Alappuzha (Alleppey) is a wonderful place to explore Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through its vibrant street markets, artisanal shops, and local vendors. As a tourist, there are several unique and meaningful souvenirs to buy from Alappuzha that will remind you of your visit to this beautiful backwater town. Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 10 Souvenirs to Buy in Alappuzha, along with information on where to buy them and what makes each item special.
1. Wooden Art and Sculptures
- Overview: Kerala is known for its woodcraft, and in Alappuzha, you’ll find a wide variety of wooden items, from sculptures to decorative art.
- What to Buy:
- Wooden Statues: Representing gods, animals, and traditional Kerala symbols.
- Wooden Wall Hangings: Decorative art pieces that can add an authentic touch to your home.
- Wooden Elephants: Symbolic of Kerala’s connection to elephants.
- Where to Buy: Handicraft shops in Alappuzha, Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum.
- Price: ₹200–₹3,000 depending on size and craftsmanship.
- Why It’s Special: Wooden crafts reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and are a representation of the traditional Kerala craftsmanship.
2. Kerala Spice Packs
- Overview: Kerala is famous for its aromatic spices, and buying a pack of local spices is a must for any visitor. The spices in Alappuzha are fresh and flavorful, perfect for cooking authentic Kerala cuisine at home.
- What to Buy:
- Black Pepper: Known for its strong flavor and quality.
- Cardamom: Kerala is the largest producer of cardamom, and it’s one of the best to buy.
- Cloves and Cinnamon: Used in many Kerala dishes and Ayurvedic preparations.
- Where to Buy: Local spice markets, Mullakkal Market, Alappuzha Supermarket.
- Price: ₹50–₹300 per pack, depending on the spice.
- Why It’s Special: Kerala spices are world-renowned for their rich flavor and medicinal properties, making them an excellent and useful souvenir.
3. Kathakali Masks
- Overview: Kathakali, Kerala’s famous classical dance form, is known for its colorful costumes and expressive masks. These masks make for beautiful decorative items and are a perfect souvenir to remember the art of Kerala.
- What to Buy:
- Kathakali Face Masks: Handcrafted masks painted in vibrant colors, representing various characters from Kathakali performances.
- Miniature Masks: Small, portable versions of Kathakali masks.
- Where to Buy: Local handicraft shops, Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum, and Alappuzha Beach Market.
- Price: ₹200–₹2,500 depending on size and intricacy.
- Why It’s Special: The masks represent a deep cultural tradition in Kerala and serve as a unique piece of art.
4. Brassware and Metal Crafts
- Overview: Kerala is known for its intricate brasswork, and you can find beautiful handcrafted brass items in Alappuzha. These items are often used in temples and homes across Kerala.
- What to Buy:
- Brass Lamps (Nilavilakku): Traditional Kerala oil lamps used in ceremonies and festivals.
- Brass Statues: Gods, elephants, and other traditional sculptures.
- Brass Dishes and Bowls: Used for rituals, these items are often intricately carved.
- Where to Buy: Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum, local handicraft shops in Alappuzha Town.
- Price: ₹300–₹5,000 depending on size and design.
- Why It’s Special: Brassware is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural and spiritual practices, making it a meaningful souvenir.
5. Coir Products
- Overview: Alappuzha is known as the “Coir Capital” of India, and coir products are one of the best souvenirs to bring home. These eco-friendly items are made from coconut husks and reflect Kerala’s sustainable craftsmanship.
- What to Buy:
- Coir Mats and Rugs: Traditionally made and available in various sizes and designs.
- Coir Bags and Baskets: Durable, stylish, and perfect for carrying items or as decorative pieces.
- Coir Doormats: Popular in households due to their sturdy nature.
- Where to Buy: Alappuzha Coir Market, Punnappra Coir Factory Shop
- Price: ₹100–₹2,000 depending on the size and quality.
- Why It’s Special: Coir is a unique Kerala product that reflects the region’s eco-friendly traditions and artisanal craftsmanship.
6. Handloom Sarees
- Overview: Kerala is known for its fine handloom sarees, which make an elegant and traditional souvenir. Alappuzha offers a variety of handwoven textiles, including the famous Kasavu sarees.
- What to Buy:
- Kasavu Sarees: White sarees with golden borders, popular for weddings and festivals.
- Cotton Sarees: Light, breathable sarees suitable for the hot Kerala weather.
- Where to Buy: Local handloom shops, Alappuzha Government Emporium.
- Price: ₹1,000–₹5,000 depending on the design and material.
- Why It’s Special: Kasavu sarees are a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage and are considered a timeless traditional piece.
7. Coconut Shell Crafts
- Overview: Alappuzha is a coastal town where coconut products are abundant. Crafts made from coconut shells are eco-friendly, lightweight, and unique.
- What to Buy:
- Coconut Shell Jewelry: Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made from polished coconut shells.
- Coconut Shell Home Décor: Decorative items like lamps, coasters, and bowls made from coconut shells.
- Keychains and Miniatures: Small, portable coconut shell souvenirs.
- Where to Buy: Local handicraft shops, Alappuzha Beach Market.
- Price: ₹50–₹500 depending on the size and intricacy.
- Why It’s Special: Coconut shell crafts reflect the natural and sustainable lifestyle in Kerala.
8. Tea from Kerala
- Overview: Kerala produces some of the finest teas, especially from the nearby Nilgiri hills. Alappuzha is a good place to pick up local tea blends as a souvenir.
- What to Buy:
- Kerala Tea: Tea from the Nilgiri hills, often flavored with spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
- Spiced Tea: Tea blends with a hint of Kerala’s famous spices.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets, local tea stalls, and specialized tea shops.
- Price: ₹100–₹500 per pack.
- Why It’s Special: Kerala tea blends are famous for their rich aroma and taste, making it a delightful souvenir for tea lovers.
9. Local Handmade Soaps and Ayurveda Products
- Overview: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and natural wellness products. Alappuzha offers a variety of handmade soaps, oils, and other Ayurvedic products.
- What to Buy:
- Herbal Soaps: Made from natural ingredients like coconut oil, turmeric, and neem.
- Essential Oils: Used for massages, relaxation, and skincare.
- Ayurvedic Skincare Products: Ayurvedic creams, oils, and balms for various skin concerns.
- Where to Buy: Local Ayurvedic shops, Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum.
- Price: ₹50–₹500 depending on the product.
- Why It’s Special: Kerala’s Ayurvedic products are known for their natural ingredients and health benefits, making them an excellent souvenir for wellness enthusiasts.
10. Handcrafted Pottery
- Overview: Pottery is a traditional craft in Kerala, and you can find a variety of handcrafted clay products in Alappuzha. These items make for functional and artistic souvenirs.
- What to Buy:
- Clay Pots: Small and large earthen pots used for cooking and decoration.
- Earthenware Figurines: Animal shapes, deities, and other miniature pottery items.
- Where to Buy: Local pottery workshops, Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum.
- Price: ₹50–₹1,000 depending on the size and design.
- Why It’s Special: Pottery represents Kerala’s rural heritage and is perfect for those looking for rustic, handmade souvenirs.
Summary Table of Top Souvenirs to Buy in Alappuzha
| Souvenir | What to Buy | Where to Buy | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coir Products | Coir Mats, Bags, Doormats, Coir Bags | Alappuzha Coir Market, Punnappra | ₹100–₹2,000 |
| Kerala Spices | Cardamom, Black Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon | Local spice markets | ₹50–₹300 |
| Kathakali Masks | Face Masks, Mini Masks | Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum | ₹200–₹2,500 |
| Brassware and Metal Crafts | Brass Lamps, Statues, Dishes | Revi Karunakaran Museum, Local shops | ₹300–₹5,000 |
| Wooden Art and Sculptures | Wooden Statues, Wall Hangings, Elephants | Local handicraft shops, Revi Museum | ₹200–₹3,000 |
| Handloom Sarees | Kasavu Sarees, Cotton Sarees | Local handloom shops, Govt Emporium | ₹1,000–₹5,000 |
| Coconut Shell Crafts | Jewelry, Home Décor, Keychains | Alappuzha Beach Market | ₹50–₹500 |
| Tea from Kerala | Nilgiri Tea, Spiced Tea | Tea stalls, Local shops | ₹100–₹500 |
| Handcrafted Pottery | Clay Pots, Earthenware Figurines | Pottery Workshops, Local markets | ₹50–₹1,000 |
| Ayurvedic Soaps and Products | Herbal Soaps, Essential Oils, Creams | Ayurvedic shops, Local markets | ₹50–₹500 |
Tips for Shopping in Alappuzha:
- Bargain: In most local markets, bargaining is common, especially for handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Check Authenticity: Ensure the products are locally made and authentic, especially when purchasing handicrafts.
- Best Time to Shop: Visit the markets during the daytime, as evening markets can be crowded and some stalls may close early.
Enjoy shopping for these unique souvenirs and take home a piece of Kerala’s culture and craftsmanship!