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Buy in Kerala

I'm obsessed about all things Kerala. The mountains, the beaches,the houses,the greenery.Its a photographer's paradise.Each place has a story,a background that mesmerises.And the scenery is breathtaking.Any which way you go, there is a breathtaking view. The hills of Munnar,the backwaters of Alleypey.No wonder they market the place as God's own country.
We traveled a lot throughout Kerala. Despite that we missed several places. I really wanted to stay in Tharavad,the traditional Kerala house. I also wanted to go through the backwaters of Alleypey to lake Ashtamudi. Maybe some time. We also picked up some really good furniture from Kochi. I really like the antique look, but dont have enough money to afford authentic ones. Jew town in Fort Kochi is a great place to collect old items. But that is only if you have time. I,once fell for a Buddha bust, which the shopkeeper earnestly told me was a real antique piece and quote some 12-15 thousand rupees.for it. Fotunately I wasnt carrying any money then and resolved to come back later.When I returned after a few days, I found that same bust in three different shops with prices ranging from 5 to 20 thousand. After that, I decided not to buy anything substantial from there.
But anyway, when you go to Kerala, you can pick some coir and rubber stuff as souvenirs. There are plenty of shops dotting the highways and you can stop at any of these places and buy good artefacts at reasonable prices. Especially around Alleypey, you'll find jute hammocks and other products made of jute and coir.
one of the shops on the highway

Colourful carpets and hammock


Ravi Varma painting on bamboo mat

Bamboo mat

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Masks made of coir




 I also buy essential oils. They come from Thekkady.If you're in Munnar, You can buy different types of tea from the big KTDC shop.My personal favourite is the Rose tea. In Kochi, definitely buy spices. From either Jew town or Broadway. I did my entire month's spice shopping from Broadway.And if you've use them once, there's no turning back.I can safely say that I'm addicted to the aroma and flavour of those spices. They are so heady.
There are many things to pick up from Kerala.You just have to give some time.

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