Shopping in Kerala
Shopping in Kerala offers a delightful experience for visitors, thanks to its richness of culture, tradition, and natural bounty. The state is famous for its variety of unique products that reflect its artistic heritage, natural resources, and skilled craftsmanship. Here are some highlights of shopping in Kerala:
- Spices: Kerala, historically known as the Spice Coast of India, offers an array of high-quality spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The spice markets in places like Kochi, Thekkady, and Wayanad are perfect for picking up fresh spices at reasonable prices.
- Tea and Coffee: The hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad are renowned for their sprawling tea and coffee plantations. Visitors can buy freshly packed tea leaves and aromatic coffee directly from the estates or local stores.
- Handicrafts: Kerala’s rich tradition of handicrafts includes intricately carved wooden items, brass and bell metal products, coir and cane goods, and hand-painted miniature dolls. The handicraft emporiums and government-run Kerala State Handicrafts Apex Cooperative Society (SURABHI) stores are ideal places to buy these items.
- Handloom Products: The traditional Kerala sarees, known as Kasavu sarees, made of pure cotton with gold zari borders, are a must-buy. Other handloom items like dhotis, and hand-woven fabrics are also popular among tourists.
- Aroma Oils and Ayurvedic Products: Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic heritage. Visitors often buy Ayurvedic medicines, herbal beauty products, and essential oils from authentic Ayurvedic centers and shops.
- Jewelry: Kerala’s traditional jewelry, characterized by intricate designs, especially in gold, is also quite popular. The craftsmanship is exquisite, reflecting Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
- Banana Chips and Snacks: Kerala’s banana chips, made from raw banana fried in coconut oil and seasoned with salt or spices, are a crunchy, delicious treat that visitors often take back home.
Shopping in Kerala is not just about buying souvenirs; it’s about experiencing the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural wealth. Most tourist destinations in Kerala have local markets and government-run emporiums where visitors can shop for these items at reasonable prices, ensuring they take a piece of Kerala back home with them.
Must Visit Places in Kerala
