©
Malcolm Browne
Sri Lanka Travel Guide
©
Malcolm Browne
Bring back some delicious Ceylon tea, some batik clothing and give your loved ones precious stones and some of the famous Ayurvedic balm.
The Sri Lankan 'must-have' in terms of souvenirs is obviously a precious stone. Emeralds, rubies, moonstones...and the most beautiful sapphires in the world can be found in Sri Lanka. Tip: buy from a certified shop so you can be sure that your precious stone...is actually a precious stone! Another must-have when you're staying in Sri-Lanka: Ceylon tea which is still produced by hand by Sri Lankan women. Buy your tea from a small producer after tasting it, then you can be sure that you will be benefiting his family rather than an industrialist.
You can choose from all kinds of batik clothing, this highly detailed and skilful fabric printing technique has become an art in Sri Lanka. And why not buy yourself a sari, the traditional costume still worn by most Sri Lankan women today! You will also see traditional masks and wooden statuettes. make sure you don't buy anything made of ivory or tortoiseshell, they may be very beautiful, but you won't get through customs with them!
From a beauty product point of view, Ayurvedic balm is similar to tiger balm and is a miracle product for all the family. Other cosmetics and nourishing products, as well as essential oils, are testaments to the richness of Ayurvedic medicine and will make great gifts. And if you want to spice up your daily life (or at least your plate!) once you return home, I can only advise you to stock up on spices! Chilli, cumin, cinnamon...you'll find them all in the traditional grocery shops, don't pay the high prices in the famous 'spice gardens'. So, are you ready to head off to Sri-Lanka?
