Unique and Best Ideas of Shopping in Tamil Nadu

Being a neighboring state to Kerala, Tamil Nadu is one of the states in India I have frequented a number of times. With a history as old as 15,000 BCE and ruled by Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties in its bygone eras, the state still reveals a reminiscence of its golden history. Dotted with historically and religiously important spots, hill stations, beaches, food culture, the state fulfills a travel's dreams.

In addition to all this shopping in Tamil Nadu is another interesting aspect of visiting the state. Before leaving the state, you will have a bag full of souvenirs while shopping in Tamil Nadu.

Textiles and toys, paintings and musical instruments, jewelry and sculptures, spices, and edible items, are some of the things that top the list while shopping in Tamil Nadu.

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Womenfolk should be happy strolling around the streets of Kanchipuram, one of the famous pilgrimage towns in the state. Besides the age-old temples, the city is famous for high-quality silk manufacturing. Traditionally handed down by generations, the weaving community in the region does absolute magic with the silk threads obtained from mulberry worms. Traditional designs, attractive and contrasting colors, weight, and durability make it the queen of sarees. Do you need more reasons to have a few of them in your wardrobe?

A Kanchipuram saree can cost you INR 8000/– upwards.

Tiruppur is another town famous for its textile manufacturing. Men are not left in the dark here. You have great choices to shop for trendy and comfy cotton outfits here.

Tanjore Paintings

Take away the notion that these paintings are mere handiworks of artists. This is where shopping in Tamil Nadu becomes absolutely amazing. If you are an art lover and appreciate detailed craftsmanship, you are going to adore some of these paintings. Mostly framed portrays of ancient Indian Gods and historical figures are there to shop. Etched on special canvas which has a wooden frame, these paintings glitter with gold foils. A unique piece that you can gift someone with pride and satisfaction.

Mud Pottery

You will be amazed to find the wide range of kitchen utensils and decorative articles made from clay. Everyone is aware of the special flavor mud pots bring to food when cooked in it. Even for storing different items, it is being used. Obviously, these pots are always in demand. Tourists who are shopping in Tamil Nadu make sure to take back a few such pots.

Besides their culinary use, attractive toys, lamps, ornaments, flower pots & vases, statues of deities are also available in multiple colors, sizes, and forms. Vellore and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu are more famous for pottery works.

Artworks and Toys

Crafted on wood, stone, mica, glass, ivory, and metal, handicraft markets are active in cities like Chennai.

Artworks from metal like bronze and copper include lamps, dishes, birds, flowers, deities, toys, and more such items.

Woodcraft is popular in the state and the works are exported to different countries as well. Besides woodworks bamboo, palm, grass, reeds, and cane are also used to carve out amazing products.

Terracotta clay figures like Ayyanaar horses that can be seen in village temples are coveted possessions. Shopping in Tamil Nadu should include Mahabalipuram town which is famous for stone carvings. You can have a showcase full of stone-carved miniature forms from here.

Vividly colored floor rugs and mats made from cotton, jute, and wool can be purchased from the cottage industries of Coimbatore.

Have you seen the bobblehead dolls of Tamil Nadu? Distinctive, traditional, and beautiful, these dolls are mostly made in Tanjore city. These ceramic and porcelain dolls are often fashioned after ancient folklores and their characters. Wouldn't it be pretty to have a set at your home? These dancing dolls would cost around INR 1000 per piece.

Fire Crackers

Here comes the special from Sivakasi city. The location is popular for firecrackers and matchbox industries. It is no surprise most people in this locality including youngsters earn their livelihood from this business. During the festive season buyers from nearby towns and even the rest of the country beeline to Sivakasi. Sparklers, twinklers, crackers, flowerpots, rockets, color smoke… you have it all at an incredibly affordable price.

Nilgiri Tea Powder

When you are in this hill station, make sure to get the Nilgiris Tea Powder. The hill station is famous for its pleasant climate, sceneries, and its tea plantations. It would be wonderful to have a different flavored morning tea, don't you think so?

Food Items

Shopping in Tamil Nadu is incomplete without savoring the traditional items where they are famous. Let us begin with tasty sweet Halwa. Thirunelveli town is famous for this sweet delicacy made basically of ghee and wheat berries.

What about Filter Coffee from Kumbakonam? Ahaaa! The pleasant aroma of coffee beans being roasted can just spellbind you. Sipping this special coffee is sheer magic.

Idli and sambar combo is usually associated with the state of Tamil Nadu. You have multiple types of idli available all over Tamil Nadu. However, cumin, ginger and pepper flavored idli with a non-typical shape from Kancheepuram are worth tasting.

Murukku is a traditional, crunchy snack made of rice powder and spices. The oil-fried, swirly snack is just unstoppable once you start munching. Chettinadu town is popular for such rice powder-made snacks.

Chettinadu spicy chicken curry, Panchamrutham from Pazhani, Kari Dosa from Madurai, Biriyani from Ambur are some of the other delicious items you can add to the list.

Note

1. Weekend curfews and travel restrictions are in place in the state.
2. Places of worship and restaurants also face restrictions.
3. Pongal holidays and festivity might trigger a spike in cases in the state, thereby more restrictions.
4. Do follow the Covid-19 protocol while shopping in Tamil Nadu.