Alappuzha (Alleppey) is not only a place to explore the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters but also a great shopping destination. If you’re looking for authentic Kerala products, unique souvenirs, and great deals, there are several places you can shop at with discounts and tax-free shopping options. Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 10 Shopping Destinations in Alappuzha, where you can enjoy good deals on local products.
1. Alappuzha Main Market
- Description: The Alappuzha Main Market is one of the best places for budget shopping. You’ll find a variety of items like spices, textiles, souvenirs, and local handicrafts at affordable prices.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Bargaining is common here, and many shops offer discounts. However, tax exemptions are not typically available in this local market.
- Top Items:
- Spices (Cardamom, Pepper, Cloves)
- Local Handicrafts
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Location: Alappuzha Town
- Special Features: Offers a variety of budget-friendly products; bargaining is encouraged.
2. Kerala Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan
- Description: For an authentic taste of Kerala’s heritage, visit Kerala Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, which offers a variety of khadi and handloom products. Khadi fabrics, along with other handwoven textiles, are available at competitive prices.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Khadi products are often available at discounted prices and are tax-free for international travelers.
- Top Items:
- Khadi Clothing (Shirts, Sarees, Kurtas)
- Handloom Towels
- Traditional Kerala Dhotis
- Location: Mullackal, Alappuzha
- Special Features: Tax-free shopping for international tourists on khadi products.
3. Coir Board Emporium
- Description: The Coir Board Emporium is the best place to buy Kerala’s famous coir products. You can shop for high-quality mats, carpets, and other handcrafted items made from coconut fiber.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Offers reasonable discounts on coir products for bulk purchases and tourists.
- Top Items:
- Coir Mats
- Coir Rugs
- Handmade Coir Products
- Location: Coir Board Building, Alappuzha
- Special Features: Government-regulated prices and tax-free shopping for export-quality coir products.
4. Alappuzha Coir Cooperative Society
- Description: A cooperative society for coir products, it provides high-quality coir-based items at discounted rates. The cooperative focuses on fair trade and offers products made by local artisans.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Offers special discounts for bulk purchases and discounts for tourists.
- Top Items:
- Coir Mats and Rugs
- Eco-Friendly Products
- Location: Alappuzha
- Special Features: Products made from 100% natural coir. Discounted rates on eco-friendly coir items.
5. Kerala Spice Market (Kochi)
- Description: While not technically in Alappuzha, Kochi is close enough (about 1 hour’s drive) and offers an excellent spice market experience. It’s worth the short trip to buy spices and related products at wholesale prices.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Spices are typically offered at wholesale prices, and tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping on certain products.
- Top Items:
- Fresh Spices (Cardamom, Pepper, Cinnamon)
- Spice Powders (Turmeric, Saffron)
- Essential Oils
- Location: Mattancherry Spice Market, Kochi (1 hour from Alappuzha)
- Special Features: Wholesale prices on fresh, high-quality spices; tax-free shopping on export-quality spices.
6. Manappuram Finance Ltd (For Gold Jewelry)
- Description: While not a traditional “market,” Manappuram is a well-known name in Alappuzha, offering high-quality gold jewelry at competitive rates. Many tourists visit here for gold shopping, as they offer better deals compared to other shops.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Discounts available for bulk buyers and special promotions during festive seasons.
- Top Items:
- Gold Jewelry (Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings)
- Location: Multiple branches in Alappuzha
- Special Features: Great deals on gold, especially during promotional periods. Tax exemptions on gold purchases for tourists.
7. Shubham Handicrafts
- Description: Known for its wide selection of Kerala’s traditional wooden handicrafts, Shubham Handicrafts is a great place for buying souvenirs, decorative items, and sculptures.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: The shop often offers discounts for tourists and offers items that are duty-free for international buyers.
- Top Items:
- Wooden Sculptures (Kathakali Masks, Elephants)
- Brass Lamps and Statues
- Coir Crafts
- Location: Near Alappuzha Beach
- Special Features: The shop offers tax-free purchases for international travelers on decorative wooden handicrafts.
8. Thevara Road Shopping
- Description: A commercial area with various shops selling everything from spices and textiles to souvenirs. It’s a popular area for tourists to pick up local products at discounted prices.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Discounted prices, especially in the local spice and textile shops. No explicit tax exemptions, but small discounts are common.
- Top Items:
- Spices (Pepper, Cloves)
- Kerala-style Fabrics and Apparel
- Location: Thevara Road, Alappuzha
- Special Features: Offers a wide variety of products at great discounts, particularly spices and textiles.
9. Alappuzha Handicraft Village
- Description: Located near the heart of Alappuzha, this village offers a unique shopping experience where you can buy handcrafted products directly from the artisans. It’s a perfect place for tourists looking for authentic Kerala crafts.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: Handicrafts sold at discounted prices; tourists can find great deals on local artisan goods.
- Top Items:
- Handwoven Fabrics and Sarees
- Wooden Craft Items
- Kathakali Masks
- Location: Near the Alappuzha town center
- Special Features: Direct interaction with artisans and the opportunity to purchase items at affordable prices.
10. Punnappra Market
- Description: Punnappra is well known for its agricultural produce and local items. The market offers fresh produce and handmade local goods at competitive prices.
- Discounts/Tax-Free: You can expect some discounts, especially when buying fresh produce or handmade items.
- Top Items:
- Fresh Coconut Products
- Handwoven Bags
- Spices
- Location: Punnappra, Alappuzha
- Special Features: A rural shopping experience with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local goods.
Summary of Cost and Shopping Tips
- Budget Shopping: Thevara Road Shopping, Punnappra Market, Alappuzha Main Market
- Mid-Range Shopping: Kerala Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Coir Board Emporium, Shubham Handicrafts
- Premium Shopping: Manappuram Finance Ltd (Gold Jewelry), Alappuzha Handicraft Village, Thevara Road
Shopping Tips:
- Bargaining: Common in local markets like the Alappuzha Main Market and Thevara Road Shopping.
- Discount Offers: Many shops, especially the handicraft stores, offer discounts for bulk purchases or during festival seasons.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Certain items like coir products, handicrafts, and textiles may be eligible for tax-free shopping for international tourists. Always ask the shopkeeper about tax exemption rules.
Conclusion
Alappuzha offers a variety of shopping options, from local markets to specialty handicraft stores, where tourists can pick up authentic Kerala products at discounted rates. Enjoy your shopping experience and take home a piece of Kerala’s vibrant culture!