A trip to “Gods Own Country” is incomplete without gifts for loved ones back home, and keepsakes to remember the visit. Kerala is famous for its rich culture, natural bounty, traditional boats, majestic Asian Elephants, Sandalwood, Spices, Coconuts, Ayurveda, and the Kathakali Dance form, among several other characteristic aspects. Tourists thus have a wide choice of themes when shopping for souvenirs during their tour to Kerala. It all depends on what aspects of the land are more appealing, but yes the choice could be confusing, but the deciding factor most often is how much weight can you tug some!
Let’s get on with the different options
Miniature Model Boats
Artistically crafted miniature boats make great keepsakes or gifts. Resembling the grand Uru boats or sleek snake (Chundan Vallom) boats racing across the backwaters, these detailed, polished models are compact and easy to carry. Do make sure they’re packed securely.
Aranmula Kannadi
A signature piece of Kerala, this handheld mirror is crafted by members of a single-family. The mirror is not silvered glass, but a metallic alloy, the composition of which remains a family secret! Believed to bring prosperity to its owners, this unique mirror is definitely pricey. It is advisable for tourists to personally visit the family workshop and procure this souvenir directly from the craftsmen.
Kathakali Mask
These colorful masks are a pleasure to behold and make great living room decor. Hung on the walls, these masks definitely add a tad of color and life to any space! If Kathakali doesn’t interest you, there are other hand-painted masks that may suit your preference.
Spice Boxes
Kerala is a haven for spice lovers. There’s literally an abundance of spices given the fact they are commercially cultivated in several plantations along the Western Ghats. A spice box or sachet with samples of assorted spices makes an excellent gift. It is also possible to buy each of them separately as well. Simply load up on Cashew, Pepper, Cardamom, Cloves, Dry ginger, and several other traditional spices on your return trip.
Coir Products
Coir Industry is an important contributor to the local economy. Coir extracted from coconut husk is bio-degradable. It finds several applications and is extensively used for producing doormats. These mats embellished with colourful motifs are quite effective in keeping dirt at bay and also double up as decorative pieces around the home.
Coconut Shell Artefacts
Polished and painted coconut shells are creatively assembled to create several artifacts, a few of which, such as small boxes, bowls, prove quite handy to store coins or other small accessories. Larger artifacts made from multiple shells sport brass bindings that hold the pieces together, adding to the beauty of the final product.
Sandalwood Oil / Figurines
Exquisitely carved sandalwood figurines are a must-buy when in Kerala. Decorative boxes and candle stand also prove great gifts, and so does sandal oil, a precious beauty product! The wood is used to craft ashtrays, toys, and a wide array of figurines. Pick the ones that most appeal to you, and do remember that sandalwood is expensive.
Jewel Box
The traditional jewel box Netturpetti, made from teak wood and embellished with bronze decorations and latches is today a rare piece. However, equally impressive contemporary jewel boxes based on the original design are available in the markets.
Nilavilakku
Traditional floor lamps cast from bell metal or bronze is again a signature souvenir from Kerala. They are auspicious and an integral part of Hindu households and temples. Available in different sizes, they can be put to regular use in homes or preserved as a showpiece. The gleam of metal enhances the beauty of the lit lamp as well as the serenity and grandeur of the ambiance.
Paintings
Kerala is well known for its temple art. The paintings of Raja Ravi Varma are also quite popular. While tourists can shop for impressive copies of Ravi Varma paintings, they also have a great opportunity to buy mural paintings depicting local legends, gods, and mythologies direct from mural artists. Detailed mural paintings in impressive colours prove captivating, while Ravi Varma paintings have their unique appeal.
For tourists looking to add a piece of grand decor to their homes, the (glittering ornament that adorns the forehead of elephants) is a great choice. Crafted using gold and copper, this is a royal keepsake. Both full-size and miniature replicas of Nettipattom are available in the local handicraft emporiums. Women must not forget to pick up a traditional Kasavu Saree with gold and copper filaments woven into a thick border. Beige-colored cotton with a gold border makes this saree simple yet elegant attire. Impressive metallic handicrafts and figures also add to the list of mementos you can easily carry back home.
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