The beauty of Kerala does not stop at its stunning natural attractions, delicious cuisine, or fascinating history. Kerala’s powerful and ancient tradition of craftsmanship and art is also the reason this state is popular among shopaholics and art collectors. Its unique jewelry, artifacts with intricate carvings, antiques, cloth, spices, tea, and various forms of handicrafts are some of the best things to buy in Kerala.
These make perfect souvenirs and gifts for family and friends! From vivid Kathakali masks to artsy coconut shell carvings, Kerala has the most amazing handicrafts that you’ll always cherish! It is said that the artisans of Kerala are descended from Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, and it’s not hard to see why!
Best Things To Buy In Kerala – Top 18 Finds
Souvenirs are more than mere objects. Travelers coming from various parts of the world leave Kerala with memories & the most exotic Kerala souvenirs to cherish those memories and experiences forever. They are tangible representations of beautiful moments and they enable one to relive, cherish, and share special memories with loved ones.
An experience as enriching as a holiday in Kerala is bound to leave visitors with fond memories, giving souvenirs of Kerala exceptionally high emotive value. Kerala has so many traditional, practical, and beautiful articles to choose from that you’ll be spoiled for choice.
For inspiration on the most unique souvenirs crafted by Kerala’s talented artisans, please scroll down and see our top suggestions!
1. Kasavu sarees
Out of the best things to buy in Kerala, these traditional white and gold sarees worn by Kerala women during festive occasions are a great find! They are meticulously handwoven from the finest cotton and have a gold border (Kasavu). The color of the blouse is traditionally determined by the age and marital status of the woman in question. Green is for young, unmarried women, and red is for middle-aged married mothers. This beautiful garment makes for a stylish and exotic gift, but they are worn in precise ways! For a demonstration of how to wear a Kerala saree, have a look at the video below.
The cost of a Kasavu Saree can vary from INR 800/- to INR 1 lakh depending on the width of the saree, the material of the Kasavu, and the store/emporium you’re purchasing it from.
Where to buy Kasavu saree in Kerala: Any good textile shop, saree emporiums in Kochi and Trivandrum, government-run Kerala Tourism outlets offering handicrafts and traditional items at subsidized rates
ALSO SEE – Shopping in Kochi- A guide on where to buy
2. Aranmula Kannadi (local rare mirrors)
Produced solely in the Keralite village of Aranmula following a centuries-old secret formula passed down through generations, the Aranmula Kannadi (or Aranmula Mirror) is an intriguing local artifact and one of the best things to buy in Kerala. They are made from a special alloy of metals known only to the families making them and are known for the brilliant quality of their reflection.
There is no glass in the Aranmula Kannadi. It’s the metal alloy on the front that produces a near-perfect reflection and shine, eliminating all secondary reflections and aberrations typical of black surface mirrors. The most popular Aranmula model is the Sree Padmanabha mirror, which was initially a symbol of the Travancore dynasty. It is still associated with tremendous prosperity and power to this day.
Prices start around INR 2,500/-, but we highly recommend purchasing this mirror from the original family-run workshop in Aranmula itself (or the official state-run website). This won’t just guarantee that you get a genuine and excellent quality product, but will also provide a livelihood to the village of Aranmula and help keep this art alive.
Where to buy Aranmula Mirrors in Kerala: Aranmula town, official website of Aranmula Kannadi run by the Kerala government
3. Nettur petti (caskets)
Born in the Nettur region of Kerala’s Kannur district, this distinctive style of jewelry box is now considered a discerning collector’s item. Nettur Petti, or Nettur caskets, are entirely handcrafted from rosewood or country wood with bright, intricate patterns. Even the nails and hinges are handcrafted! Prices for these unique items start from around INR 400, and they can be found in handicraft showrooms throughout Kerala.
Where to buy Nettur Petti in Kerala: Local markets, flea markets, and bazaars in Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Thekkady; handicrafts shops and emporiums
4. Coir products
Coir is extracted from the fibrous outer shell of coconuts, which grow in abundance across Kerala. The fibers are then graded according to the method of extraction, their color, purity, and length, and then used in the creation of a wide range of products, including the very popular coir mats which are one of the most useful things to buy in Kerala.
A well-made coir mat can cost around INR 300. In addition to mats, you can also buy other coir-based items like rope, rugs, besoms and brushes, wall hangings, carpets, and pail lasses. All these items can be purchased at the Kerala State Cooperative Coir Marketing Federation (Coirfed) showrooms across the state and online through their official website.
Where to buy coir products in Kerala: Coirfed showrooms and online Coirfed website, Connemara Market in Trivandrum, handicraft emporiums, street markets in Kochi, the annual Coir Kerala Fair in Alleppey and Kumarakom, Coconut Product Impex outlet and Techno Exports in Alleppey, Theertham Natural Coconut & Coir Products in Palakkad
5. Elephant figurines
Elephants are proudly featured on the emblem of the State of Kerala and are the symbol of loyalty, power, wisdom, and fertility. Moreover, most Hindu temples across Kerala shelter this sacred animal donated by devotees to have them worshipped during festivals and auspicious rituals in Kerala. Guruvayur Temple has its own Elephant Palace to house over 60 elephants that call it home!
Elephants are also central to many local festivals in Kerala. They carry idols and deities of Gods and Goddesses through the streets of the town in celebratory processions. Fully decorated, elephants shimmer in gold-plated nettipattams, bells, and necklaces during the popular Kerala festival of Thrissur Pooram in Thrissur.
Many shops and handicraft emporiums across Kerala sell miniature versions of these elephants decked up in colors, caparisons, and traditional umbrellas, as they make for amazing souvenirs and decorative items for homes and for gifting on auspicious occasions. These intricately carved wooden figurines of elephants represent the festive spirit of Kerala and these creatures’ jovial natures. It is a truly eye-catching item to add to your collection!
Where to buy elephant figurines in Kerala: Trivandrum craft emporiums, Thrissur local markets, street markets in Thiruvankulam in the Ernakulam district, handicraft emporiums in Kochi and Trivandrum
6. Nettipattam (traditional caparisons)
A central figure in Kerala’s cultural and religious celebrations, elephants are revered and adored. These majestic creatures take center stage in temple festivals around Kerala and are cared for and worshipped with utter dedication. The nettipattam is essentially a traditional caparison that elephants wear over their foreheads as they parade down the streets of Kerala during Thrissur Pooram is traditionally created by a clan of artisans in about 20 days.
These artisans use at least 3.5 kg of copper and 24 gm of gold for even the simplest nettipattam, making these shimmering adornments a stunning sight to behold!
Where to buy nettipattam in Kerala: Trivandrum craft emporiums, local markets in Thrissur and Thiruvankulam (Ernakulam), handicraft emporiums in Kochi and Trivandrum
7. Nilavilakku (traditional oil lamps)
Another crucial element in Kerala’s religious landscape is its oil lamps, or the Nilavilakku. These are brought to the home’s verandah and lit at dusk and dawn by the young girls of the household. Lighting the oil lamp is considered to be auspicious, and this ritual often precedes an artistic performance or celebration. It’s one of the most famous things to buy in Kerala.
Thrissur’s Kuruppam Road is an excellent place to look for oil lamps, from the Arathy Deepa (prayer lamp) to the Mile Vilakku (peacock lamp) or the Deepasthambham (the tower of lights in a temple). Prices depend on size and function and can range from INR 80/- to INR 50,000/- or more!
Where to buy Nilavilakku in Kerala: Retail outlets, government-run handicraft stores, shops selling household religious items
8. Kathakali masks
The art of Kathakali has become an icon of Malayalam culture, and the traditional make-up worn by the performers is immediately recognizable. This make-up is faithfully reproduced in the artisanal masks crafted from fibers and artificial stone which lovingly emulate the Kathakali characters portrayed by the actors.
These masks, which make a beautiful cultural Kerala souvenir, are available in different forms like actual mask replicas, wall hangings, door hangings, keychains, fridge magnets, and little souvenirs. They can be purchased in Kerala handicraft showrooms throughout the state, especially in Kochi.
Where to buy Kathakali masks in Kerala: Kairali Arts & Crafts in Trivandrum, BM Handicrafts in Ernakulam, handicraft stores and emporiums in Kochi, Trivandrum, Thekkady, and Thrissur
8. Pepper, cardamom & other spices
Black pepper is one of the most used spices in the world. It was even referred to as ‘black gold’ by the traders of the Roman Empire! Bring home a fragrant and flavourful blend of black pepper and cardamom to spice up your cooking or simply create a wonderfully exotic scent throughout your space.
As far as spices go, the most popular and readily available around Kerala are ginger, turmeric, star anise, Cambodge (Malabar tamarind), cloves, and cinnamon. These spices of Kerala are sure to make daily culinary delights more aromatic, flavourful, and delicious! You can’t leave Kerala without buying these!
Where to buy spices in Kerala: Connemara Market in Trivandrum, certified Spices Board outlets across Kerala like Flavourit in Kochi, Spices Board’s Spice Park sales counter in Puttady, local markets and night bazaars in Kochi and Trivandrum, local food outlets and stores
9. Chundan Vallam (snake boat models)
Boat races are an ancient and deeply ingrained tradition in Kerala. There are even recorded instances of disputes between kings and chiefs being resolved by a boat race! Amongst the many types of boats that ply Kerala’s oceans and backwaters, the grandest of all is the Chundan Vallams or snake boats, the famed boats used in the popular Snake Boat Races of Kerala annually.
Carved figurines of snake boats, or Urus, are highly evocative of the intimate relationship between the people of Kerala and its backwaters that are the very soul and rhythm of their lives. Snake boat and houseboat models are some of the most famous things to buy in Kerala, representing Kerala handicrafts at its finest! Besides, imagine how adorable and stylish a collection of detailed miniature snake boats will look on your living room’s mantelpiece, right?
Where to buy snake boat models in Kerala: Local street markets and flea markets in Kochi and Alleppey, craft emporiums in Alleppey and Kumarakom, retail and government-run handicraft outlets in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Thrissur
10. Pulpaya (straw mats)
These traditional straw mats are one of the oldest handwoven products in Kerala. They are even mentioned in the Atharva Veda, one of the four philosophical treatises on ancient India which dates back to 3,500-1,800 BC. Their characteristic smooth texture and red and black design make them a distinctive, practical, and beautiful gift or Kerala souvenir.
These mats are woven out of Korappullu, the long grass of the Papyrus family, and dyed in several vibrant colors. They were traditionally used by the elites for sitting or sleeping, depending on their size, while the rest of the people made do with wooden planks. They are a great household item to buy in Kerala as these mats tend to be cool and perfect for use in the hot and humid summer in India.
Where to buy pulpaya in Kerala: Handicraft showrooms and emporiums in Kochi and Trivandrum, local outlets and street bazaars in Palakkad and Thrissur, Kamala Coir Mats in Mannancherry, Kareefa Mat Store in Kozhikode, Killimangalam Pulpaaya Neythu Co-operative Society website or offline store in Killimangalam (Thrissur)
11. Coconut shell handicrafts
Coconut palms grow in droves throughout Kerala, but more than just being a scenic bonus, coconuts are used in their entirety in Kerala for various purposes like food and making handicrafts. While the kernel and water are usually eaten or imbibed, the husk, or shell, is used in the creation of beautiful works of art.
Coconut shells are skillfully carved into anything from cups to bowls, flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar basins, and a range of toys. Coconut shells are also often combined with brass bindings to manufacture hookahs and large vessels.
Brass-embroidered coconut shell products are native to Kerala and have a little extra glamor and shine, while raw articles feel more rustic and rugged. Either way, you’ll surely understand why they are considered some of the best things to buy in Kerala once you take a look at these beautiful representations of Kerala’s rich natural beauty and merry traditions!
Where to buy coconut shell handicrafts in Kerala: MG Road in Kochi, markets in Palakkad and Alleppey, handicraft stores and emporiums in Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Alleppey
12. Temple paintings and mural art
Murals are pieces of artwork painted directly onto a permanent surface, incorporating the architectural elements of the support seamlessly into their design. Kerala’s historical temple murals are amongst the finest in the world, and depict ancient folklore and tales of epics and Indian mythologies like Ramayana and Mahabharata!
Authentic Kerala mural paintings are distinctive, bright, and highly technical works of fine art. Most of those that remain today were produced between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, although some date back to the eighth century! The oldest ones can be found in Thiruvananthapuram.
To let you take a piece of this intriguing and colorful side of Kerala home, many temple paintings are reproduced on canvas and paper using rich pigments, gum, and fine brushes, all derived from plants and natural minerals. So, you can forever keep with you your own piece of Keralan tradition and mythology in the form of one of the best things in Kerala to buy!
Where to buy mural paintings of Kerala temples: Craft centers in Kochi and Trivandrum, Kovalam Beach market, Anokhi Contemporary Crafted Textiles outlet in Kochi, Tribes India outlet Kochi
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala (with Map)
12. Banana chips
Banana chips are a staple of the Kerala food scene. Whether you’re snacking on the go or enjoying a lavish wedding feast, you’ll end up loving these crunchy delicacies. Made with either ripe or unripe plantains, the sliced fruits are fried in coconut oil before being enjoyed plain, coated with spices, or with jaggery. All these variations are usually served in the traditional meal known as Onam Sadya, apart from being eaten during weddings and festivals.
This famous snack food has been passed down generations, so much so that every grandmother in Kerala is considered the sole banana-chip chef by their family! She would lovingly peel and slice the fruit, heat the oil in an iron wok, and watch the slices turn golden as they fried!
Today, the process is more industrialized. Banana chips are produced on a large scale for consumption throughout Kerala, and they’re slowly gaining traction in the rest of the world as well. Out of other Keralan food items, banana chips have become the most popular in India, and are consumed as joyously in the north as they are in the south! This healthy alternative to traditional potato chips is one of the best things to buy in Kerala as it makes for the perfect way to introduce friends and family to the magic of Keralan cooking traditions.
Where to buy banana chips in Kerala: Local grocery stores, markets, streetside stalls, malls, and supermarkets across Kerala
13. Ramacham Vishari (hand-held fans)
No matter when you time your visit, Kerala is likely to be a lot warmer than you’re used to! The hot, humid summers often surprise visitors with their intensity. Luckily, there is a time-tested, age-old, and straightforward solution that is widely used among locals – the Ramacham Vishari. These simple hand-held fans are made from the roots of Ramacham, or Vettiveria, a herb whose grass and roots are commonly used in making medicines, cosmetics, and drinks.
As strange as a medical fan sounds, these little trinkets are a life-saver in the scorching heat of Kerala and elsewhere. And the best part – they also make great souvenirs!
When water is sprinkled over the fan, the breeze created by the fanning motion is fresh and fragrant. Some fans even come with a little motor, running the fan automatically. However, it’s the simple hand-held versions that have been used in Kerala for centuries and are a more authentic symbol of this interesting tradition, not the motorized ones. It uniquely combines beauty, tradition, and practicality!
Where to buy Ramacham Vishari in Kerala: Handicraft emporiums in Kochi, Thrissur, Alleppey and Trivandrum
14. Bronze ware
Bronze, or Odu, has traditionally played an essential role in domestic Malayalam households. Used to make anything from everyday kitchenware to ceremonial vessels and wick lamps, every home across the state possesses this metal. Bronze has always been the primary metal used to make articles for auspicious occasions like prayer rituals, inaugural ceremonies, weddings, and festivals. They are among the best things to buy in Kerala for your home or for gifting to friends and family on auspicious occasions.
Various kinds of such bronze articles are made in Kerala and spark the interest of travelers from far and wide owing to their authenticity, shine, and shapes – the Valkannadi or Aranmula Kannadi, a mirror representing Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; the Kindi, a water container with a spouting nozzle; the Uruli, a broad and shallow cooking vessel; and the beautifully crafted Vengala Thattu, bronze plates; the Nilavilakku, traditional oil lamps – are all articles used for ceremonial purposes.
Where to buy bronze articles in Kerala: Outlets of local artisans in Payyannur and Kunhimangalam (Kannur), Irinjalakuda (Thrissur) and Pallippuram (Palakkad), Shrishti Welfare Centre as well as Mattupetty Dam Market in Munnar, Shilpakala Handicrafts in Kochi
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Traditional Kerala Dance Forms That Will Enchant You!
15. Sandalwood figurines
Sandalwood is beloved by sculptors throughout Kerala, favored for its warm golden color and long-lasting fragrance.
A range of figurines and items made of sandalwood is available for you to buy in Kerala before you leave. Choose between religious idols of deities like Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, or popular souvenirs like snake boats, elephants, and other animals. Other popular articles include ashtrays, boxes, candle stands, wooden toys, and figurines of Kathakali dance postures among others!
Sandalwood retains its fragrance for years permeating the whole room with its exotic scent, and when it starts to fade, you can merely sprinkle it with water to renew it.
Where to buy sandalwood figurines in Kerala: Thapasyaa Handicrafts in Kollam, MG Road in Kochi, Kairali Arts & Crafts as well as Govt Handicraft Emporium in Trivandrum, Traditional Art & Crafts in Guruvayur
16. Tea & Coffee
Whether you’re a chai lover or a coffee addict, you’ll find that Kerala is heaven for both! From the rolling tea estates of the lush Nilgiri mountains to the aromatic coffee plantations of the dense Malabar region, both tea and coffee grow in abundance in Kerala in the most enchanting landscapes!
Rich in flavor, aroma, and color, you’ll find only the best version of your favorite beverage in God’s Own Country, which is why both tea and coffee are the best things to buy in Kerala. You can ride off to the misty mountains of Munnar, Vagamon, or Kolukkumalai to roam around in resplendent green tea estates and enjoy a hot cuppa. Or you can gallivant away to the hills of Wayanad, Idukki, or Nenmara to pluck plump coffee beans and watch how they turn into a mugful of flavourful Kaapi!
Wherever you choose to go, you end up having the most enriching experience of exploring Kerala’s fertile terrain and dramatic landscapes in addition to bagging the famous Nilgiri Tea and the delicious Malabar Monsoon Coffee, all fresh and locally grown!
Where to buy tea in Kerala: Local tea shops, grocery stores, certified tea estate outlets (Munnar, Vagamon, Wayanad, and Kolukkumalai), State Tea Board outlets in Munnar, Wayanad, Kochi, and Idukki
Where to buy coffee in Kerala: Local coffee shops, grocery stores, certified coffee plantation outlets (Nenmara, Gavi, Wayanad, Idukki, and Peermade), Coffee Board of India outlets in Kochi, Vandiperiyar, Idukki, Palakkad
17. Essential oils
Kerala, the home of Ayurveda, produces the purest forms of essential oils, aromas, and essences in India. Aroma and essential oils made in Kerala are used in a variety of industries and serve multiple purposes like treatment of skin infections, migraine, joint and back pain, stress, and fatigue. It can help treat several health conditions like asthma and arthritis.
Aroma oils in Kerala are used to make beauty and skincare products as well. Women use aroma oils with the scents of lavender, sunflower, eucalyptus, jasmine, orange, sandalwood, and lemongrass in their day-to-day lives by either adding a drop or two to moisturizers or applying them directly on the face/neck/wrists for a natural fragrance! These are also used for making aroma diffusers for homes and offices.
Ayurvedic healers also use essential oils for Aromatherapy during Spa and massage sessions. There is an endless list of benefits of naturally produced essential oils which make them a great product to buy in Kerala and take home with you! Just make sure you buy them from a certified outlet where the staff is experienced in Ayurveda and can suggest the best options as per your requirements.
Where to buy essential oils in Kerala: Ashwas in Kochi, Ahsan Enterprises in Varkala, The Kerala Store website (Kollam-based), certified Spices Board outlets in Kochi (Flavourit), Kumily, Thekkady, and Varkala
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Holistic Ayurveda Resorts In Kerala For Every Budget
18. Jewelry
Studded with colorful gems, Malayalam jewelry is known for its fine detailing, eye-catching designs, and lustrous finish! If you’re visiting Kerala with your better half, sister, or mother, a stunning piece (or two) of Kerala’s fascinating jewelry would be among the best things to buy in Kerala for them!
Jewelry made in the true Malayali style has some of the most intricate designs and is often embellished with different precious and semi-precious gems or even pearls. These hold immense value in Kerala and women wear them on numerous occasions like weddings, festivals, and temple prayers, and in dance performances like Mohiniyattam. Kerala jewelry can be bought at several certified gold and artificial jewelry shops across the state!
You can buy ornaments ranging from Manonmani (typical gold necklace), Elakkathali (heavy gold choker necklace), Palakka Mala (necklace studded with precious stones and pearls), Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram (auspicious gold ring with a knot carved onto it), Jimikki (gem-studded gold earrings), and Kappu (stone-studded or enamel-painted gold bracelets) to name a few.
Where to buy jewelry in Kerala: Jewelry shops on MG Road in Kochi, Francis Alukkas in Kannur, Kerala Jewellers in Trivandrum, jewelry shops in Ernakulam like Kalyan and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, jewelry shops in Thrissur like Thekkekara, TT Devassy, and Bhima
A holiday in God’s Own Country is bound to be one to cherish and remember. So what could be better than bagging some of the best things to buy in Kerala and bringing them home? With so many Kerala handicrafts to choose from, we bet you’d be spoiled for choice! Thankfully, most of Kerala’s most famous artifacts and goods don’t burn a hole in the pocket, so you can load as much of this state’s sun, sea, backwaters, palms, and banana leaves as you want to adorn your homes and lives with!
