Shopping in Munnar: Best Local Markets & What to Buy
Think of the most beautiful hill stations in India, and you’ll instantly think of Munnar. You’ll be drawn to its aromatic tea plantations, spice gardens, and romantic viewpoints. Dive a little deeper, and an even more magical world awaits you. Shopping in Munnar is one of those.
Munnar’s cosy local shops are home to a wide variety of warm shawls, Kasavu sarees, pink guava jams, and coir items. Authentic Kerala spices, chocolates, and coffee products are also available here to give you that slow-living comfort you crave.
Whether you want to take away something special for your family, friends, or office colleagues, there’s something for everyone. The Munnar market and Krishna’s shopping mall are the most exciting places to go shopping in Munnar. But this is just the beginning.
What Makes Shopping in Munnar Unique?
Shopping in Munnar offers many products that aren’t just authentic but also deeply rooted in Mother Nature. Each item you pick from its local shops is a souvenir that will remind you of the hill station’s beauty and calm. That’s what makes this place so special.
- Local, organic, and handmade products, from chocolates and jams to coir items
- Local spices, authentic handicrafts, and Keralan textiles reflect its artisanal culture and eco-friendly practices.
- From natural skincare products to local chocolates, tea, and spices, everything is available at the most nominal prices.
Best Things to Buy When Shopping in Munnar
When shopping in Kerala in Munnar, there are a variety of things to buy. From jams and chocolates to handicrafts and spices, the list is endless. Let’s learn about each of them.
1. Tea
Munnar’s tea plantations date back to the British era, when tea was cultivated by British planters. Slowly, Munnar became a popular spot for tea plantations, attracting thousands of travellers every year.
Why is Munnar Tea So Popular: For its high-quality, flavourful tea due to the high-altitude plantation.
Different types of Tea: Flavoured varieties to White Tea, Green Tea and Black Tea
Suggested Tea Brands: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Pallivasal Tea Garden and Kannan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP)
Tips To Identify Quality Tea: Check dry leaves for shape and colour
Average Price: Rs. 110 for Green tea (50gms) and Rs. 469 for top-quality Black Tea (500gms)
2. Spices
The high-altitude location of Munnar also favours spice plantations. When shopping at Munnar, buying a variety of spices is unmissable. They are not only cheap, but also aromatic.
Why are Munnar Spices so popular: High-quality and full of flavour
Different Types of Spices: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Pepper, Cloves, Cardamom
Buy from: Government-approved spice shops or plantations.
Tips to Identify Quality: Look for natural flavours and aroma
Average Price: Black pepper Rs. 697.5 per Kg to Cardamom around Rs. 2,500 to 3,500 per Kg.
3. Homemade Chocolates
Kids’ favourite, homemade chocolates in Munnar are unique-tasting, with natural sweeteners and a creamy milk texture. Travellers buy them among other Munnar shopping items in bulk to make their families, friends and loved ones smile with joy.
Why Munnar Chocolates are popular: Top-quality chocolates made using local ingredients
Types of chocolates: Dark, Milk, Nut-based, Fruit-based, Candies
Recommended Places to buy: Munnar Chocolate factory, Krishna Home Made Chocolates & Cookies
Tips to buy: Sample the chocolates before buying them
Average price: Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 per kilogram
4. Aromatic Oils & Ayurveda Products
The cool climate of Munnar supports the cultivation of many aromatic oils and the production of relaxing ayurvedic products. These are readilyavailable across spice plantations, local shops and Ayurvedic resorts, where you can go shopping in Munnar to get them.
Types of aromatic oils and ayurvedic products: Eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, massage oils, herbal soaps and ayurvedic cosmetics
Recommended places to buy: Veda Oils, Aroma Magic, and Khadi Natural
Tips to buy the best: Check for authentic brands and licenses before buying Ayurvedic cosmetics and herbal soaps
Average price: Rs. 180 to Rs. 260 for face and body creams and Rs. 160 to Rs. 590 for different kinds of oils
5. Handicrafts & Souvenirs
When visiting shopping places in Munnar, checking out handicrafts and souvenirs is so much more fun. The variety of amazing spice boxes and Elephant carvings make you come back for more. Kathakali masks and eco-conscious coir products are also Munnar special items.
Why are Munnar handicrafts popular: Items made of sandalwood, rosewood, and coconut shells
Recommended places to buy: Munnar Local Market, Mattupetty Dam Bazaar and Johnson’s Wood Craft
Types of products: Handwoven shawls, spice racks, decorative items.
Tips to buy: Don’t forget to bargain when shopping in Munnar to get everything at lower prices
Average price: Rs. 200 to Rs. 3000
Top Places to Go Shopping in Munnar
From Munnar Town Market’s tea and spices to the local handicrafts at Kundala Artisan’s Market, there’s so much to check out when shopping in Munnar.
1. Munnar Town Market
Located in Nullatanni, this market is the main hub for all kinds of local shopping. Whether you want top-quality Pepper, Cardamom, or even handmade chocolates, the Munnar town market has all types of Munnar special items. The aroma pulls in all kinds of shoppers – from children to adults.
The market isn’t just affordable, but also bustling with local shoppers and travellers. You can also get Kasavu sarees and herbal products here.
2. Kundala Artisans’ Market
From pottery to gorgeous handicrafts, the Kundala Artisans’ Market is every traveller’s favourite spot when shopping in Munnar. The vibrant local stalls are situated near Kundala Lake, giving a captivating view to all shoppers.
The place is ideal for anyone who loves handmade items and wants to support local artisans. Wood carvings, ayurvedic products coir products and even chocolates are available here among other Munnar shopping items.
3. Tata Tea Museum Shop
Once you have visited the engaging museum, don’t forget to shop for top-quality tea that comes straight from Munnar’s plantations. You can get different kinds of tea from Ripple tea that you won’t be able to stop sipping.
The shop inside the museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, they are closed on Mondays and Good Friday, so visit accordingly.
4. Mattupetty Dam Area Stalls
The Mattupetty dam is a popular tourist spot with some of the most scenic views and a peaceful breeze. You can visit this dam with friends and family to click photos and make new memories. Once done, don’t forget to check out the mini stalls right next to the dam, where you can find wooden toys, warm shawls and even fridge magnets at the lowest prices.
Tourists can also stop by to grab their favourite snacks, ranging from bhel puri and pani puri to sweet corn.
5. Spice Plantations
The spice plantations of Munnar are a must-visit destination. The Cinnamon Gardens Spices Plantation and Periyar Spice and Ayurvedic Garden are among the most popular plantations to visit for their magical spice aromas.
Most spice plantations here also offer meals after guided tours. You can also buy these fresh spices in Munnar directly from the growers.
Best Time For Shopping in Munnar
- Remember that seasonal travels may affect product variety. So, if you want to go shopping in Munnar, it is wise to keep that in mind.
- October to February is the winter season here, offering a favourable climate and a fresh harvest of tea and spices. Thus, this is the best time to visit Munnar.
- Shopping in Munnar during the morning hours is better for getting fresh stock and avoiding crowds.
Shopping Etiquette in Munnar
Munnar is a peaceful place where travellers are expected to follow some basic etiquette when shopping.
- It is essential to respect local shopkeepers when bargaining.
- Always ask before taking photos of people or their stalls.
- Support local artisans over mass-produced souvenir shops.
Bringing It Home: Customs & Travel Tips
1. Quantity Limitations (Spice & Cooking Oils)
When carrying dry spices on domestic and international flights, you can use both cabin and checked baggage to store them. Some airlines do have restrictions on the quantity of powdered spices, though. For cooking oils and ghee, 100ml containers are allowed for cabin baggage. You can also put it in checked baggage if it is up to 5kg per person.
2. Quantity Limitations (Tea)
A reasonable quantity of dry tea is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, only 100ml is allowed when carrying liquid tea in carry-on baggage. Make sure you label your purchases (especially oils) after shopping in Munnar, so that there is no confusion at the airport.
Insider Tips When Shopping In Munnar
- Bargaining: The local markets accept mild bargaining. However, fixed-price shops do not allow this at all.
- Authenticity: It is best to buy from government emporia or licensed dealers to get only authentic spices or ayurvedic products.
- Packing & Storage: Ask for vacuum-sealed or moisture-proof packaging for tea and spices.
Sustainability Tip: Look for eco-friendly souvenirs. Plastic ones aren’t just low-quality; they’re also not suitable for Mother Nature.
Conclusion
Collecting your favourite items from the local shops in Munnar is a feeling one can’t describe. Travellers from around the world excitedly buy gifts to take home and make their loved ones happy. Kids dance with joy as they buy their favourite chocolates, jams and Banana chips, while women light up as they twirl in Kasavu sarees. Don’t rush. Take your time exploring these beautiful markets and getting to know the locals better. Visit both local shops, malls, and flea markets for unique products at cost-effective prices. Want a Munnar itinerary that includes local shopping experiences and market tours? Visit TravelTriangle’s customisable Munnar tour packages today!
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FAQs About Shopping In Munnar
Why is Munnar famous for shopping?
Shopping in Munnar is famous for a wide variety of tea, coffee, spice and coir products. It is also popular for its Kasavu sarees, Kathakali masks, and so much more. You only need to visit the hill station to know more. Are products in Munnar expensive?
Not at all. In fact, travellers from around the world come to Munnar for shopping, as it is highly budget-friendly. Where can I buy the best tea in Munnar?
Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (KDHP), Ripple tea and Lockhart tea factory are some of the best places to go tea shopping in Munnar. Can I take spices and oils back on a flight?
Yes. However, there are specific rules you must follow. You need to pack your liquids in a separate bag. These must specifically be carry-on containers or one one-quart-sized plastic bag. Make sure all your solid spices are sealed. Are there shopping malls in Munnar?
Yes. There are many shopping malls in Munnar, with Krishna Mall being the most famous.
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