Kashmir is known not just for its scenic landscapes but also for its unique souvenirs and products. It’s particularly famous for its Kashmiri gift items and Pashmina shawls. Every time you are visiting a place, there is something or the other there for you. Further, shopping is another memory etched in your heart when traveling. Take souvenirs for your loved ones on your trip to Kashmir. The people of Kashmir have age-old traditions of following their cultures to keep the traditions alive.
When shopping at Srinagar, be sure to look out for handicrafts and wooden carvings. If interested, check out the handloom line with Kashmiri Embroidery which is worldwide famous. Likewise, these handlooms provide an elegant appearance that you cannot ignore.
Popular 8 things to buy from Kashmir
1. Kashmiri Carpets
Kashmir carpets are widely known because of two reasons. One these are handcrafted and secondly, they are knotted and never tufted. Carpet weaving was not originally from Kashmir. People from Persia brought it with them. You will find various Persian designs in these carpets.
The Kashmiri Carpets are made of subtle colors and chemical dyes are used. The knotting is the important aspect. It increases the value and durability of the carpets. The double knotted carpets come with the pile. When you brush one side, the other side stands upright. The single knotted carpet turns out to be prettier and fluffy. There is no such right and wrong side in the carpets. You can use both sides efficiently.
You can check the number of knots on the carpets before buying them. The price range starts from Rs. 15,000 going up to Rs. 60,000 depending on the size and knots.
2. Kashmiri Shawls
One of the musts added items on the shopping list in Kashmir is the shawl. Besides, the term defines various woolen garments. Three fibers are used in the preparation of shawls in Kashmir. They are Pashmina, wool, and Shahtoosh. The woolen shawls mostly stay within the budget reach.
The Shahtoosh shawls are a one-time investment and are definitely worth it. The woolen shawls come with Kashmiri Embroidery that is unique. The Woven wool in Kashmir is called Raffel and is 100% pure.
Sometimes there can be a blend of cotton adding in a soft touch. Pashmina Shawls are bought worldwide because of their softness. It is woven from the wool of ibex found in Ladakh.
Pashmina Shawls are very expensive due to their rare existence. It is on the Pashmina that exquisite embroidery works are done. The Shahtoosh Shawls are incredibly light, soft, and keep you warm.
3. Walnut Wood Carvings
Kashmir is also home to some of the best wood carvings that you will find in the world. Secondly, the wood carving is done on various things like furniture, dining tables, desks, etc. Walnut is the common wood used for carving purposes.
Walnut is found abundantly only in Kashmir. Furthermore, the walnut wood is black from its roots. But it gets a lighter color when used for carving purposes. The worth of the wood increases from its roots. The tree from the root becomes the most expensive part.
After the carving is done, polishing brings out the real definite beauty of the wood. Polishing makes the wood sheen and glossy. Many online portals sell Kashmir woodworks online too. The starting range for these wood carvings is from Rs. 1,000 and reaches higher limits.
Read also: June Adventures: The Best of Kashmir’s Attractions
4. Saffron
Saffron is grown all over the world in Kashmir and Spain. For this, saffron is found in plenty in Kashmir. Moreover, the saffron stigmas are worth thousands of dollars. It is one of the costliest spices found in the world. Saffron is very valuable since it is a labor-induced spice.
So many laborers are used in the cultivation of saffron. Only about 5 to 7 pounds of saffron is produced from 1 acre of land. The Mogra Cream is the finest Indian saffron found in Kashmir.
It is dark red and the strands are long and beautiful. Also, the saffron is so flavorful and delicious. It is used in preparing various Indian dishes. Kashmir saffron is so tough to obtain. This makes it higher in price, but the Mogra Cream is wonderful in all its senses.
5. Noon Chai Leaves and Kahwa
The Noon Chai leaves are prepared in special ways using milk, and salt and are a famous Kashmir product. Adding a pinch of baking soda to it gives it a unique pink color. During winters, butter is added to the tea to make it so much more special.
The Kashmiri people have this tea about two to three times a day. It is taken with traditionally baked bread. This tea is proven to have so many health benefits. It protects against cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, skin problems, etc.
It costs Rs. 400 for half kg. Kahwa is a drink very much sought in Kashmir. It is made during festivals and weddings. It is a green tea with the addition of almonds, walnuts, and spices.
There are about 20 varieties of kahwa prepared in Kashmir. Add some milk to Kahwa and you are done. Many people love it simply. It costs Rs. 250 for 100 gm.
6. Copper Materials and Traditional Jewellery
There are many shops in Srinagar city that sell copper-lined products for walls, floors, and ceilings. On copper or silver known as Naqash, many forms of floral, leaf, and sometimes geometric or calligraphic patterns are carved or embossed.
Kashmiri pieces of jewelry are handcrafted with the utmost care to provide a really rich and stunning traditional appearance. Srinagar is the world’s largest treasure trove of precious stones. These stones are used in jewellery to improve the beauty of the piece. You will find many pieces of jewellery shops in Srinagar that sell Kundals, Nupura, Chaunk Phool, Tika, Balu, and Kada.
7. Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat
If you enjoy playing cricket, you should take a look at the vast range of Kashmir willow bats that are available at reasonable prices. These bats have excellent grip and light pick-up. Although these bats are inexpensive, the amount of time and effort required to create them is substantially more. Generally, the bat price starts from 2000 to 50000.
8. Dry Fruits & Spices
Last but not the least, Srinagar has a variety of dry fruits and spices. Srinagar’s specialties include several types of walnuts, such as Kagzi and won’t walnuts, as well as spices like saffron, shah Zira, and honey. Purchase high-quality dried fruits from this beautiful valley for your loved ones.
Check more information on Kashmir:
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- 15 Best Adventure Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir
- Jammu & Kashmir Popular Folk Dances
- 11 Interesting facts about Jammu & Kashmir
- Jammu & Kashmir Popular Heritage Sites to See
- Popular Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir (2022 List)
- Top 10 Destinations to See Kashmir in June
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- Places to Visit Kashmir in April
- 20 Most Famous Destinations to Visit in Kashmir
5 Best Markets in Kashmir Where to Buy
1. Floating Vegetable Market
The Dal Lake is popular because of the boathouses floating there every day. Further, the boathouses hold the largest floating vegetable market in Kashmir. The vendors come here early morning to sell fruits and vegetables. Book a Shikara in advance to catch the early morning bargains.
Buy authentic saffron from this market. This is not a common sight here so pin it down on your to-do list.
2. Residency Road
The Residency road is very close to Lal Chowk. Walk along the small and narrow roads to discover what the market has in store for you. It’s famous for Kashmiri Jewelry and handicrafts. Also, you will find supreme-quality raisins, dates, apricots, figs, etc. Grab something precious for your loved ones from this market.
3. Lal Chowk
Various assortment of goods will attract you to Lal Chowk. Move through the tiny houses with the views so jaw-dropping. It is a number 1 market in Srinagar and bargains with the shopkeepers to strike the perfect deal. The market has several vendors selling crafted walnut wood items.
It can be anything from furniture to a picture frame. You will find various crockery items like trays and bowls made of walnut wood. Find rich quality Pashmina Shawls, and handicrafts in this famous market.
4. Zaina Kadal Road
Visit Zaina Kadal Road in Srinagar for the best street shopping. The shops and stalls offer a wide range of items and products to which you simply cannot say no.
The genuine shopaholic in you will like the atmosphere here. Traditional Kashmiri goods, ranging from Kashmiri apparel to handicrafts, are abundantly available for purchase.
If you enjoy tattoos, you may indulge in them at Zaina Kadal Road, where several stores offering tattooing and body piercing.
5. Kashmir Government Arts Emporium
This one is intended for art enthusiasts. There are a variety of art forms that reflect Kashmir’s rich culture. The goal of the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium is to promote indigenous arts and crafts. The Kashmir Government Arts Emporium is located in the Bahu Plaza Shopping Complex in Srinagar’s Panama Chowk. It’s the only business in the region that caters to people who still respect skilled artisans and craftsmen’s work.
Conclusion
Purchase the finest items in Kashmir. Take the souvenirs back for your close ones. On your next trip, find all the amazing things. And you will not be disappointed.
Read about some other shopping destinations:
- Shopping in Kathmandu- What to Buy, Where to Buy
- Popular Places for Shopping in Chandigarh
- What is Famous in Kolkata for Shopping and Where
- Shopping in Sikkim: What to Buy and Where?
- Shopping Guide Agra: Things to Buy & Market
- Shopping Guide Kerala: What to Buy and From Where
- 10 Best Shopping Places in Mumbai
