Souvenirs from Alleppey: What to Buy and Where to Shop

Published on August 29, 2024

Treasures of Alleppey: A Shopper's Guide

Beyond its natural beauty, Alleppey offers a unique shopping experience where you can find authentic Keralan products that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. From aromatic spices to intricate handicrafts, here’s what to look out for and where to find them.

Must-Buy Items in Alleppey:

  1. Spices: Kerala is the land of spices, and Alleppey is no exception. Look for high-quality cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric. You can often find them fresh and fragrant in local markets.
  2. Coir Products: Alleppey is a major hub for coir production. You'll find a wide variety of coir items, including doormats, floor coverings, wall hangings, brushes, and quirky decorative pieces. The International Coir Museum (around 13km from Dolphins Turf, closer to Alleppey town) is a great place to learn about the industry and buy quality products.
  3. Handicrafts:
    • Wood Carvings: Intricately carved wooden items, often featuring elephants, deities, or traditional motifs. Rosewood and sandalwood carvings are popular.
    • Kathakali Masks: Colorful and expressive masks representing characters from Kerala's classical dance-drama, Kathakali.
    • Nettipattam: The ornate golden headgear worn by elephants during temple festivals. Smaller replicas make unique wall hangings.
    • Coconut Shell Crafts: Creative items made from coconut shells, like bowls, ladles, and decorative pieces.
  4. Cashew Nuts: Kerala is known for its cashews. You can find various grades and flavored cashews.
  5. Kerala Sarees (Kasavu Sarees): The traditional white or off-white cotton saree with a golden (kasavu) border is an elegant and iconic Keralan attire.
  6. Aromatic Oils and Ayurvedic Products: Given Kerala's association with Ayurveda, you can find good quality essential oils, herbal soaps, and traditional Ayurvedic preparations.

Where to Shop:

  • Mullakkal Street & Market Area: This is the main commercial hub in Alleppey town, with numerous shops selling textiles, spices, handicrafts, and general goods.
  • Canal-Side Shops: You might find smaller shops along the canals selling local crafts and coir products.
  • Government Emporiums: Look for state-run emporiums (like Kairali) for fixed-price, authentic handicrafts and products.
  • Specialty Spice Shops: Some shops specialize in spices and offer a wide selection.

Shopping Tips:

  • Bargaining: In local markets and smaller shops, bargaining is often acceptable, but do it politely. Government emporiums usually have fixed prices.
  • Authenticity: For spices and handicrafts, try to buy from reputable shops to ensure quality and authenticity.
  • Packing: If buying fragile items, ensure they are packed well for your journey home.

Shopping in Alleppey can be a delightful experience, offering a chance to take home a piece of Kerala's rich culture and natural bounty. While staying at Dolphins Turf, you can easily plan a shopping excursion into Alleppey town.