettah district is a multi-ethnic district; however Muslim and Tamil businessmen are more in control of trade. Pettah market is made up of an endless maze of streets. On Main Street one can find clothing stores and on the First Cross Street one can find bags, other accessories and electronic items. The Second Cross Street is filled with shops selling fabrics and cloth, electronics and cosmetics. On Third Cross Street you will find various tools and items, whereas on Fourth and Fifth Cross Streets you will find vendors selling vegetables, fruits and other food items. In addition to these cross streets, there are other streets known for selling different items. In example the Maliban Street is famous for wedding invitations, Prince Street for electronics, mirrors and leather items, Keyzer Street for cloth and fabrics, Malwatta Road for shoes, bags and watches, Bankshall Street for chemicals, Old John’s Street for construction material, China Street for glassware, home décor items and ornaments, Gabo Lane for pharmaceuticals and baking needs, Perera road for dried fish, Olcott Mawatha for fruits and vegetables, Dam street for bicycles and finally the Sea Street known for gold. If you wish to buy stuff for affordable prices, then Pettah is the ideal place.
