Shopping for mementos and gifts

Wooden handicrafts, spice packets, cashew nuts..these often form part of the mandatory shopping list of those visiting Kerala, on their way back. We suggest a few others that carry the authentic Kerala stamp on them.

Gold laced Kerala cotton handloom fabric - elegant, light wear to charm you

Kasavu Mundu and Kasavu Neryathu , are extremely light pure cotton handlooms edged with golden thread. The golden edging is sometimes touched with contrasting bright colours. They are worn as traditional saris or used as dress material. You may buy couple of these to be worn in the traditional Kerala manner to stun friends at a party or even interesting would be the option of getting a skirt, wrap around or top made out of it. This simple, elegant off-white-gold cloth carries a special charm that will add radiance to your complexion.

 




Aranmula Kannadi - world's only metal mirrors

If you want to procure a piece of peer-less exotica, here is it - world's only mirror that is made of metal. Centuries ago native craftsmen invented a mirror made of metal (bronze) and has kept the secret formula to themselves. So only a handful of families staying in Aranmula in Kerala (Pathanamthitta district) specialize in making the world famous cast metal mirrors with handles, known as the Aranmula Kannadi .

Gold jewellery of Kerala - yellow metal at its designer best

If you have a weakness for gold jewelry, or have near and dear ones who would love it as a gift, Kerala is the ultimate destination for superior quality gold jewellery, probably next only to Dubai . Keralite's love for gold has spawned numerous gold jewelry shops that would offer you variety of jewelry designs with quality assurance (approved by world gold council, at any of the larger outlets).

The popular traditional ornaments are Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram (ring), gold necklaces like Manonmani, Ilakkathali, Poothali, Palaykkamala, Mangamala, Dalamini, Chuttiyum Chelum and Puliyamothiram. Ear studs like Jimikki, Kannuneerthulli, Thoda etc; Bangles like Kappu, stones, pearl and enamel painted bracelets etc.

Even if your travel and shopping budget do not permit you to binge on expensive gold jewelry, we suggest that you visit one of the larger jewelry shops (Bhima, Alukkas etc) in main cities to marvel at the sheer variety of designs on offer.

 

Kerala's fruits and vegetable fries - munch on !!

Amongst Kerala's anytime snacks are crisp, salty fries made of unripe bananas (the particular variety grows only in Kerala), jack fruits, tapioca and potatoes. Cut into thin slices and deep fried in vegetable oil (mostly coconut oil) and flavoured with salt, these are crispy and tasty snacks that you can take back to give your friends and family a taste of Kerala. They stay fresh for up to two weeks-month, kept in air-tight dry conditions.