Kerala offers some of the best spots for purchasing authentic spices and unique handicrafts. These markets and stores reflect the soul of Kerala, where tradition meets craftsmanship. This guide lists the top 5 places to buy genuine spices and handmade goods in Kerala, ensuring quality and cultural value.
1. Broadway Market, Kochi
One of the oldest commercial streets in Kochi, Broadway Market is a bustling center filled with local spice traders and handicraft sellers.
- Location: Kochi (Ernakulam)
- Famous For: Wholesale spices, coir products, wooden crafts
- Why Visit: Traditional shops and competitive prices attract both locals and tourists
Specialties Available
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Black Pepper | Sun-dried and freshly ground, sold in bulk and small packs |
| Cardamom | Green pods are directly sourced from nearby Idukki plantations |
| Wooden Toys | Handcrafted using traditional Kerala wood carving techniques |
| Coir Mats | Made from coconut husk fibers, durable and eco-friendly |
- Tip: Morning hours are best for fresh stock and fewer crowds.
2. Spice Market, Mattancherry
Located near the famous Jew Town in Kochi, Mattancherry Spice Market is a historic trading point.
- Location: Mattancherry, Kochi
- Famous For: Aromatic spices, antique shops, handcrafted collectibles
- Why Visit: Historical charm mixed with fragrant alleys of spice-filled air
Specialties Available
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Nutmeg & Mace | Sourced from local farms; sold whole or ground |
| Cinnamon Sticks | Real cinnamon bark, not cassia, offered in tightly rolled sticks |
| Traditional Lamps | Brass and bronze pieces, perfect for souvenirs or temple decor |
| Kerala Mural Paintings | Hand-painted using natural dyes on cloth and canvas |
- Tip: Bargaining is common; buy from multiple shops to compare quality.
3. Connemara Market, Thiruvananthapuram
A well-known market since British times, Connemara Market (also called Palayam Market) is a one-stop shop for spices, groceries, and crafts.
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram
- Famous For: Fresh produce, Kerala snacks, handicrafts, and spice oils
- Why Visit: Authenticity and variety in a traditional setup
Specialties Available
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Turmeric Roots | Naturally dried, ground on request |
| Banana Chips | Handmade using local varieties like Nendran |
| Screw Pine Crafts | Bags, mats, and table runners made from screw pine leaves |
| Herbal Oils | Ayurvedic preparations like Dhanwantharam Thailam |
- Tip: Local artisans display their crafts during weekends.
4. Thekkady Spice Plantations
Located in the high ranges, Thekkady is known for its lush spice plantations that offer guided tours and direct sales.
- Location: Thekkady (near Periyar Tiger Reserve)
- Famous For: Plantation-fresh spices and eco-friendly packaging
- Why Visit: Educational tours and a farm-to-table spice buying experience
Specialties Available
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cloves | Sun-dried and sorted by size; intense aroma |
| Vanilla Pods | Locally grown, offered in glass vials or vacuum packs |
| Coffee Beans | Organically grown; Arabica and Robusta available |
| Handmade Spice Boxes | Wooden boxes with compartments; often sold as gift sets |
- Tip: Buying directly from plantations ensures quality and fair pricing.
5. Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village, Kozhikode
An initiative by the Kerala government, Sargaalaya is a village-style craft center that supports local artisans.
- Location: Iringal, Kozhikode
- Famous For: Handicrafts made by tribal and rural artists
- Why Visit: Direct interaction with artisans and live demonstration workshops
Specialties Available
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Kathakali Masks | Hand-painted with natural colors; made using papier-mâché techniques |
| Metal Mirrors | Traditional Aranmula mirrors with a polished metal surface |
| Bamboo Products | Baskets, pen stands, and trays handcrafted from Kerala bamboo |
| Spice Candles | Natural wax candles infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove |
- Tip: Each item is labeled with artisan details and origin, assuring authenticity.
Quick Comparison
| Place | Main Focus | Unique Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway Market, Kochi | Spices, Coir Products | Local crowd and wholesale rates | Budget-friendly shopping |
| Spice Market, Mattancherry | Spices, Handicrafts | Historic vibe and antique shops | Antique lovers and spice collectors |
| Connemara Market, Thiruvananthapuram | Spices, Edibles, Crafts | Traditional local flavors and snacks | Everyday goods and herbal oils |
| Thekkady Spice Plantations | Organic Spices | Direct-from-farm sales and spice tours | Authentic spice buyers |
| Sargaalaya, Kozhikode | Handicrafts | Government-certified craft village | Genuine artisan-made handicrafts |
Summing Up
Kerala offers a colorful palette of authentic spices and exquisite handicrafts. Each marketplace has its own identity, rooted in culture, tradition, and local livelihoods. From the aroma-filled lanes of Mattancherry to the artisan hubs in Sargaalaya, buyers not only carry home quality products but also experience the stories behind them. Exploring these five places ensures a meaningful and memorable shopping journey across Kerala.