Where to buy authentic handmade bamboo Vesak lanterns in Pettah
3 Answers from travellers
Head straight to Bodhiraja Mawatha in Pettah, or take a quick tuk-tuk to Borella junction. In the days leading up to Vesak, local craftsmen line the streets with hundreds of intricate, handmade bamboo frames covered in translucent colored paper. They are beautiful, cheap (around 500-1000 LKR), and buying them directly supports local artisans.
Do not put a real candle inside them if you are hanging them at your hotel. Ask for the small LED bulb attachments they sell next to them.
Just be careful carrying them in a tuk-tuk! The paper tears very easily in the wind.
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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