Shopping & Handicrafts

What to Buy in Kerala

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is not only a haven for natural beauty and cultural richness but also a delightful destination for shoppers. Whether you're a tourist looking for souvenirs or a culture enthusiast searching for authentic handmade goods, Kerala offers a wide variety of traditional and modern products that reflect its heritage, craftsmanship, and natural abundance.

Here’s a detailed guide on what to buy in Kerala, focusing on shopping hotspots and unique handicrafts.

 1. Handicrafts and Artworks

Kerala’s traditional handicrafts are made with care and skill, often using natural materials like coconut shells, coir, wood, and bamboo.

 Coconut Shell and Coir Products

Kerala’s coconut palms are not just scenic – they’re also the source of beautiful handicrafts.

• Coconut shell crafts include bowls, spoons, showpieces, and jewelry.
• Coir (coconut fiber) products include mats, rugs, bags, and wall hangings. These are not only eco-friendly but also represent the state’s sustainable lifestyle.

 Screw Pine Mats and Baskets

Woven by local artisans, these mats and baskets are used as decorative pieces or traditional homeware. The intricate weaving process makes each piece unique.

 Wooden Carvings and Rosewood Sculptures

Kerala is famous for its rosewood and sandalwood carvings. You can find:

• Hindu deities, elephants, and mythological scenes carved in wood.
• Nettur petti, the traditional Kerala jewelry box with brass inlay, is a collector’s item.

 2. Traditional Paintings and Art

 Mural Paintings

Kerala’s ancient temples and palaces are known for their mural paintings, usually depicting stories from Hindu mythology in natural colors. These beautiful artworks are now recreated on canvas, making them a perfect souvenir for art lovers.

 Kathakali Masks and Figurines

Miniature Kathakali face masks and colorful figurines representing traditional dance forms like Mohiniyattam and Theyam are popular with tourists. These vibrant showpieces represent the state’s performing arts culture.

 3. Traditional Clothing and Textiles

 Kasavu Sarees and Mundu

A trip to Kerala is incomplete without buying the iconic Kasavu saree, a cream-colored cotton or silk saree with golden borders. It's a symbol of grace and is worn during festivals and weddings.

• Men’s traditional wear, called Mundu, is also made from similar cotton or silk fabric.

 Handloom Fabrics

Kerala’s handloom industry is centered in places like Balaramapuram and Chendamangalam. Shoppers can buy:

• Handwoven cotton fabrics
• Bedsheets and towels
• Colorful lungis and stoles

These are soft, breathable, and ideal for warm weather.

 4. Spices and Ayurveda Products

Kerala is historically known as the Spice Capital of India.

 Spices to Buy:

• Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and dry ginger.
• These are often sold fresh in spice markets in Kochi, Thekkady, and Wayanad.

 Ayurvedic Oils and Beauty Products

Kerala’s Ayurvedic heritage is centuries old. You can buy:

• Herbal oils (like Neelibringadi for hair)
• Ayurvedic soaps and skin creams
• Massage oils and herbal balms

Reputed brands like Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala and Vaidyaratnam offer genuine, certified products.

 5. Tea, Coffee, and Homemade Chocolates

The hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad are known for their lush tea and coffee plantations.

 What to buy:

• Freshly packed black tea, green tea, and flavored teas
• Organic Arabica and Robusta coffee beans
• Homemade chocolates infused with local spices, nuts, and fruits

These are available at plantation outlets and local markets.

 Where to Shop in Kerala

• Kochi (Jew Town, Broadway, Lulu Mall) – Best for antiques, handicrafts, and modern shopping.
• Thiruvananthapuram (Chalai Market, MG Road) – Ideal for sarees, coir products, and local spices.
• Munnar and Thekkady – Great for tea, spices, and local chocolates.
• Kozhikode (SM Street) – Famous for sweets, clothes, and souvenirs.
• Kottayam and Alleppey – Known for coir goods and murals.

 Final Tip:

When shopping in Kerala, look for the Handicrafts Development Corporation and Khadi outlets for authentic, government-certified products. Always check the quality and opt for eco-friendly packaging when possible.

In summary, shopping in Kerala is not just about buying things—it’s about bringing home a piece of its culture, nature, and timeless traditions. Whether it’s a fragrant spice box, a beautifully carved wooden elephant, or a crisp Kasavu saree, each item holds a story of Kerala’s soulful artistry.