Kerala’s backwaters offer more than just scenic views and boat rides. This region, rich in culture and craftsmanship, is also a treasure trove of unique souvenirs. Tourists visiting Alleppey, Kumarakom, or Kollam can explore a wide range of markets and local shops that reflect Kerala’s traditional art, spice trade, and textile heritage. Souvenirs bought here are not just items, but stories wrapped in fabric, spices, wood, and metal.
Popular Shopping Destinations Near Kerala’s Backwaters
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
- Alleppey Beach Market
- Popular for traditional handicrafts and shell-based items.
- Small stalls run by local artisans.
- Prices are affordable and negotiable.
- Floating Triveni Supermarket
- Government-run floating shop on a boat.
- Offers daily essentials along with local spices and packaged coconut oil.
- Unique experience to shop while sailing.
- Mullakkal Street Market
- Traditional Kerala cotton sarees, wooden idols, and Ayurvedic products.
- The best place to explore Alleppey’s local flavor.
Kumarakom
- Kumarakom Craft Museum Shop
- Showcases local crafts and antiques.
- Authentic Kathakali masks, bronze lamps, and mural paintings.
- Slightly premium prices for quality and authenticity.
- Local Lakefront Stalls
- Handcrafted souvenirs such as coir mats, mini houseboats, and spice kits.
- Ideal for quick and low-budget shopping.
Kollam (Quilon)
- Chinnakada Market
- Central shopping hub with a mix of traditional and modern goods.
- Banana chips, cashews, and handloom fabrics are famous here.
- Ashramam Ground Shops
- Pop-up stalls near the lake and parks.
- Affordable souvenirs like coconut shell crafts and wooden jewelry.
Top Souvenirs to Buy
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Coir Products | Mats, rugs, bags, and wall hangings made from coconut fiber. Eco-friendly and handmade. |
| Spices | Cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg are locally sourced and aromatic. Often packed in handmade pouches. |
| Handloom Sarees | Kasavu sarees with golden borders, woven by local weavers. Represents Kerala’s textile tradition. |
| Kathakali Masks | Colorful masks representing characters from the Kathakali dance drama. Often hand-painted on wood or papier-mâché. |
| Coconut Shell Crafts | Lamps, cups, and jewelry made from polished coconut shells. Strong local identity. |
| Miniature Houseboats | Small models of traditional kettuvallams (houseboats). Great as decorative pieces. |
| Banana Chips | Locally fried in coconut oil. Available in plain or spicy versions. Packed for travel. |
| Ayurvedic Products | Herbal soaps, oils, balms, and creams. Sourced from local Ayurvedic pharmacies. |
Local Handicraft Centers
| Center Name | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village | Iringal, Kozhikode (near the backwaters of North Kerala) | Government-supported hub for craftsmen across Kerala. Demonstrations available. |
| Coir Board Showroom | Alleppey | Coir products range from mats to furniture. Authentic government-approved items. |
| Vikas Handicrafts | Kumarakom | Tribal and traditional artifacts, wooden toys, and mural art. Known for fair trade practices. |
| Kollam Cashew Market Cooperative | Kollam | Cashew products, sweets, and snacks are sourced from local factories. |
Tips for Shopping
- Always ask for authenticity: Handicrafts and textiles should have tags or signs of local production. Avoid mass-produced lookalikes.
- Negotiate prices: Bargaining is acceptable, especially in street markets. Fixed-price stores are also available.
- Check packaging for food items: Spices and snacks should be sealed and labeled with dates.
- Support government-run stores: Items here are fairly priced, and quality is assured.
- Travel light: Most souvenirs are compact, but larger items like framed paintings or wooden crafts may need careful packing.
Unique Finds That Tourists Often Miss
| Item | Where to Find | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Aranmula Kannadi (Metal Mirror) | Rare shops in backwater-linked towns | Made with a secret metal alloy. Symbol of tradition and status. |
| Mural Paintings | Kumarakom & Alleppey galleries | Inspired by temple art. Created with natural pigments. |
| Toddy Bottles (Empty Decor) | Local toddy shops or souvenir stalls | Decorated versions of traditional palm wine containers. |
| Herbal Tooth Powder and Kajal | Ayurvedic stores near tourist hubs | Natural, chemical-free cosmetic and hygiene products. |
| Banana Fiber Books | Eco-craft stalls in Alleppey | Journals and bookmarks made from processed banana fiber. |
Why Backwater Shopping Is Unique
- Connection with Culture: Products reflect the daily life and artistry of local communities.
- Natural Aesthetics: Use of eco-friendly materials like coir, coconut shell, and banana fiber.
- Artisanal Knowledge: Passed down generations, visible in items like metal mirrors and mural art.
- Fusion of Utility and Art: Many items, like bags, mats, and oils, are both decorative and useful.
- Experience-Driven Shopping: Buying from floating shops or village craft centers adds to the travel story.
Closing Reflections
Shopping near Kerala’s backwaters is not just a task. It is a cultural journey. Markets here are filled with handcrafted beauty, stories of tradition, and flavors of the region. Tourists can return home not only with unique souvenirs but with a piece of Kerala’s heart and heritage. Choosing the right market, understanding the product’s origin, and supporting local artisans make the experience both memorable and meaningful.