Is the Pettah Floating Market worth visiting?
I saw some lovely photos online of the wooden walkways at the Pettah Floating Market. Is it a good place to shop and eat?
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2 Answers from travellers
Honestly, no. It was a nice concept when it opened a decade ago, but the water in the Beira lake there is often stagnant, and many of the shops are closed or abandoned. Skip it and go explore the real, chaotic Pettah market streets instead.
I agree. It looks nice in older heavily-edited photos, but right now it is mostly just empty wooden boardwalks. Spend your time at Galle Face Green instead.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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