Kerala Local Handicrafts and Unique Souvenirs

Kerala is a treasure trove of unique handicrafts and local products that make perfect souvenirs. From vibrant markets to charming artisan shops, there’s no shortage of places to indulge your shopping desires. This guide will highlight the best locations to find local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and unique souvenirs to bring back home. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or a personal keepsake, Kerala has something for everyone.

Best Places to Buy Local Handicrafts

1. Kochi
   • Nishagandhi Craft Village: A fantastic place to discover a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans, including pottery, wooden carvings, and textiles.
   • Mattancherry Palace Market: Famous for its vibrant collection of handmade goods, including jewelry and home decor.
   • Jew Town: Known for its antique shops and unique handicrafts, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich heritage.
2. Munnar
   • Munnar Tea Museum: Besides learning about tea, you can buy beautiful tea-related handicrafts and souvenirs.
   • Local Artisan Shops: Various shops sell handcrafted wooden products and tea-infused gifts.
3. Kumarakom
   • Kumarakom Market: A great spot for finding local handicrafts, especially items made from coconut shells and coir.
   • Eco-Friendly Craft Stores: Many stores focus on sustainable products crafted by local artisans.
4. Alleppey
   • Alleppey Beach Market: Offers a selection of handicrafts, including colorful wall hangings and bamboo products.
   • Local Coir Shops: Find beautifully crafted items made from coir, such as mats and bags.
5. Trivandrum
   • Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple Area: Known for shops selling unique handicrafts, including brassware and traditional art.
   • Sree Chitra Art Gallery: Here, you can purchase beautiful paintings and art pieces by local artists.

Famous Markets for Shopping

1. Kochi
   • Broadway Market: Bustling with vendors selling everything from spices to textiles, this market is a must-visit for shoppers.
   • Lulu Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in Kerala, offering a mix of local and international brands.
2. Kollam
   • Chinnakada: A lively market known for its variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and local snacks.
   • Kollam Beach Market: A vibrant spot for souvenirs and beachwear.
3. Calicut (Kozhikode)
   • SM Street: Famous for shopping, this street offers everything from spices to traditional Kerala attire.
   • Malabar Shopping Centre: A great place to find local crafts and textiles.
4. Alleppey
   • Alleppey Market: A traditional market known for its local produce, spices, and handicrafts.
   • Lakeside Market: Offers unique products crafted from natural materials.
5. Trivandrum
   • Chalai Market: Known for its spices, textiles, and local produce. This market is a great place to immerse yourself in local culture.

Traditional Clothing Stores

1. Kochi
   • Kochi Handloom: Offers a range of traditional Kerala sarees, including kasavu (gold-bordered) sarees, and handwoven fabrics.
   • Kudumbashree: A cooperative store promoting women artisans, selling traditional clothing and accessories.
2. Kumarakom
   • Local Handloom Shops: Find beautiful, traditional garments made from natural fibers, perfect for gifting.
3. Trivandrum
   • Aashirwad Handlooms: A popular destination for authentic Kerala clothing, including sarees and dhotis.
   • Jaya Handlooms: Known for quality handwoven fabrics and clothing.
4. Calicut (Kozhikode)
   • Malabar Textiles: Famous for traditional attire, including sarees and mundus, made from high-quality materials.
5. Alleppey
   • Local Handloom Stores: Specialize in traditional Kerala wear, providing a wide selection of clothing for all occasions.

Artisanal Products and Crafts to Buy

1. Kochi
   • Coir Products: Visit shops selling eco-friendly coir items, including mats, bags, and home decor.
   • Brassware: Find beautifully crafted brass lamps and utensils, ideal for gifts.
2. Munnar
   • Tea Products: Purchase artisanal tea blends and beautiful tea-related gifts from local shops.
   • Wooden Crafts: Unique wooden toys and decor items can be found in artisan shops.
3. Kumarakom
   • Coconut Shell Crafts: Look for intricate designs and products made from coconut shells, a popular local craft.
   • Handcrafted Jewelry: Unique pieces made from natural materials are often available in local shops.
4. Alleppey
   • Bamboo Crafts: Discover a range of bamboo products, from furniture to decorative items.
   • Traditional Art: Look for mural paintings and other art forms that reflect Kerala’s rich culture.
5. Trivandrum
   • Silk Products: Purchase beautiful silk items, including scarves and ties, from local artisans.
   • Handmade Pottery: Unique pottery pieces that reflect local craftsmanship can be found in artisan markets.

Unique Souvenirs to Bring Back Home

1. Kochi
   • Spices: Kerala is known as the spice capital, so take home local spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cloves.
   • Tea: Bring back some of the finest tea from the hills of Munnar.
2. Alleppey
   • Backwater Crafts: Consider purchasing handmade items crafted from natural materials found in the backwaters.
   • Traditional Masks: Unique masks used in local festivals make for fascinating souvenirs.
3. Munnar
   • Tea Gift Packs: Packaged tea blends are perfect for gifting to family and friends.
   • Honey and Jams: Locally produced honey and fruit jams are delicious souvenirs.
4. Kumarakom
   • Coconut Crafts: Bring back handmade coconut shell items as unique reminders of your trip.
   • Local Art: Paintings and crafts made by local artisans reflect the culture of Kerala.
5. Trivandrum
   • Mural Art: Purchase small pieces of mural art to take home a piece of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
   • Brass Artifacts: Brass items like lamps and sculptures are beautiful additions to any home.

Shopping in Kerala is an enriching experience filled with unique finds and local treasures. From vibrant markets to artisanal crafts, there’s something for every traveler. Make sure to explore these spots and bring a piece of Kerala back home with you!