Explore waterside Pettah Floating Market
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
PopularColombo, Sri Lanka
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
25°C – 32°C, warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
25°C – 32°C, warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchair accessible with ramps; walking required.
Wheelchair accessible with ramps; walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Affordable prices, but experience quality is inconsistent.
Affordable prices, but experience quality is inconsistent.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Stroll
Couples enjoyed the waterside setting and the relaxed atmosphere for an afternoon walk.
Budget Shopping
Travelers found great deals on souvenirs, perfect for bringing back memories of the trip.
Unique Experience
Visitors loved the novelty of a floating market, offering a different vibe in Colombo.
Lackluster Ambiance
Some couples felt the market lacked vibrancy, with many stalls closed during their visit.
Inconsistent Experience
Travelers mentioned a lack of maintenance, making the market less appealing at times.
Limited Appeal
Couples found the market somewhat underwhelming compared to other Colombo attractions.
Hours of operation
Monday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday
08:00 AM - 10:30 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on a walking tour of Pettah Floating Market.
A traveler visits Pettah Floating Market in this video.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
24-28°C
Warm and dry conditions with very low chances of rain.
Warm and dry conditions with very low chances of rain.
Open
No specific restrictions, but popular times may be busier.
No specific restrictions, but popular times may be busier.
Recommended
February maintains favorable weather conditions, attracting many tourists. Plan visits during weekdays or early hours to avoid peak crowds.
February maintains favorable weather conditions, attracting many tourists. Plan visits during weekdays or early hours to avoid peak crowds.
March
MEDIUM
24-33°C
Warm temperatures with a slight increase in rainfall.
Warm temperatures with a slight increase in rainfall.
Open
No specific restrictions; more relaxed atmosphere.
No specific restrictions; more relaxed atmosphere.
Recommended
March sees a slight decrease in tourist numbers, offering a more relaxed experience at the Pettah Floating Market. Weather remains warm with occasional showers.
March sees a slight decrease in tourist numbers, offering a more relaxed experience at the Pettah Floating Market. Weather remains warm with occasional showers.
April
MEDIUM
24-31°C
Warm with increased chances of rain, especially towards the end of the month.
Warm with increased chances of rain, especially towards the end of the month.
Open
No specific restrictions; some events may attract more visitors.
No specific restrictions; some events may attract more visitors.
Recommended
April offers warm weather with occasional rain. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations may lead to increased local activity around mid-month.
April offers warm weather with occasional rain. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations may lead to increased local activity around mid-month.
May
LOW
26-34°C
May marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon season in Colombo, bringing increased rainfall and humidity. While temperatures remain warm, the frequent showers can disrupt outdoor activities.
May marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon season in Colombo, bringing increased rainfall and humidity. While temperatures remain warm, the frequent showers can disrupt outdoor activities.
Open
Some stalls may close during heavy rains, and outdoor activities could be limited.
Some stalls may close during heavy rains, and outdoor activities could be limited.
Not recommended
Visiting the Pettah Floating Market in May offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. However, the increased likelihood of rain may affect the overall enjoyment of the market's outdoor setting.
Visiting the Pettah Floating Market in May offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. However, the increased likelihood of rain may affect the overall enjoyment of the market's outdoor setting.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
The market is adjacent to the Pettah Central Bus Stand and Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand, major terminals for local and intercity routes. Numerous routes serve these stations.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and tuk-tuks provide direct access to the market, with drop-off on W. E. Bastian Mawatha.
Train
Recommended
Colombo Fort Railway Station is approximately one kilometer from the market, a 10-15 minute walk.
Bike
Bicycles can be used, but caution is advised due to heavy traffic. There are no dedicated bicycle lanes.
Car
Driving is possible, but parking is limited near the market. Parking may be available at the east end of the market.
Walking
Walking is feasible from the nearby Colombo Fort area. Key routes include Olcott Mawatha and W. E. Bastian Mawatha.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
