Colombo Shopping Spree: Tuk Tuks, Sapphires, Singing Bowls & Sudden Blackouts

Next stop: Sri Lanka! Or more specifically, Colombo—the bustling capital of this teardrop-shaped island nation just south of India. Known for its Ceylon tea, precious gemstones, spicy food, and colorful tuk tuks, Colombo greeted us with a humid hug and a city vibe that felt equal parts old world charm and modern hustle.

With just a day to explore, we did what any well-rested traveler with limited time would do: We went shopping.

Stop 1: Bling It On

First up was a crash course in one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports—blue sapphires. These shimmering beauties are a big deal here, both economically and culturally. The Sri Lankan blue sapphire is prized for its clarity and deep ocean-blue hue, and gem mining is a cornerstone of the local economy.

Our tour company whisked us off to a jewelry store that doubled as a gemstone showroom and museum of sparkle. After a short intro on how sapphires are mined and cut, we were let loose in a showroom full of temptation.

Mike even tried his hand at haggling for a gorgeous square pendant set with rows of sapphires in an invisible setting. Just as he was negotiating, we texted our jeweler back home, Benny, who promptly warned us: "Just be careful not to get ripped off!" Solid advice, and it helped keep us grounded in the moment. Sadly, we weren’t able to strike sapphire gold within our budget, but we did leave with a phone full of glittery photos and zero buyer’s remorse. Sometimes window shopping is the real treasure.

Stop 2: Cost Plus Colombo

Next up was a Sri Lankan handicraft emporium that immediately reminded us of a World Market on vacation. The store was overflowing with all things locally made: hand-painted elephants, Buddhas, carved masks, spice packs, singing bowls, woven baskets, and more Ceylon tea than we could ever drink.

There was a dizzying array of goodies, and we managed to grab a few souvenirs—some tea and a couple of adorable elephant key chains—before—BAM—the power went out. Talk about a dramatic exit. With our arms full of goodies, we shuffled out under the emergency lights, laughing at our good timing.

Sidebar: What’s the Deal with Ceylon Tea?

Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is one of the world's leading tea producers. Ceylon tea is known for its bold flavor, bright color, and fragrant aroma. It comes in several varieties—black, green, and white—and plays a huge role in the country’s economy and cultural identity. Many locals still work on tea plantations in the hill country, and high tea is a cherished tradition across the island.

Stop 3: Malls Are Everywhere

Last on the agenda was a good ol’ shopping mall—because no matter where we go in the world, there’s always a mall nearby. In fact, we’ve come to believe that every country has at least one KFC, usually more visible than McDonald’s. Colombo did not disappoint.

We browsed around and eventually found a local clothing store called ODEL, known for Sri Lankan-made fashion. Mike scored a smart shirt, we soaked up a little air-con, and just like that, our shopping trifecta was complete.

Tuk Tuks: The Heartbeat of Colombo

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the humble tuk tuk—those three-wheeled motorized rickshaws that are equal parts chaos and charm. These little vehicles are everywhere in Colombo, often decked out with decals, tassels, flashing lights, or full-on sound systems. Need a ride? Stick your hand out and prepare for a rollercoaster on wheels. Need an adrenaline rush? Just watch your tuk tuk thread the needle between two buses like a caffeinated hummingbird.

They’re an essential part of daily life here—cheap, efficient, and nimble in traffic—and they offer a front-row seat to the vibrant life of the city as it zips by.

While we didn’t get to ride in a tuk tuk during our whirlwind day in Sri Lanka, we decided to make sure we had the opportunity in our next stop, India. Stay tuned!

Culture, Chaos & a Giant Lotus Flower

Colombo, while not always on the top of every tourist's bucket list, surprised us with its energy, grit, and personality. Tuk tuks zipped by like colorful little bees, the architecture ranged from colonial leftovers to brutalist modernism, and we drove past the city's most famous new icon—the Colombo Lotus Tower.

Fun Fact: The Colombo Lotus Tower stands at a towering 1,153 feet, making it the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. It’s designed to resemble—you guessed it—a lotus flower, which is both a national symbol and a nod to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.

Speaking of Buddhism, it’s the dominant religion in Sri Lanka, and you’ll see temples and shrines tucked between markets, malls, and roundabouts. The cultural mix is rich: Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and Christian communities all call this island home, and it shows in the food, language, clothing, and customs.

Political Sidebar: Sri Lanka is a democratic republic, though it has faced some turbulent times, including a decades-long civil war that ended in 2009. The country is still healing and rebuilding, and tourism plays a huge role in its economy.

A Sweet, Sapphire-Studded Goodbye

Our day in Colombo was brief but colorful, like a well-decorated cupcake with a surprise center. We didn’t get the sapphire necklace, but we did get a deeper appreciation for the flavors, crafts, and hustle of Sri Lanka.

Back on the ship, we kicked off our shoes, admired our finds, and prepped ourselves for what comes next: India—a multi-stop, full-sensory dive into another massive and fascinating country.

Until next time, Sri Lanka—thanks for the sparkle!