Retail Delights: A Shopper’s Guide to Must-Have Items in South India

South India is a beautiful part of India, with distinct identities and traits found in each state. It is possible that in South India you will have a satisfying experience when shopping. Shopping choices are abundant in South India. Although handwoven silk is the South’s area of expertise, an extensive selection of other products can be purchased there as well. South India is an appealing option for travelers who are interested in acquiring handmade goods such as coir goods, stone and wood carvings, and handcrafted jewelry, particularly gold or bronze pieces. If you travel to South India, sarees made of silk are an absolute must-accessory. Thus, here’s a shopper’s guide to must-have items in South India for when you book flight tickets to India from Vancouver.

1. Kanchipuram Sari (Silk)

• Where to Buy: Kanchipuram district and surrounding Tamil Nadu textile stores
• Price Range: INR 6,000 to INR 40,000 or more on average
• Type of Souvenir: Textile

The silk products from Kanchipuram are produced by a small, locally-owned loom company. These textiles are renowned for their grace, elegance, design, and fine detailing. Approximately 5,000 families in Kanchipuram rely on this weaving technique for their income. When it comes to weddings and other significant occasions, state women desire to wear this silk. Kanchipuram silks are typically inherited by the female children of the family.

2. Artifacts of Mahabalipuram

• Purchase Location: Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram
• Average Price: INR 200 to 10,000 or more
• Type of Souvenir: Statues and Home Décor Items are one type of souvenir.

Mahabalipuram is a well-liked worldwide tourist destination that is well-known for its variety of statues, antiques, and rock-cut structures. Little and imitation relics are sold in stores all over the place. There is a large selection of statues and home décor items available, ranging from deities to simple animal structures. From a small key chain to a massive decorative figure, the stores are brimming with every artist’s creation.

3. Tanjore Painting

• Where to Buy in Tanjore District (Thanjavur)
• Average Cost: between 2,500 and 30,000 INR
• Type of Souvenir: Paintings as a Form of Souvenirs

Tanjore paintings combine glass, gold leaf, and precious and semi-precious stones to depict classic mythological figures. The painting’s vivid color and shiny gold leaf finish give it a stunning appearance. These are outstanding illustrations of regional art. The elegance of this 16th-century painting style elevates the décor of your home. In addition, you can browse Tripbeam, the best travel website to book cheap flight tickets to India from Canada.

4. Nettoor Casket

• Purchase Location: Nettoor
• Cost: INR 200 to INR 30,000 or more on average
• Sort of Memorabilia: wooden product, home décor item, or artifact

The Malabar box is another name for this wooden casket. These elaborate wooden boxes were once used as safes by monarchs to keep riches. You can find the updated vintage models, which are very substantial and heavy, or the more compact, lighter models made of modern materials. The cost of the casket depends on the material selected. Most souvenirs from this genre are made from jackfruit wood. There are genuine versions available with teak wood, mahogany, and other materials.

5. Spices

• Where To Buy: Kerala’s Plantation Regions
• Average Price: Vary Depending on the Spice Type
• Type of Souvenir: An Edible Souvenir

Kerala is a state with several plantations and a bountiful crop of condiments and spices. This explains why European countries were interested in India’s wealth. All countries that tried to take over India used the Keralan coast as a route, attracted by the plentiful supply of spices. The best spices to purchase here are cumin, cloves, cardamom, and pepper. Both fresh and dried varieties of these spices are available. You can purchase in bulk or sachets.

6. Aranmula Kannadi

• Where to Buy: Aranmula or other prominent Keralan shopping areas
• Cost range: INR 2000 to INR 12,000 or more on average
• Sort of Memorabilia: Mirrors and Home Accent Pieces

The manufacturer constructed this mirror from a proprietary metal alloy mix, not from glass like typical mirrors. The family that makes this mirror has maintained ownership of the metal alloy composition for many generations. The labor-intensive manufacturing process used to make this mirror explains its high cost. The exquisite and intricate mirror frame reflects the local way of life. Buying from family workshops is a better option than shopping at chain retailers. Also, make sure to visit Tripbeam.com to grab the cheapest flights to India from USA.

7. Coconut Shell Handicraft

• Where to Buy: Kerala’s Coastal Regions
• Cost: INR 20 to INR 500 on average
• Type of Memorabilia: Cutlery, Décor, And Other Items

Kerala has an abundance of coconut trees. Artists utilize coconut shells to manufacture goods and make utensils. They polish the shells before intricately carving them with forms and patterns. There are useful bowls, ladles, and cups available as well as basic home décor items. The greatest quality of these coconut shells is that they are environmentally friendly. If you want something more luxurious, think about buying shell products with metal overlays.

Wrapping Up

Thus, next time you travel to South India, look over the list provided above and don’t forget to bring home some unique mementos. Purchase goods and services from local vendors to get the greatest price and to help small businesses in your community. Additionally, Tripbeam is a centralized location for all your travel needs, so if you’re looking for cheap flights from Kelowna to India, go no further.

Also Read: South India Visit: A Fusion of Culture, Tradition, and Nature!