One of the most wonderful states in India, “Kerala”, which was awarded the ‘Best Destination to Watch in 2017’ title by the Association of British Travel Agents has undoubtedly all the elements that makes it a perfect destination for all type of travel junkies. Yes, its huge shoreline, palm-lined beaches, backwaters, and tea and spice plantations truly meet with its tagline of God’s Own Country.
If you think that’s it, so wrong, in addition to the many places to visit, this equatorial south-Indian state “Kerala Tours” offers plenty of activities to indulge in. From the adventure sports and the Ayurveda resorts to the boat races and shopping in Kerala is something which surely amazed you and gives you a satisfying experience.
So, whether you’re coming to Kerala for Ayurveda treatment or for Kerala Backwater Tour, make sure you keep a day or two aside for shopping only. Yes, now from where and what to shop in Kerala question panicked you, worry not, here below we are listed some of the most popular things that you must purchase.
Top things to buy in Kerala:
1) Spices:
Kerala which is famous for its extensive spice plantations offers you an ample variety of spices. Yes, be it fresh black pepper, cloves, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. the quality and distinctive aromas of these spices is something which you feel without turning on the gas stove. So, if you want to buy these spices, go directly to the spice plantation, where you can’t enjoy a fantastic tour but learned about the farming methods. Despite this, there is an abundance of local shops everywhere that carry these fresh and locally-grown spices.
Also Read: This Summer Move Towards the Verdant Hill Stations of God’s Own Country – Kerala
2) Tea and Coffee:
If your holiday in Kerala has made you addicted to refreshing Kerala’s tea and coffee, then it is time to stock up and take back home. Yes, you can buy tea and coffee from any of the factories which are situated all over the town and be educated with the manufacturing and development method of various tea and coffee varieties. If you think, you can purchase tea only from factories, so wrong, many local shops or certified counters of the tea and coffee estates offer superior quality of tea/coffee to pamper your taste buds.
Last but not least, if you are in and around the tea plantations, then don’t forget to explore its picturesque surroundings!
Also Read: An Incredible Visit to Wonderful Kerala Backwater destinations
3) Handicraft:
Your tour to Kerala is not completed if you don’t purchase some “Handicrafts” from here. Yes, Kerala which is famous for its unique handicraft items are one of the things which you must purchase for your friends or loved ones. So, have a look:
- Coconut and Coir Products: Kerala, the land of coconut, is a perfect place to purchase coconut and coir products. Here you can buy from a range of colorful coir rugs, carpets, mats, coasters to some beautiful coir souvenirs and home decor items.
- Shell Showpieces: Earlier used as a trading currency, cowrie seashells can be dotted everywhere. So from here, you can’t purchase only shell showpieces but jewelry and even shell work clothing are available here.
- Kathakali Mask: You don’t leave Kerala without buying a Kathakali souvenir. Yes, be it a wall hanging mask or a fridge magnet, this is one of most captivating handicraft that no one can miss.
- Nettur Casket/ Chundan Vallam/ Uru Models: Kerala which is universally famous for its snake boat races offers a Chundan Vallam or Urus (model boats) as souvenirs which are a perfect gift for your dear one or decorating your own home.
- Nettipattam: Nettipattam, the decorative ornament used for elephants, can also be used as wall hanging or décor. So don’t forget to buy a tiny version and mount it on your wall at home.
- Nilavilakku: Last but not least Nilavilakku or traditional Malayali oil lamp is one of another popular traditional handicraft of Kerala which is used for home decor.
4) Kasavu Mundu:
Kasavu Mundu, Kerala’s traditional cotton textile with classic zari border is mostly used during ceremonies like temple visits, and weddings. But according to the latest fashion clothing trends, here you can find Kasavu Mundus on different material, handwork and colorful borders. For a good deal, you can visit branded outlets as well as local shops.
Also Read: Most Famous South Indian Temples You Should Not Miss
5) Jewelry:
Kerala which is assumed the best place to purchase antique jewelry (both artificial and gold) is the thing that you don’t forget to buy. It is gold jewelry which reflects traditional Malayalam spirit while on the other artificial jewelry is astonishing in design and pattern.
6) Aroma Oils:
Kerala which boasts for the practices of Ayurveda science, healing spa therapies, beauty treatments, and rejuvenating massages offers a huge range of essential aromatic oils at reasonable rates. Yes, these aromatic oils which are used on various therapeutic treatments have a calming effect on body and mind. So, what are you thinking, take a few for yourself or gift to your friends?
7) Banana Chips and Cashew Nuts:
Kerala is one of the best states to buy Banana Chips locally known as Nenthra-kaya Upperi and Cashew Nuts which is available in all flavors, spicy, salty, colored, coated with chick flour, etc. So buy fresh banana chips and cashews as much as you can carry. If you want to get the experience of how they are actually prepared, you can visit the cashew farms or you can also get a chance to watch on some of the shops. No doubt both are available in abundance at local stalls, especially in and around the town. Yeah, if you want to purchase in bulk, then don’t forget to taste and bargain.
8) Mural Paintings:
Colorful paintings portraying mythological scenes are the symbols of the mural paintings of Kerala. So if you really love some nice piece of arts then must buy these handmade masterpieces which are made by using natural pigments and vegetable colors and showcase the skills and talents of local artisans.
After reading this, I am quite sure that you have already excited and want to explore Kerala as soon as possible. Right, so, without ado, go Kerala and for best Kerala tour packages or a good deal, don’t forget to log on to the website of Erco Travels India’s leading travel agents and enjoy an incredible experience in God’s Own Country.
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