Kochi, Munnar, and Trivandrum are popular tourist spots, and each has its charm when it comes to shopping. Souvenir shops in these cities offer handmade products, local spices, tea, handicrafts, and artworks that make perfect gifts or keepsakes. A trip to Kerala is incomplete without exploring the best souvenir stores that tell the story of the land through their collections.
Souvenir Shops in Kochi
Kochi, a city known for its colonial influence and art, is home to many shops that sell distinctive and traditional items.
- Kairali Handicrafts Emporium
- Government-run shop with a wide range of authentic products.
- Famous for brass lamps, Kathakali masks, and rosewood carvings.
- Prices are fixed and quality is guaranteed.
- Idiappam Art Gallery
- Located in Fort Kochi.
- Offers local art, painted coconut shells, and handmade paper crafts.
- Known for affordable pricing and supporting local artists.
- Cinnamon Boutique
- Offers a mix of fashion, art, and souvenirs.
- Popular among tourists for its curated collection of lifestyle items.
- Sells handwoven textiles and spice boxes.
- Jew Town Antique Market
- One of the most visited places for antiques.
- Offers rare finds such as vintage coins, maps, and wooden sculptures.
- A great place to bargain and explore the Jewish heritage.
- Spices Market, Mattancherry
- Ideal for picking up Kerala spices like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Shops also sell spice gift boxes, which are easy to carry.
Popular Souvenirs in Kochi
| Item | Specialty | Recommended Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Kathakali Masks | Hand-painted and available in many sizes | Kairali Handicrafts |
| Nettipattam (Elephant Caparison) | Traditional decorative forehead ornament | Cinnamon Boutique |
| Spices | Locally grown and aromatic | Spices Market, Mattancherry |
| Mural Paintings | Inspired by temples and mythology | Idiappam Art Gallery |
| Antique Wooden Boxes | Used in temples or as jewelry storage | Jew Town Antique Market |
Souvenir Shops in Munnar
Munnar, known for its tea plantations and cool climate, offers souvenirs that are mostly nature-related and hand-crafted.
- KDHP Tea Museum Shop
- Perfect for tea lovers.
- Offers fresh, aromatic tea directly from the plantation.
- Includes flavored teas like cardamom, lemon, and ginger.
- Mattupetty Handicrafts
- Located near Mattupetty Dam.
- Sells handmade wooden and bamboo artifacts.
- Often includes items made by tribal communities.
- Green Land Spices Supermarket
- Wide variety of high-quality spices, essential oils, and herbs.
- Also sells spice kits as souvenirs.
- Popular among foreign tourists for natural products.
- Rapsy’s Souvenir Shop
- Small but famous among travelers.
- Known for postcards, fridge magnets, and hand-painted bookmarks.
- Friendly staff and budget-friendly items.
- Punarjani Traditional Village Store
- Part of a cultural center.
- Offers Kathakali masks, traditional ornaments, and miniature chendas (drums).
- Items crafted by local artisans and linked to stage shows.
Popular Souvenirs in Munnar
| Item | Specialty | Recommended Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Tea | Freshly packed and plantation-sourced | KDHP Tea Museum Shop |
| Bamboo Handicrafts | Made by local communities | Mattupetty Handicrafts |
| Aromatic Spices | High-grade and attractively packed | Green Land Spices Supermarket |
| Fridge Magnets & Bookmarks | Hand-painted, often featuring tea gardens | Rapsy’s Souvenir Shop |
| Miniature Musical Items | Traditional instruments in small form | Punarjani Traditional Village Store |
Souvenir Shops in Trivandrum
Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, combines tradition and modernity in its souvenir offerings.
- Sarwaa Lifestyle Store
- Sells eco-friendly crafts and sustainable fashion.
- Focus on socially responsible brands.
- Products include handmade notebooks, cotton bags, and coconut shell crafts.
- SMSM Institute
- Run by the government to promote local crafts.
- Offers Kathakali figurines, banana fiber crafts, and mural paintings.
- Known for authentic and reasonably priced items.
- Napier Museum Gift Shop
- Located inside the museum campus.
- Offers historical replica items, small artifacts, and educational souvenirs.
- Great for history and culture lovers.
- Spice Bazaar, Chalai Market
- Famous for authentic Kerala spice bundles.
- Shops also sell dried fruits, tea, and Ayurveda powders.
- Prices are negotiable, and the variety is large.
- Earthy Gifts
- Boutique shop with handmade soaps, candles, and natural oils.
- All products are chemical-free and locally made.
- Known for elegant packaging and excellent fragrance.
Popular Souvenirs in Trivandrum
| Item | Specialty | Recommended Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Fiber Crafts | Eco-friendly and unique designs | SMSM Institute |
| Ayurvedic Oils & Soaps | Natural and traditional formulations | Earthy Gifts |
| Coconut Shell Crafts | Polished, carved, and functional | Sarwaa Lifestyle Store |
| Spices and Dried Fruits | Sourced directly from local farms | Spice Bazaar, Chalai Market |
| Cultural Miniatures | Reflect Kerala’s heritage and mythology | Napier Museum Gift Shop |
Things to Consider While Buying Souvenirs
- Authenticity: Prefer government-run or well-known shops for guaranteed original products.
- Packaging: Look for travel-friendly and sealed items, especially in case of tea or spices.
- Support Local Artisans: Buying from local shops helps preserve traditional art and provides a livelihood to artisans.
- Pricing: Fixed-price shops avoid haggling, but local markets offer chances to bargain.
- Transportation: Avoid heavy or fragile items if you’re flying back with limited baggage space.
Key Takeaways
Souvenir shopping in Kochi, Munnar, and Trivandrum offers more than just buying gifts—it brings you closer to Kerala’s culture and craftsmanship. Each city has its unique charm and specialties, from aromatic spices and fresh tea to vibrant handicrafts and eco-friendly products. Taking home a piece of Kerala in the form of a thoughtfully chosen souvenir keeps your travel memories alive and supports the local communities who put their heart into every item.