Shopping in Kovalam: A Simple Guide to The Best Local Markets And Souvenirs

Beach fun, water sports, sightseeing, and relishing local food make a Kovalam holiday exciting. But do not forget to add shopping in Kovalam to the list. The excitement of Kovalam doesn’t end without a cheerful trip to the local markets. Visiting the beachside local shops and shacks will give you a good idea of what to buy in Kovalam during a holiday. The experience of shopping at the local crafts and souvenir shops by the beaches in Kovalam is more fascinating than visiting the malls and arcades. Pick local handicrafts, spices, tea, coffee, and authentic Kerala fabric for hearty retail therapy. 

What Makes Shopping in Kovalam Special?

Kovalam shopping fills your heart with joy and excitement. There are ample beach shops, where you can explore, pick, and, of course, bargain! Here’s why shopping here is ultimate fun.

• The markets by the Lighthouse Beach and Kovalam Beach are perfect for exciting retail therapy. There are plenty of shops where one can find local handicrafts, souvenirs, Kerala textiles, spices, and aromatic oils at impressively affordable prices. 
• Buying local crafts, home decor, and knick-knacks is a noble gesture that promotes the local artisans and the community—a complete feel-good. 
• You can enjoy shopping along with beach strolls. Relax by the beach, stroll, enjoy the sunset, and take a casual tour of the shops. There is no hassle and stress of getting ready to visit malls and arcades. Just enjoy shopping with a slow-paced, relaxing beach outing. 

Best Shopping Areas in Kovalam

Shopping in Kovalam is usually planned alongside other adventure and fun activities. The vibrant shops and the beautiful market areas attract every traveller to explore and fill their bags. 

Kovalam Beach Market

The Kovalam Beach market is buzzing with tourists and local shops selling clothes and handicrafts. The items sold are well-designed and reasonably affordable, making Kovalam shopping an experience to cherish. They are trendy, and the variety is to die for. 

• Items to Pick: Beachwear, printed skirts and lungis, silk sarongs, wooden crafts, spices, oils, footwear, bags, and bamboo crafts. 
• Best Time to Visit: Summer evening gives the best vibes. In winter and peak season, even the afternoon hours are buzzing with tourists. 
• Tips: Bargaining is the mantra! 

Lighthouse Beach Market

Kovalam shopping is not complete without a tour of the Lighthouse Beach market. The tourist-friendly stalls are renowned for their Kerala handicrafts, clothing, spices, and souvenirs. Relax by the beach, watch a beautiful sunset, and enjoy leisurely, slow-paced shopping.

• Items to Pick: Ayurvedic oils, paintings, wooden crafts and jewellery
• Best Time to Visit: Evenings are pleasant for shopping. 
• Tips: Check out multiple shops to get the best deal. 

Hawah Beach Shops

The scenic Hawa Beach is among the shopping places in Kovalam. With small boutiques selling organic and aromatherapy stuff, this beach market is a paradise for foreigners and health and wellness enthusiasts. 

• Items to Pick: Ayurvedic oils, organic creams and lotions, handmade soaps and candles. 
• Best Time to Visit: Evening vibes attract people. 
• Tips: If you want to enjoy non-touristy shopping, come here. 

Kovalam Junction

This is the arcade with the local clothing shops, supermarkets, and daily essential shops. From groceries to vegetables, from clothes and footwear to decor and handicrafts, you get everything here. 

• Items to Pick: Daily essentials, cloth, Kathakali masks, and Kodavu sarees. 
• Best Time to Visit: Round the day 
• Tips: Visit to get daily essentials and gifts in proximity. 

What to Buy in Kovalam: Best Souvenirs and Local Products 

The beaches, water sports, delicious local food, and pretty sunsets of Kovalam attract people from all over the world. But the list of things to buy in Kovalam is no less. Take a look to know what items can be picked during a shopping spree.  

Spices

Picking spices from the local shops is an essential part of shopping in Kovalam during a holiday. This is usually bought for self-use in the kitchen at home or as souvenir gifts for friends and family. Small packs of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves are among the best knick-knacks. Check the aroma to ensure the freshness. 

• Places to Buy: Kovalma Spices, Kerala Spices and Handicrafts, and God’s Own Spices.

• Average Price: INR 100/kg to 3400/kg. 

Ayurvedic and Herbal Products

Another popular item on the list of things to buy in Kovalam is herbal and Ayurvedic products. From aromatic oils and lotions to herbal soaps, balms, and massage blends, everything is quite popular here at competitive rates. You can take the herbal items to heal and soothe the body, as well as for gifting. 

• Places to Buy: The Grandspa Ayurvedic Wellness Spa Centre, Ayur Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma Center, and Om Ayur Shanti Ayurvedic Panchakarma Center

• Average Price: INR 200-800. 

Beachwear And Cotton Clothing

Lighthouse, Hawa, and Kovalam Beaches have plenty of shops selling light, trendy beachwear, silk sarongs, and breathable cotton outfits. They look stylish yet are affordable compared to the Kovalam mall’s branded outlets. 

You must also check out the mundu and kasavu sarees sold at retail and wholesale outlets. These are authentic Kerala dresses, light, pure cotton, and elegant for every occasion. 

• Places to Buy: Artland, Bare Essentials, Kaithari, and Kasavu Kerala. 

• Average Price: INR 4,000-7,000 for authentic, pure cotton Kasavu Sarees.

Local Handicrafts

Local handicrafts, including souvenirs and home decor, are among the best options for shopping in Kovalam for tourists. Coir items, seashell showpieces, and bamboo and wooden handicrafts are available in a wide variety, are handy, easy to carry, and promote local culture, artisans, and their craftsmanship. 

• Places to Buy: Beach shops, SMSM Institute – Govt. Handicraft Emporium and the Tibetan Gallery

• Average Price: INR 100-20,000

Jewellery

Don’t be surprised to know that Kovalam is a hub for buying silver jewellery and beaded necklaces. The anklets, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and rings available in the beach shops look cool and trendy and accessorise beachwear. Check out the fascinating silver jewellery shops near the Lighthouse Beach for their latest collections.

• Places to Buy: Silver Palace, Paradise Arts and Tibetan Gallery 

• Average Price: Beaded jewellery: INR 800-2500 and Silver jewellery: INR 1000-10,000

Artwork

Kerala is known for beautiful, traditional artwork used as souvenirs, home decor, and gifts. The beach shops and other handicraft stores in the city sell pretty pieces of Kerala-themed paintings. Not only the framed ones, but the shops also have handy, affordable prints for tourists to take home. 

• Places to Buy: Kerala Art and Craft Villages, Tibetan Gallery, and the Artisan. 

• Average Price: INR 2,000-50,000

Shopping For Every Type of Traveller

Kovalam attracts all types of travellers. For families and honeymooning couples, from budget travellers to luxury travellers, shopping in Kovalam offers an exciting experience. Take a look. 

For Solo Travellers

If you are travelling solo and planning to pick up souvenirs, fabrics, and handicrafts, check out non-touristy areas, such as shops in Hawa Beach and stand-alone shops. 

• What to buy: Handicrafts, coir and wooden items, beachwear, sarongs, and aromatic oils. 
• Where to buy: Beach shops in Hawa Beach, God’s Own Spices, and Kaithari Kada 
• Average cost: Costs vary by item. One can set a budget between INR 100 and INR 25,000. 

For Couples

Kovalam is a honeymooner’s paradise. The stunning beaches attract the couple, just like the local shops and kiosks do. People engage in a charming retail therapy experience in romantic, quiet boutiques to boost their holiday mood. They love picking up small souvenirs, pieces of jewellery, and knick-knacks for the home, which will keep holiday memories fresh forever. 

• What to buy: Ayurveda and aromatic oils, spices, coffee, tea and beachwear
• Where to buy: Beach shops in Lighthouse, Kovalam, and Hawa Beach; Sanker’s Tea and Coffee; shops in Kovalam Mall; and Silver Palace. 
• Average cost: The costs vary with items, between INR 500 and INR 5000

For Families

Family vacations always include shopping as part of the plan. There are so many places to buy in Kovalam, from beachside shops to Kovalam Mall and other stand-alone shops. One can pick spices, tea, and coffee for the household; coir and wooden handicrafts for decor; and magnets and other souvenirs for gifts. Women in the group also love to explore Kasavu sarees, which are authentic to the region. When travelling with families, check for places to buy souvenirs in bulk, which are affordable gift options. 

• What to buy: Handicrafts, Kasavu, wooden toys, coir items, fridge magnets, bags, and dresses. 

• Where to buy: The best choice is to explore the Kovalam Mall and beach shops. The kids in the group can enjoy fun activities and mall games, while the family can enjoy hearty retail therapy. 

• Average cost: Costs vary by item. In Kovalam, gift items range between INR 100 and 10,000. 

For Budget Travellers

Good news, budget travellers. You can explore various shopping options in Kovalam for friends and family during your vacation. Check out the beachside shops of Hawa, Lighthouse, and Kovalam beach for handicrafts, coir and wooden items, oils, spices, beachwear, and footwear. These shops offer a wide variety of good-quality products at affordable rates. Moreover, these local markets by the beaches are best for bargaining and negotiation. 

For Luxury Travellers

There are quite a few boutique shops in Kovalam Mall that offer expensive and exclusive products. Check out the places for a luxury shopping experience. To buy premium-quality ayurvedic oils and aromatherapy creams, balms, and soaps, explore high-quality spas and wellness centres. 

Local Shopping Tips

Shopping in Kovalam is fun, but keep these tips in mind for a seamless experience. 

• Behave politely and bargain at the street shops. Rudeness and arrogant bargaining never work. 
• It is always good to plan shopping in Kovalam for the late afternoon or evening. The local markets are buzzing in the evening, and the weather is cool and pleasant. 
• Most of the shops accept digital payments, except for roadside stalls and kiosks. So keep cash handy. 
• Check the aroma of spices and coffee to understand their freshness. Choose crowded beach shops, as those selling high-quality products are popular by word of mouth. 
• Always buy from local street shops. This way, one can support and promote local artisans and their businesses. 
• It is always advisable to avoid overly persistent sellers. Reputable shops do not require excessive pushiness to sell. 

Where to Eat While Shopping?

A hearty retail therapy takes time and energy; hence, one must plan to have food and beverages in between. This will break the monotony and provide energy for further shopping in Kovalam. 

• If you are exploring the shops near the Lighthouse, Hawa, and Kovalam Beach, check out the food stalls, shacks, cafes, and restaurants by the beachside. They are known for tasty and freshly cooked snacks, lunch and dinner, and freshly made juices. Keep German Bakery in the Lighthouse Beach on the bucket list and relish their seafood, cakes, and grilled fish. 
• You will get ample stalls selling fresh coconut. Indulge in fresh coconut water in between to feel refreshed and recharged, especially on summer days. 

Best Time to Shop in Kovalam

Choose the most comfortable time for shopping in Kovalam during the holiday. Plan the day’s itinerary evenly, including adventure and fun activities and tours of local markets. 

• In peak seasons, one can enjoy shopping in the afternoon and evening. The time around sunset is cool and comfortable, and you don’t feel the heat and stress during market tours. 
• In summer and monsoon, Kovalam is humid. It is wise to choose the evening hours for the most comfortable climate. 
• Choose off-seasons and during festivals like Onam for special offers and rebates. 

Suggested Shopping Itinerary (Half Day)

While holidaying in Kovalam, set aside some time for an exciting shopping spree. List the things to buy in Kovalam and plan out the market tour. 

• Start with the Lighthouse Beach. Check out the beach shops and local stalls for handicrafts, beachwear, and souvenirs. 
• After this, head towards the Kovalam Beach Market. You will get amazing local crafts, coir and wooden items, and jewellery here. 
• Give a break to shopping and recharge your body with refreshing juices and mouthwatering snacks. One can also enjoy the stunning sunset view over delicious snacks and a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. 
• Bring the day to an end with a hearty spice shopping at Kovalam Junction. Soak in the aroma of freshly ground spices like green cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and clove. 

Conclusion

Besides enjoying the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam, pampering yourself with an exciting shopping spree is nothing less than therapeutic. One can enjoy joyful shopping in Kovalam with spices, tea, coffee, essential oils, handicrafts, wooden and coir items, jewellery and clothing. Explore the beachside shops and local markets to buy souvenirs and knick-knacks that will stay as holiday memories forever. This will also encourage the local craftsmen and promote their handicrafts. If you are willing to explore the buzzing shopping scene, customise your Kovalam holiday package with TravelTriangle for a fun experience. The package includes dedicated hours for retail therapy and market tours. So, wait no more! Connect with TravelTriangle for a heart-filling Kovalam holiday, right now.

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.