One can take back more than just good memories from Kerala, for - with a rich heritage of arts and crafts - this green sliver of coastal land offers several interesting momentos at a wide range of prices. Kerala specialises in bell metal, wood, cane, ivory and coconut shell craft. Visit M.G. Road in Trivandrum, located between East Fort and Palayam, to get some fine examples of Malayali art. Kathakali models in wood, painted in vibrant colours of the art form, embellish many a showcase, the world over. One can visit Kochi's famed Jew street where one can look for handsome Chinese ceremics and other antiques of Malayalam history. Yet another prize catch is the fabulous metal mirrors of Aranmula, the making of which is an age-old secret, still closely preserves in the hearts of the skilled craftsmen. If you are only looking for souvenirs, visit Kairali or other government emporia, where you can shop the culture of Kerala at an economical price.

Don't forget to visit the spice market, an indespensible part of the Kerala experience. For a fast glance of the past, walk through the godown packed with fragrant turmeric, twists of dried ginger, pepper in squat sacks and yellow-orange balls of whole arecanut. Avoid buying the same from street vendors, who sell a few grams of everything in cellophane pouchesthat have been kept in the sun for months. Tourists can drive to Idukki district, particularly Munnar, to get the true flavour of Indian tea and in Wayanad district, particularly Kalpetta, famous for its coffee culture. One can also look for the same in shops run by Tea Board or Coffee Board, generally present in all major tourist destinations of Kerala.

Kerala Attractions    Beaches | Backwaters | Hill Stations | Wildlife | Houseboats | Ayurveda | Festivals | Dances | Shopping