Kerala, God's own country is not only a natural paradise with its astounding beauty but also a shopper's paradise. Kerala offers motley of things which are a shopper's delight. Your tour to Kerala would not be complete if you don't take back any souvenirs to cherish the unforgettable moments of this sojourn. The main cities have shopping arcades and malls while there are local markets and shopping fairs in smaller towns.

Kerala handicrafts have created a separate niche foe itself in the global market. All the shopping places of Kerala are vibrant and lively. Kerala spices, coir and coconut shell craft, sandalwood and rosewood carvings, metalwares, Kathakali masks, Nettoor jewelry boxes and Kottyam silks must be included in the list of your souvenirs.

So shop at your heart's delight while munching the crunchy banana chips of Kerala.

Coconut Shell Craft- As copious coconut trees dominate the terrain of Kerala, coconut shell craft is endemic to Kerala. Coconut tree is so useful that almost everything, from fruit to the trunk and leaves can be utilized to make many utilitarian artifacts. From the hard coconut shells itself, extraordinary crafts like flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar basins, nut bowls, powder boxes, cups, and spoons embellished with brass are made. Calicut district in Kerala is famous for producing such coconut shell crafts.

Metal Inlaid Wood Craft- Fragments of white wood and rosewood are cut and shaped into different patterns and pasted on a plywood base. Brass metal pieces are affixed within the various designs to make the finished products like figurines of Dancing Lady, Candle Stand, Key Stand, Peacock, Butterflies and Kathakali Heads. You can shop for these artifacts in the Ernakulam district in Kerala.

Coir Products- It is a major industry in Kerala and the coir is drawn out from the husk of the coconut. A wide array of coir wares such as Doormats, Floor Mattings and Rugs, Flowered Mourzouks, crush-proof pile carpets and other floor coverings are made in varied designs and colors. Apart from these coir is also used to make mattresses and cushioning. The main coir products producing centers are Kollam and Calicut and Alleypey.

Horn Carving- Horn is the basic raw material from which carvings are created. Horn Carving is one of the oldest crafts of Kerala. Craftsmen belonging to Viswakarma Community of Thiruvananthapuram exhibit great expertise in this craft. Stunning artifacts such as flower vases, figurines of birds and animals, toy furniture, minute replicas of snake boats, ornate combs, hair pins and objects of day to day use such as Objects of regular use such as pen stands, small boxes, buttons, trays, ashtrays, paper weights, lamps, cigarette cases carved out of animal horns.

Woodcarving- Kerala boasts of the richest wood- carving traditions in India. Wood carving styles of Kerala are exhibited by the Temples and Palaces of Kerala. Striking woodcarvings are carved out of sandalwood, rosewood, cedar wood and teak. Colossal figures reflecting elegant style and posture are skillfully carved of wood. Other carvings include elephants of varied size and shapes, lamp stands, paper weights, Nettoor jewellery boxes and etc.

Bamboo Mat Paintings- Bamboo mat painting is a kind of craft which forms a major industry in Kerala. The native artisans exhibit extraordinary skill in this art. This particular art necessitates much expertise and concentration than mere painting. it is adorned with beautiful paintings such as images of deities, birds, animals, landscapes and mythological depictions and bordered with reed frames. These mat paintings are available at Kochi and Ernakulam.

Metalware- Metal work is also an age-old craft of Kerala. Sparkling bells and tower- like lamps are made from the alloy of tin, brass. The unique tumbler known as'Varpu', used for drinking water, religious icons and other cooking vessels constitute Kerala metalware and can be found in Irinjalakuda, Kasargod and Trivandrum.

Don't miss out the Kerala Aramula metal mirror which is a typical Kerala handicraft and is a great hit with the tourists. The mirror is made from the alloy of copper and tin and shines like a mirror due to its polished surface. Shop for this souvenir at Aramala, a village near Chengannur.

Kathakali masks- Kathakali mask is another feted artifact of Kerala and is a must shop item for all art lovers. Kathakali is a classical dance form of Kerala.This mask reflects the illustrious performing art and culture of Kerala and should be included in your souvenir list. These colorful Kathakali masks are striking instances of papier mache craft of Kerala. You can buy these masks from Trivandrum.

Spices- The aromatic spices of Kerala lured the Europeans and other Westerners since the medieval times. Your trip to Kerala would remain incomplete if you don't shop for the superior quality spices that are endemic to Kerala. Kerala spices would enhance the taste of your food.

Textiles- You can shop for great fabrics at Trissur, Kottyam and Trivandrum. Kerala is famous for its silks. Look extremely pretty by draping yourself in the elegant Kottyam Silk (plain white silk bordered with golden zari or embroidery). Besides the traditional attires, you can also shop for the western wears.

Last Updated on 25 May 2011

Shopping in Kerala