Souvenirs serve as sweet reminders of travel experiences and hence, travelers take a special interest in souvenir shopping whether they generally love shopping or not. Souvenir shopping is much more interesting in a country as diverse as India, where every state boasts more than one ‘unique to the region’ item, which may be a piece of art or handicraft or handloom textile or local produce like spices, tea leaves, etc., or any other indigenous product. Must-buy Indian souvenirs are too many, and you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Here is a list of the eight best Indian souvenirs you must buy when you fly to India and travel across the length and breadth of the country. Go souvenir-hunting for these must-buy souvenirs and take a piece of India back home. This certainly is a place that leaves you with a heart full of memories and a bag full of souvenirs.
Traditional Paintings:
India’s art scene captivates every art lover. The skilled artisans paint a vivid picture of the country’s cultural heritage on canvas, and the intricate detail of their artwork is simply mind-boggling. Regional paintings like Madhubani (Bihar), Warli (Maharashtra), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Thanjavur (Tanjore), Kalighat (Kolkata), and Pattachitra (Orissa) are some beautiful Indian souvenirs that you could take back home.
Pashmina shawls:
The exquisite and elegant Pashmina shawls and stoles are one of the most popular souvenirs from India. This luxurious fabric is made from the wool of pashmina goats reared in the Himalayan ranges of Kashmir and Ladakh regions. Extremely delicate and ultra-soft; pure pashmina is said to pass effortlessly through a ring.
Indian Tea:
If you appreciate living like a local, chances are you might have gotten into the habit of having a cuppa every day. Wouldn’t you like to introduce the strong flavor of Indian tea to your friends and family back home? Don’t forget to buy some freshly packaged tea leaves when you tour the tea plantations of Assam, Darjeeling, Karnataka, or Kerala.
Sarees and Kurtas:
When you think of Indian culture, you also think of Indian attire. Sarees and Kurtas that best represent Indian culture are globally recognized and need no introduction. Nevertheless, you will be floored by the amount of variety in terms of fabric and design, especially with sarees. The most popular ones are Tamil Nadu’s Kanjeevaram saree, Gujarat’s Bandhani saree, Varanasi’s Banarasi saree, Mysore Silk saree, Gujarat’s Patola saree, Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi saree.
Jewelry:
When you buy a saree, you also need the right accessories to go with it. So, we can’t help but add Indian jewelry to this list of must-buy Indian souvenirs. Indian jewelry is unlike anything you’ve seen. Handcrafted to perfection, the elaborate designs are as rich and varied as the country’s culture. From traditional gold jewelry to contemporary silver and platinum pieces, there’s so much on offer, and you’ll surely find something to your liking.
Indian Spices:
Enjoyed Indian food? Want to recreate at your home what you have tasted here? If you dig into Indian cuisine, you notice a set of fresh spices commonly used for cooking (Indian kitchens generally have a spice box). These homegrown, high-quality spices play a significant role in elevating the aroma and flavor of a dish. Kerala is the best place to buy Indian spices, although they are easily available at any local spice market in any part of the country. A hand-made spice box is something that you can consider for gifting someone. You can buy these Indian souvenirs online too.
Kondapalli Toys:
A small village called Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh is famous across India for its namesake toys. The artisans of this village carry on the 400-year-old tradition of crafting Kondapalli toys that come in vibrant colors and interesting themes. Traditionally carved from softwood (Tella Poniki), each part of the toy is carved separately and then joined together with an adhesive made of tamarind seed powder and sawdust. For someone who loves handicrafts, Kondapalli toys make for the best souvenirs from India.
Ayurvedic Products:
Pampering yourself with an Ayurvedic massage is one of the best things to do in Kerala. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine native to Bharat, and Ayurvedic products are known to improve holistic wellbeing. Nothing convinces you to buy Ayurvedic oils more than your personal experience of their relaxing and therapeutic effects on your body and soul. Not only oils, but other Ayurvedic products for hair and skin are some of the best Indian souvenirs ideal for both personal use and for gifting purposes.
Conclusion
Apart from the above, the best things to buy in India include Jaipur blue pottery, Kolhapuri chappals (footwear), Kutch embroidery, Kullu topi (hat), Budithi brassware, bamboo or wooden handicrafts, terracotta pottery and sculptures, sandalwood carvings, Bidri items, incense sticks, homemade candles, pickles, and Indian epics. We believe our list of Indian souvenirs helps you decide what to buy during your India trip. So, when are you booking international flights to India?
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