South India is a wonderful land for the best shopping experience with an unlimited number of options. Theland’s rich heritage, culture, and craftsmanship make you wonderful things to buy. Whether it may be handicrafts, silk saris, jewellery, sculptures, paintings, etc many things of South India will make you feel every buy worthy to take to your home.
Whenever you are on a trip to South India never miss buying the best souvenirs of South India. Let’s catch up on the best and most important things to buy in South India.
Top 15 Things to Buy in South India & Where to Buy Them
1. Tanjore Paintings:
Tanjore Paintings are exquisite works of showcasing art with intricate detailing using glass, precious stones, and gold leaf. In this type of art, you can see different traditional paintings of gods, goddesses, mythological depictions, birds, flowers, animals, etc. This painting style comes from the 16th century and is very authentic to look at. Paintings like these adorning your walls look beautiful and authentic.
Origin: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Where to Buy:
- Tanjore (Thanjavur) art galleries.
- Craft stores in Chennai and Puducherry.
Tips: Look for authenticity certificates when purchasing.
Tamil Nadu Trip Itineraries:
2. Coir Handicrafts:
In South India, we can see rich coconut plantations in many parts, especially in the backwaters of Kerala favours a lot. Being home to rich coconut resources, in South India you can see varied coir handicrafts made with coconut shells, jute, etc. With beautifully designed patterns, the coir handicrafts look beautiful in your showcase almirahs.
Origin: Kerala.
Where to Buy:
- Coir Board Showrooms in Alappuzha (Alleppey).
- Handicraft shops in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
Tips: Opt for durable, handwoven designs.
3. Wooden Artifacts:
Wooden artifacts of South India are wonderful to shop for their unique and beautiful carvings. They are exquisitely carved out from the wood and dyed with vegetable colours by using tamarind seed paste to fix them. You can have varied types of wooden articles from miniature to big ones. The beauty of these articles is they portray mostly village lifestyle with beautiful carvings.
Origin: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Kondapalli is quite famous for its wooden articles.
Where to Buy:
- Mysore’s Cauvery Emporium.
- Bengaluru’s craft markets.
Tips: Check for smooth finishes and natural wood polish.
Read also: Top Kerala Destinations to Explore in November
4. Spices:
Whenever you try South Indian food, you can feel the aromatic sense and spicy feeling for the most of time. The reason behind the spiciness of south Indian food is the use of rich spices.
That’s why South Indian food tastes delicious and spicy. The best-buy spices here are cloves, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper. You can have them in dried or fresh states. So, never miss to fill your kitchens with South Indian spices.
Origin: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Where to Buy:
- Spice markets in Kochi and Madurai.
- Directly from plantations in Wayanad and Thekkady.
Tips: Purchase vacuum-packed spices for longer shelf life.
5. Ayurvedic Products:
For ayurvedic products, South India is a well-known place. Especially, Kerala is the best-known place for Ayurvedic products and treatments in entire India. Here you can have Ayurvedic oils, herbal soaps, medicinal powders, and other products.
Where to buy: Kerala.
Where to Buy:
- Government-run Arya Vaidya Sala outlets.
- Local Ayurvedic wellness centers.
Tips: Ensure products are from certified Ayurvedic brands.
Read More: October Getaways in South India
6. Tea and Coffee:
South India is like heaven for tea and coffee lovers, many hill stations in South India are quite famous for tea and coffee plantations. Here you can explore the tea plantations and know the best variety of aromas. You can enjoy the best time exploring how the tea or coffee is processed and come to your kitchen.
Origin: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Where to Buy:
- Tea estates in Munnar.
- Coffee plantations in Coorg.
Tips: Opt for loose-leaf teas and freshly ground coffee for the best flavors.
7. Pearls:
Hyderabad is like an abode for Pearls in South India. Here you can see an array of shops displaying beautiful pearls. Being once ruled by the Nizams and Sultans, this place is quite famous for its precious pearls. But you have to check wisely which is real or fake and also must have good bargaining skills.
Origin: Charminar region of Hyderabad.
Where to Buy: Hyderabad’s Laad Bazaar and Charminar area.
Tips: Test for authenticity by checking for a gritty texture when rubbed on the teeth.
8. Local Delicacies:
Entire South India is quite famous for its local food and its different variety of sweets. Here you can enjoy different savours of different regions. Each region is known for its best in making. For example Andhra Pradesh for pongal, Chennai for sambar, Kerala for appam, etc. When it comes to sweets, the must-try here are Mysore Pak, Maa Ladoo, Rava Kesari, etc. So never forget to pack some sweets for the people at your home to make them taste South Indian sweets.
Origin: Entire South India.
Where to Buy: Bakeries and sweet shops in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Tips: Ensure snacks are freshly packed.
9. Traditional Clothes:
South India is rich in promoting culture and heritage. Especially, the festivals of South India will look grandeur with classic traditional attires from children to elders. Many places in South India are quite famous for their traditional clothing. Kerala’s Mundu, Andhra & Tamil Nadu’s Dhoti, Sarees, Pavada, and Davani for women, like different traditional attires are the best to try in South India.
Origin: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Where to Buy: Handloom stores in Chennai and Kochi.
Tips: Choose soft, breathable fabrics for daily wear.
10. Rosewood Carvings:
Karnataka region is quite famous for rosewood carvings. Being home to many rosewood forests, here you can see the best rosewood carvings works. The intricate designs in crafting articles show the exquisite craftsmanship of the local artisans. You can pick various rosewood carvings of gods, animals, birds, etc.
Origin: Mysore, Karnataka & Kerala.
Where to Buy:
- Mysore craft emporiums.
- Artisan workshops in Wayanad.
Tips: Look for intricate details and polished finishes.
11. Sandalwood Products:
For Sandalwood products, the southern states are well-known for their number of products. Especially Karnataka region is the best place to find the best quality sandalwood. You can shop for various kinds of sandalwood products like furniture, statues, toys, pendants, soaps, etc a lot.
Origin: Mysore and Bangalore, Karnataka.
Where to Buy: Mysore Sandalwood Oil Factory.
Tips: Sandalwood is expensive; verify authenticity.
12. Seashell articles:
Seashell articles of South India have great popularity in India. Being home to long coastal areas, here you can catch numerous kinds of seashell articles from decors to jewellery. You can buy home decor, crafts, jewellery, etc. The intricate designs and patterns of seashells in South India will make you feel surprised.
Where to buy: Kerala, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Tips: Choose well-crafted items for durability.
13. Handloom Sarees:
For handloom sarees, South India is a wonderful region to shop for unlimited varieties of sarees. Every region has its special handmade silk or cotton sarees. From many parts of India, people visit to buy South India’s best-known handloom sarees especially, for marriages. Some of the best-buy sarees are Kanchipuram Silk, Pochampally Cotton, Kasavusarees, Mysore Silk, etc.
Origin: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Where to Buy:
- T Nagar market in Chennai.
- Silk shops in Mysore.
Tips: Check for genuine silk by doing a burn test on loose threads.
14. Aroma Oils:
For aroma oils and products, South India is one of the best regions. Being home to rich forests, here you can find the best products, which make you feel serene with their essence. Some of the best buys are scented candles, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, incense sticks, almond oil, etc.
Origin: Kerala, Pondicherry, Kodaikanal, and Ooty.
Where to Buy: Ayurvedic centers in Kerala.
Tips: Choose oils with pure ingredients for best results.
15. Pottery:
The pottery styles of South India look very different and attractive. Being known for the best traditions of pottery making, here you can see varied types of pottery. From decorative items to household pottery, different varieties of pottery will attract you. Terracotta figurines, pots, flower vases, clay lamps, household pottery, etc are the best-buy options.
Origin: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Pondicherry.
Where to Buy: Artisan villages and pottery markets.
Tips: Pack fragile items carefully for transport.
Travel Essentials
By Air:
- Major international airports include Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Trivandrum.
- Domestic airports in cities like Mangalore, Coimbatore, and Madurai connect to smaller towns.
By Train:
- South India’s rail network is extensive. Trains like the Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and local express trains connect major cities and towns.
- Book tickets early during the holiday season.
By Road:
- National highways and state highways are well-maintained, with scenic routes like the East Coast Road (Chennai to Pondicherry) and the Nilgiris roads.
- Public buses (state-run and private) are frequent and economical.
- Car rentals and self-drive options like Zoomcar are available.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (October to March): Ideal for sightseeing, beach visits, and hill stations, with pleasant weather and numerous festivals.
- Monsoons (June to September): Perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy the lush greenery, waterfalls, and unique monsoon experiences.
- Summer (April to June): While cities may get hot, hill stations like Ooty, Coorg, and Munnar remain cool.
Cultural Etiquette
- Temples and religious sites often require modest attire; cover shoulders and knees.
- Remove footwear before entering temples or some traditional homes.
- Seek permission before taking photos of people, especially monks or performers.
Health & Safety
- Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
- Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, especially in rural areas.
- Carry a first-aid kit and any necessary prescription medications.
Packing Tips
- Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential for South India’s tropical climate.
- Include a shawl or scarf for visiting religious sites.
- Comfortable footwear for walking and hiking.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
- Waterproof gear for monsoon visits.
These are all some of the best-buy souvenirs to shop for in South India. Whenever you visit South India, try to shop for any of these things and make your homes beautiful. The moment you see them in your house you should remember all your trip highlights in South India.
Further Reading:
- Top 10 Places for Shopping in Himachal
- 15 Famous Shopping Malls in Delhi – NCR
- Udaipur Famous Shopping Destinations
- Popular Markets for Shopping in Varanasi
- Top 14 Shopping Places in India
- Uttarakhand Shopping: What to Buy and Where to Buy
Frequently Asked Question:
1. What is South India known for when it comes to shopping?
South India is famous for its traditional handicrafts, silk sarees, spices, and unique souvenirs that reflect its rich culture and heritage.
2. What are the must-buy items from South India?
Popular items include Kanchipuram silk sarees, Mysore sandalwood products, Kerala spices, Tanjore paintings, and Bidriware.
3. Why are Kanchipuram silk sarees special?
Kanchipuram sarees are known for their rich silk fabric, vibrant colors, and intricate gold zari work, making them perfect for festive occasions.
4. What makes Mysore sandalwood products unique?
Mysore sandalwood is famous for its high-quality fragrance and is used to make soaps, oils, and incense sticks.
5. What should I buy from Kerala?
Kerala is known for its aromatic spices, ayurvedic products, coconut-based items, and handmade coir products.
6. What are Tanjore paintings, and where can I get them?
Tanjore paintings are traditional South Indian art forms featuring gold foil work and religious themes, best purchased from Tamil Nadu.
7. Are there any unique jewelry items to buy?
Yes, South India is famous for its temple jewelry, intricate gold ornaments inspired by ancient temple designs.
8. Where can I shop for authentic South Indian items?
Visit local markets and government-run emporiums in cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Mysore for genuine products.
