Believe it or not, but one can take back more than just good memories from Kerala, for - with a rich heritage of arts and crafts - this green sliver of coastal land offers several interesting momentos at a wide range of prices. Kerala specialises in bell metal, wood, cane, ivory and coconut shell craft. Visit M.G. Road in Trivandrum, located between East Fort and Palayam, to get some fine examples of Malayali art. Kathakali models in wood, painted in vibrant colours of the art form, embellish many a showcase, the world over. One can visit Kochi's famed Jew street where one can look for handsome Chinese ceremics and other antiques of Malayalam history. Yet another prize catch is the fabulous metal mirrors of Aranmula, the making of which is an age-old secret, still closely preserves in the hearts of the skilled craftsmen. If you are only looking for souvenirs, visit Kairali or other government emporia, where you can shop the culture of Kerala at an economical (but non-bargainable) price.
If you just got off your backwater cruise, you are probably still basking in the hue of golden coir, sisal, jute and cane. So visit the markets of Kuttanad and Alappuzha - before your zeal goes down - and pick up wall mats (dhurris), carpets, bags and funiture made with natural fibres, set off with just a tint of impeccable colour. Remember to check for neatly finished edges while buying and make sure there are no mildew spots on pieces that may have been stored through the monsoonsKerala Shopping - Kerala Shopping Places
Get An Indian Touch
Don't forget to visit the spice market, an indespensible part of the Kerala experience. For a fast glance of the past, walk through the godown packed with fragrant turmeric, twists of dried ginger, pepper in squat sacks and yellow-orange balls of whole arecanut. Avoid buying the same from street vendors, who sell a few grams of everything in cellophane pouchesthat have been kept in the sun for months. Tourists can drive to Idukki district, particularly Munnar, to get the true flavour of Indian tea and in Wayanad district, particularly Kalpetta, famous for its coffee culture. One can also look for the same in shops run by Tea Board or Coffee Board, generally present in all major tourist destinations of Kerala.
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Shopping in Kerala is as exciting as touring the mystical place. Kerala is famous for its local crafts and you will find a traditional touch in each and every craft item in Kerala. Apart from the usual knick-knacks, there are many eatables that you can buy in Kerala. The famed banana chips are available in each and every shop in Kerala. While in Kerala, shopping can be done in major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, etc. In all major cities, you will find not only the flea markets but also glittering malls and showrooms. You shouldn't have much of a problem in deciding what to buy in Kerala.
Kerala is famous for gold and every road in Kerala's major cities will have a huge jewellery shop. You will be amazed to see the amount of gold that is bought by people here. Indian gold is pricey so check the on going rates before you buy anything. Apart from jewellery, Kerala is well-known for its ivory carvings, pottery, brocade fabrics and earthenware products. It is an unforgettable experience to shop for those small traditional items in Kerala.
Also famous are the Indian spices that are available in Kerala. You can choose from turmeric, pepper, ginger powder and other exotic spices that are available only in Kerala. The most famous shopping centers in Kerala are in Trivandrum on the M.G. Road. You can buy the famous wooden "Kathakali" face as a remembrance of this beautiful place. You can also buy the traditional Indian attire known as "Sari". Kerala is famous for its variety in saris and you can find some really good colors and designs here. Do not hesitate to bargain a bit on the prices. Chances are that you may a discount of around Rs.50 - Rs.100.