the land where season never ends !

For a good selection of the range of crafts available in Kerala, start with the main Handicrafts emporia in Trivandrum or Cochin. Here you will find intricate rosewood and sandalwood  carvings, ivory work, brass and 'bell- metal' lamps  and other decorative objects, besides myriad interesting and useful things made from coconut, coir, cane, bamboo and straw.Amongst Indian Khadi (Handspun and Handwoven) and Handloom textiles, Kerala's unique fabrics are especially fine Textiles.

In Trivandrum and Cochin, there are  several good antique dealers. In Trivandrum, Kairali has a good handicrafts shop near secretariate, Natesan's has their main shop on M. G.Road, and branch at I.T.D.C Ashok Beach Resort, Kovalam. In Cochin, there are several good shops clustered on the small lanes near the mattancherry synagogue. There is a wealth of lovely things made during the century which make affordable and extremely rewarding purchases. (main shop is Arts crafts). Look especially for unusual bronzes and unique decorative items,such as the traditional, intricate old locks.

Even if you are not in the market for a major purchase, a visit to at least one handicraft shop is must. The main handicrafts shop is Khataisons curio palace, M.G. Road, Ernakulam, for your requirements of
Handicrafts, carpets,  jewellery, silks, paintings, and antiques,
where foreign currency and all credit cards are accepted. The price are most reasonable and fixed.

Surabhi-Kerala State Handicrafts apex co-op society situated on the MG Road has large collection of handicrafts. But there are also many small shops in other cities and towns.

Coir products,woven from coconut husk fibre, are a Kerala speciality. In Cochin you can take a motor launch to the Gundu Island, to watch the entire process, and then to select mats and carpets in brightly coloured designs. Coir is also a major craft/ industry in the Alleppey area.

Spices, nuts, coffee and tea, and local specialities such as crisp banana chips can be found in the cities and in most towns.Make enquiries about the specialities of the area you are passing through. Munnar for Kannan devan tea, Calicut for banana chips; Quilon for cashews and Kumily for cardamom for instance.