A Guide on Shopping in Kerala: Famous Things to Buy & Where to Find Them

Spices, handicrafts, and the culture of Kerala are popular worldwide. Shopping is a must for anyone visiting Kerala. The vibrant markets and shopping complexes engage people by offering a wide range of products for purchase. Whether you want to buy authentic Kerala clothes, spices, or souvenirs for friends and families, there’s a lot to explore. Not only this, but shopping in Kerala is also great if you want to buy gifts.

Malls, street shops, and complexes are among the most common shopping destinations in Kerala. Every city in the state has something unique to offer. So, no matter the place you are visiting in Kerala, you can find a shopping hub to fulfil your shopping thirst. This guide covers what to buy in Kerala and popular shopping places.

Table Of Content

Why Shop in Kerala?

• Kerala offers authentic, locally made products that reflect the region’s true cultural identity.
• Items are crafted from high-quality natural materials such as coconut, coir, bamboo, and handwoven cotton.
• The state’s traditional craftsmanship ensures every product is made with care and age-old expertise.
• Reasonable prices make it easy to take home meaningful souvenirs without overspending.
• Each item carries rich cultural stories, from spice-trade heritage to ancient weaving traditions, making every purchase unique.

What to Buy in Kerala?

Shopping around in Kerala with proper planning can save you unnecessary effort and back-and-forth. Below, we have shared some tips and ideas about what you can buy in Kerala:

Spices (Kerala’s Most Famous Shopping Item)

Some of the most popular spices of Kerala are pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. These are globally known for purity and aroma. Tourists love buying fresh spices that last long and add authentic flavours to home cooking. You must choose only trusted sellers for the best quality.

• Average Price: ₹150–₹900 per 100g
• Tip: Check aroma, colour, and dryness; avoid overly shiny spices
• Best Place to Buy: Fort Kochi markets, Thekkady spice plantations, Munnar shops

Tea & Coffee From The Hills

Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady offer aromatic teas and strong, flavourful coffees grown in the hills. You may buy these for gifting purposes, especially premium black tea, green tea, and roasted coffee powders from local estates and cooperatives.

• Average Price: ₹150–₹600 per 100g
• Tip: Choose estate-packed, freshly roasted products
• Best Place to Buy: Munnar Tea Museum shops, Wayanad plantations

Handloom Sarees & Fabrics

When it comes to handloom sarees and fabrics of Kerala, kasavu sarees, soft cottons, and handwoven fabrics are the most popular. These are known for their unique craftsmanship. They are ideal for festivals, weddings, and even everyday wear. You will find fine gold borders and breathable textures in authentic pieces. These are unique to Kerala’s weaving clusters.

• Average Price: ₹1,000–₹8,000+
• Tip: Look for the Handloom Mark and genuine zari
• Best Place to Buy: Kasavu Kada in Thiruvananthapuram, Chendamangalam weaving villages

Ayurvedic Oils, Soaps & Natural Beauty Products

Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic heritage, where you can buy wellness oils, herbal soaps, balms, and skincare products. These are often made with coconut oil, herbs, and medicinal plants. Make sure to choose only products recommended by certified centres for authenticity.

• Average Price: ₹150–₹1,000
• Tip: Buy only from licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies
• Best Place to Buy: Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Government Ayurvedic stores

Spices & Aroma Oils

Kerala’s aroma oils made from jasmine, sandalwood, rose, and oud are extremely popular among tourists and locals.

These are concentrated, long-lasting, and ideal for home use or as gifts. Many of these products come directly from small distilleries and spice farms, offering natural, soothing fragrances unique to the region.

• Average Price: ₹200–₹1,200 per bottle
• Tip: Test fragrance consistency; avoid diluted oils
• Best Place to Buy: Thekkady and Kumily aroma shops

Wooden Handicrafts & Home Decor

Rosewood carvings, Kathakali sculptures, traditional lamps, and masks reflect the true craftsmanship of the people of Kerala. These pieces are handmade and reflect Kerala’s cultural roots, making them meaningful keepsakes or home décor gifts.

• Average Price: ₹300–₹5,000+
• Tip: Check wood quality and weight
• Best Place to Buy: Kerala State Emporium, Jew Town, Kochi

Coir Products

The coir industry in Kerala is popular worldwide. They make eco-friendly products, including mats, bags, footwear, and décor items. All these items are lightweight, durable, and perfect for sustainable living. Product designs may range from plain mats to colourful woven patterns.

• Average Price: ₹100–₹1,500
• Tip: Choose tightly woven, natural-fibre products
• Best Place to Buy: Alappuzha Coir Factory outlets

Jewellery & Gold

High-purity gold is unique to the jewellery industry of Kerala. They are known for traditional temple jewellery with authentic designs. Mango mala, kadu mala, and palakka are some of the popular designs. Visitors and tourists often praise the purity and craftsmanship of products. Make sure to buy only Hallmark products.

• Average Price: Based on the gold rate + making charges
• Tip: Check BIS Hallmark and bill breakdown
• Best Place to Buy: Malabar Gold, Jos Alukkas, Kalyan Jewellers

Banana Chips & Local Snacks

Banana chips and local snacks from Kerala are not just popular in India but also globally. Halwa and roasted cashews are must-try snacks in Kerala. Freshly fried chips in coconut oil are crunchy and addictive, making them great for even gifting. Choose shops that fry fresh in front of you.

• Average Price: ₹150–₹500 per pack
• Tip: Prefer freshly prepared snacks; avoid prepackaged oily ones
• Best Place to Buy: Kochi’s local chip shops, Trivandrum’s Sree Muruga stores

Traditional Kerala Souvenirs

Nettipattam, Kathakali masks, boat models and miniature houseboats capture Kerala’s true cultural essence. These handmade souvenirs add character to homes and make memorable gifts for friends and family.

• Average Price: ₹200–₹3,000+
• Tip: Choose handcrafted over machine-made
• Best Place to Buy: Fort Kochi, Kerala State Handicrafts Emporium

Best Places to Shop in Kerala

Now that you have a list of things to buy in Kerala, choosing the right place is the key. Kerala shopping is about vivid places like malls, streets, and more.

Kochi

Malls in Fort Kochi, Kerala, are quite popular. Broadway Market, Lulu Mall, Jew Town, and Mattancherry are some popular places that offer everything from antiques and handicrafts to spices and designer brands. Jew Town is especially known for vintage collectables and aromatic spices.

Average Price:  ₹200 for small souvenirs to ₹3,000+ for premium items.

Thiruvananthapuram

If you are looking for budget shopping, Chalai Bazaar and Connemara Market are good choices. You may find fresh spices, handloom fabrics, brassware, and everyday essentials here. You can enjoy the authentic local vibe in these markets.

Average Price: ₹100–₹2,000 depending on the item and craftsmanship.

Munnar

Spice gardens and tea factory outlets are perfect for buying high-quality tea, essential oils, homemade chocolates, and aromatic spices. Everything is grown and processed locally.

Average Price: ₹150 for spices and ₹300–₹600 for premium tea packs

Thekkady

Thekkady’s spice shops, eco stores, and jungle markets offer pure spices, handmade soaps, natural oils, and bamboo products sourced from local plantations. The region is ideal for authentic spice shopping. Prices usually range from ₹100 to ₹800, depending on spice grades.

Average Price: ₹100–₹800 depending on spice grades.

Alleppey

Coir factories and local craft stores sell eco-friendly coir mats, carpets, rope products, and coconut-based handicrafts. Traditional techniques are used to make authentic handmade items. These products are pretty popular among locals and tourists alike.

Average Price: ₹150 for small coir goods and ₹2,000+ for large home décor pieces.

Thrissur

Thrissur is popularly known as Kerala’s gold capital. That’s because Thrissur offers traditional and modern jewellery designs, all guaranteed to be pure. You’ll find plenty of trusted jewellery stores here, making gold shopping easier for locals and tourists alike.

Average Price: Approx ₹6,000 per gram (changes with change in gold rates).

Wayanad

Wayanad is known for tribal handicrafts, forest honey, bamboo crafts, and organic spices. If you shop here, you support the profit directly. Goes to the tribal community

Average Price: Honey starts at around ₹200, bamboo products at ₹150, and handcrafted souvenirs at ₹200–₹1,000 depending on size and detail.

Shopping Markets vs Malls in Kerala

Kerala shopping is about both malls and markets. Understanding them helps you plan your shopping accordingly.

Traditional Local Markets

Travellers who love authentic, local experiences will definitely enjoy Kerala’s traditional markets. You can buy fresh spices, local snacks, coir items, and handmade crafts. Prices are flexible, and polite bargaining is common, making it easier to get good deals.

Modern Shopping Malls

In Kochi, Lulu Mall and Forum Mall are the most popular ones. They offer a thoroughly modern shopping vibe. You can find a range of branded stores for clothing, electronics, and lifestyle products, as well as large food courts. If you do not care about bargaining and simply want a comfortable shopping experience, malls can be the right place. They have a wide variety of global and Indian brands in one place.

Government Emporiums

There are popular government Emporiums like Kairali, Khadi, and Hantex. These are the best options for travellers who value authenticity and quality. Here, you can find certified handloom, handicrafts, spices, and wellness products. Everything in these emporiums is government-approved, which means you get genuine materials and fair pricing without the need for bargaining.

Shopping by Traveller Type

Different types of travellers have different tastes when it comes to shopping in Kerala. So, here we have prepared a list of shopping interests based on traveller type:

For Tourists Who Love Local Culture: Culture lovers will enjoy wandering through Kerala’s lively markets, aromatic spice shops, and artisanal craft villages. These places offer a closer look at local life, traditions, and flavours, making shopping an immersive cultural experience rather than just a purchase.

For Honeymoon Couples: Honeymooners can shop for romantic keepsakes like perfume oils, matching kasavu sets, and elegant jewellery. These thoughtful buys become beautiful memories of their trip, adding a personalised, intimate touch to their Kerala experience.

For Families: Enjoy shopping for snacks, home décor, and handicrafts that appeal to all ages. The variety ensures everyone finds something they like, while markets offer fun browsing experiences perfect for relaxed family outings.

For Budget Travellers: Budget travellers can explore street markets and government stores for quality items at fair prices. These places offer great value on spices, textiles, and souvenirs, making Kerala shopping affordable without compromising authenticity.

For Luxury Shoppers: Indulge in boutique jewellery, designer sarees, and premium, curated spices. High-end stores and speciality outlets offer exclusive craftsmanship, refined designs, and superior quality, creating a sophisticated shopping experience.

Price Guide: What Things Usually Cost

Average Price of Products

Let’s look at the approximate prices of popular shopping items in Kerala. It helps you plan your budget accordingly:

• Spices: High-quality cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves typically cost ₹150–₹600 per 100g.
• Oils: Pure essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon grass, and coconut oil range from ₹150–₹500 for small 50–100 ml bottles.
• Sarees: Kerala kasavu sarees generally cost ₹800–₹3,000, while handloom and designer versions can go up to ₹5,000+.
• Handicrafts: Coconut-shell items, bamboo crafts, coir décor, and wooden souvenirs usually range from ₹150 to ₹2,000, depending on size and craft.
• Snacks Such as Banana chips, halwa, and local sweets typically cost ₹100–₹300 per pack.

Best Month For Shopping

The climate in Kerala can be extreme. So, planning your trip according to the weather is a must.

• You can enjoy post-holiday sales and New Year offers from January to March
• Monsoon season means the crowds and traffic will be less. This is from June to July
• If you want to avail of Onam sales offers and discounts on textiles, handicrafts, and home items, September to October is the right time.

Tips For Smart Shopping

Below, we have shared some tips on shopping in Kerala so you can get the best deals:

• Make sure to visit 2-3 shops and compare prices before buying a product, especially the costly ones
• Check weight and packaging, especially for spices and oils
• When you are shopping in tourist areas, try to enter only shops offering products with price tags
• For better quality, buy spices from government outlets or reputed stores.

Tips For Shopping in Kerala

• Tips to Check Spice Quality

When you crush fresh spices, they release a strong aroma instantly. Check if cardamom is plump and green. Good-quality peppercorns feel heavy and sink in water due to their high oil content.

• Tips to Identify Genuine Kasavu Sarees

Kasavu sarees are expensive because they have pure gold or silver zari work. They are soft in touch and do not flake when scratched. Genuine handloom work has slight weave irregularities.

• Tips to Spot Fake Ayurvedic Products

When buying Ayurvedic products, buy only those with AYUSH certification. Make sure to check batch numbers and proper labels. Typically, Ayurvedic products have an earthy, natural smell and are always sealed.

• Tips to Pack Fragile Items

If you have purchased fragile items, make sure to pack them in bubble wrap or clothes. Seal items properly to avoid leakage, especially with oils.

• Tips to Bargain Politely

Bargaining can be done in local markets, like when shopping in Munnar, Kerala, or other markets. In a friendly tone, you may ask the shopkeeper for a 10-20% discount. Make sure to stay polite and don’t bargain too much.

• Best Times to Visit Markets

To get fresh spices, you must visit the markets in the morning. Evenings are best for handicrafts. You may also enjoy bargaining in the evening.

• Cash vs Digital Payments

At most shops, UPI and digital payments are accepted. However, it is best also to carry cash, especially when shopping in rural areas or small shops.

Sustainable & Ethical Shopping in Kerala

Local artisans and villagers make various products in Kerala markets. So, buying local items means you are directly supporting locals. Here are some tips for sustainable and ethical shopping in Kerala:

• Supporting local products directly benefits the local population and artisans. So, it is highly encouraged for visitors and tourists
• You may find a range of eco-friendly coirs and bamboo products. Buying these can be a great experience
• It is always best to avoid souvenirs that are made of plastic to support sustainable shopping
• Before buying things in Kerala, make sure to check fair-trade shops for the best deals.

What Not to Buy in Kerala?

When you are roaming around Kerala shopping malls or markets, there are a few things that you must be careful about. We have shared a few tips below:

• Avoid low-quality spices, as these are not authentic
• You may come across fake brands. So, it is essential to be aware of such fake items
• Buying silver or gold jewellery without a hallmark must be avoided, as it may not be authentic and also overpriced
• Illegal or harmful wildlife products must also be refrained from buying

Conclusion

Shopping in Kerala is quite fun and exciting. It is much more than just buying souvenirs. It’s a vibrant part of the travel experience, just as exploring its beaches, backwaters, and hill stations is. You can buy a range of products, including spices, handicrafts, silk sarees, and more. To make your experience even more fun, connect with TravelTriangle for personalised Kerala tour packages. We offer personalised packages perfect for roaming and travelling in Kerala, including a smooth shopping experience.

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FAQs About Shopping In Kerala

What is Kerala famous for buying?

Kerala is known for spices, banana chips, Ayurvedic skincare, kasavu sarees, handicrafts, coir products, essential oils, and wooden artefacts. Tourists also love purchasing tea, coffee, Aranmula mirrr,s and local souvenirs.

Is Kerala good for jewellery shopping?

Yes, Kerala is excellent for jewellery shopping, especially gold. The state is known for purity, traditional craftsmanship, and trusted brands. Kochi, Thrissur, and Calicut have reliable stores offering modern and classic designs.

Where to buy spices in Kerala?

You can buy authentic spices from local markets in Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Kumily. Spice plantations and government-approved shops ensure quality, fair pricing, and fresh products sourced directly from farms.

Are markets cheap in Kerala?

Markets can be reasonably priced, especially for spices, snacks, and handicrafts. Tourist-heavy areas may be costlier, so compare rates and explore smaller local markets for better deals and authentic products.

Can I use digital payments everywhere?

Digital payments like UPI, cards, and wallets are widely accepted in Kerala. However, small vendors, rural stalls, and street markets may prefer cash, so keep some handy for convenience.

Are prices fixed?

Prices are fixed in branded stores, government outlets, and jewellery shops. In local markets, bargaining is common, especially for handicrafts and souvenirs. Compare shops before buying and negotiate politely.

What should tourists avoid?

Avoid buying unbranded spices, fake Ayurvedic products, or overpriced souvenirs. Steer clear of pushy sellers, plastic products, and non-licensed wildlife items. Always check bills, purity certification, and expiration dates.

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