Each state and union territory of India is worlds apart from one another. They have distinct things to offer, be it the climate, the experiences, or the souvenirs. Due to the beyond brilliant craftsmanship, the market of Indian souvenirs has attracted an unbelievably large amount of attention. After all, what kind of a tourist doesn’t fancy carrying a little something in addition to the memories from that world, back to their own world, right?
Here’s Treebo’s perfect guide to the fantastic Indian souvenirs and where to find them (pun very much intended!!)
Jammu and Kashmir’s Souvenirs
Starting from the state that stands as a crown atop India, Jammu and Kashmir is known for its enchanting landscapes and premium spices. But since one can’t add landscape to the memorabilia and spices will end up consumed sooner or later, here are some things that you should purchase for your chest of souvenirs from India.
Pashmina: It’s said that an entire Pashmina shawl can pass through a finger-ring. This fine fabric is enough to keep you warm even when it’s snowing outside.
Lac Ornaments: Bangles and earrings made out of lac are sold in abundance in Kashmir. The material is decorated with colorful stones and mirrors.
Wooden handicrafts: From the cliched mini boats and pine cones to finely carved storage boxes and trays, there’s a variety of wooden handicrafts that one can bring home from Kashmir. One can also look for handicrafts made out of fragrant sandalwood.
Papier Mache: We aren’t talking about the craftwork that kids are made to do in schools. The papier mache souvenirs created in Jammu and Kashmir are worth decorating in the showcases. The skilled craftsmen of the state make everything from utensils, jewelry to vibrant decorative items using papier mache.
Famous souvenirs from Ladakh
The newest Union Territory of India has caught a lot of attention in the last couple of years. The first image that comes to mind when we think of Ladakh is a bike decorated with the Buddhist prayer flag. Needless to say, that’s the most recognized Indian souvenir from the place. To add to your shelf of memoirs, you can bring over some authentic Tibetan artefacts like the prayer wheels, sacred Thangka paintings, and the calm-faced Buddha statues and masks.
The travelers can also add some fancy stone and silver bracelets, necklaces, rings, anklets, and whatnot, to their ornament collection.
Famous souvenirs from Himachal Pradesh
The best souvenirs to collect from Himachal are the memories. The land is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. A gem for Instagram enthusiasts, indeed! But since trekking, tent pitching, snowball fights, sightseeing, and chai and Maggi with a view don’t count as mementos, we’ll give you a list of everything Himachali that you can bring back home from your expedition.
The caps known as Himachali Topis: In Himachal Pradesh, every region has its own, distinguishable cap. It’s majorly the style of embroidery or pattern that changes from region to region. The Kullu Topi is colorful and has geometric patterns over it. The one worn in Kinnaur is bright green with red borders. The Bushari Topi isn’t very different from Kinnaur’s. It has the same parrot green color but golden borders. How many Himachali Topis do you know about?
Chamba Rumal: A handkerchief is known as rumal in Hindi. The ones you find in Chamba are made of fine cotton or silk. These handkerchiefs have stories embroidered over them. The people of Himachal use them to cover gifts during festivals.
Dorje: A Dorje is a small, handheld bell made of brass. It’s generally used by the Tibetans during their religious rituals. They can be a beautifully carved addition to the prayer area in your home. These beautiful Himachali Dorjes also make a great gift for your relatives and friends.
Souvenirs from Punjab & Haryana
Punjab and Haryana are no less than heaven for desi foodies. The states are just as boisterous as they are depicted in the movies. People generally visit the state for the fun aura, historical tours, and of course, food trips. When talking about the Indian souvenirs, some of the must-takes from Haryana and Punjab are the colorful dupattas with Phulkari embroidery, the Punjabi mojris, hand fans known as pankhis. Ludhiana’s winterwear is affordable, trendy, and at the same time, very comfy. When visiting either of the states, one can also shop for mouth-watering pickles and savory munchies to take home.
Souvenirs to collect from Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand attracts tourists from all over the world. It’s a great destination to visit, be it during the summer or winter. Apart from the serene landscapes and fresh apples, Uttarakhand is also loved for its Angora and Pashmina shawls. The shawls are made using rabbit’s fur and sheep’s fleece. To make them ornamental, intricate designs and colorful patterns are embroidered over them.
The tourists also shop for Rambaans and Ringaal handicrafts from the place. The people belonging to the Ringaal community of the Kumaon region create eco-friendly crafts like shopping bags, lampshades, tokris, kitchen utility items, and even lightweight furniture using spun bamboo.
Rambaans is another style of weaving using jute and hemp fiber. The artisans make bags, purses, wall hangings, and several other attractive upcycled products using this technique. These souvenirs from India’s very own winter wonderland don’t just make beautiful additions to your home and wardrobe, but are also good for gifting purposes.
Souvenirs to collect from Uttar Pradesh
Who doesn’t visit Agra when on a trip to Uttar Pradesh?! Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, is the state’s official poster boy. The long list of famous Indian souvenirs can’t be considered complete without the mention of mini Taj Mahal paperweights and refrigerator magnets.
Other famous articles that classify as some must-purchase souvenirs of India are leather goods and beautifully embroidered fabrics from Agra. Read about some of the best shopping places in Agra, which every tourist must visit!
You can also buy organic ittras (fragrances made using flowers, sandalwood, and other naturally fragrant substances), incense sticks from Kannauj, and decorative items made of brass and other metals in Moradabad.
In recent times, the Lucknowi Chikankari embroidery on fabrics has gained immense popularity. When in Lucknow, one can go looking for stitched outfits, fabrics, and even the decorative tapestry, like table covers, curtains, bed covers, and cushions to decorate their homes. Do check out our list of the nicest markets in Lucknow where you can shop your hearts out.
Rajasthan’s souvenirs
The arid corner of the country has lots to offer. Rajasthan has experiences, views, and culture that will remain etched in your memories forever. Out of all the Indian souvenirs, the ones most renowned and loved come from Rajasthan. When stepping out for your souvenir shopping spree, keep your eyes open for the following:
The puppets: Back during the 70s and 80s, when televisions were a luxury not everyone could afford, puppet shows were organized for kids’ entertainment. In cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, you can find vendors on the streets selling cute couple puppets dressed in matching traditional outfits. Their puppet family also encompasses puppet horses and elephants. Likey?
Block print fabric: The fabric generally worn in this dry and hot state is cotton. Wooden blocks are cut out in various attractive shapes and designs, dipped in color, and stamped on the fabric. This block-printed fabric is then used to make attractive apparel.
Blue pottery: Decorative items are shaped using papier mache, hand-painted with indigo dyes, varnished, and then baked inside an oven. The finesse with which this procedure is carried out here is remarkable. The blue pottery handicrafts are every tourist’s favorite!
The handicrafts made in Rajasthan have a great market value in distant countries. The saying “shop till you drop” actually comes true for the tourists when they visit the state. Rajasthan is one of the largest makers of the best souvenirs of India.
Indian souvenirs from Sikkim
Sikkim is the smallest state in the context of physical area. However, a traveler can come across fine findings amid the shopping sprees. Just like Ladakh, Sikkim too houses Buddhists. Hence, one can find similar prayer flags, idols, prayer wheels, wooden masks, and thangka paintings here as well. Some other additions are the assortment of tea powders and momo-steamers.
These Indian souvenirs are liked by people from all over the world because of their rustic and antique charm. Similar products can be found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, and other northeastern states.
West Bengal’s famous souvenirs
West Bengal is known as the birthland of myriads of art forms and rich literature. Artefacts from West Bengal are unique in their own way. They’re among the most widely recognized Indian souvenirs. Some of the admirable artworks from the state that you can showcase inside your home are:
Krishna Nagar’s Pottery: These are mini human figurines made of clay. Generally, the figurines dressed in traditional apparel are indulged in some rural activity. There are fishermen, seamstresses, snake charmers, carpenters, etc.
Sholapith Art: This art form was developed centuries ago. The artisans use the soft portion of the Aeschyromene Aspere plant’s stem to make garlands, mini figurines, objects, and deities.
Terracotta Art: The best pieces of Terracotta art come from Bankura.
Dokra Art: Metal is crafted into various shapes in this art form. The artisans create jewellery and other ornamental objects by metal casting.
Souvenirs to collect from Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is situated in the heart of India. It is famous for food, temples, and textiles. The state is a wonderland for the ladies. The batik print on fabrics is sure to catch the eyeballs. For an inexpensive fabric shopping spree, one can head straight to Ujjain.
Maheshwari Silk is another fabric that’s produced on a large scale in Madhya Pradesh. While you’re at it, you can also up your living room’s interior style with MP’s statement dhurries or rugs.
Indian souvenirs from Maharashtra
Do you think you know everything about Maharashtra? Think again! There’s more to Maharashtra than the film city, oranges, and the Ajanta & Ellora caves. Maharashtra is a picturesque state. And a traveler with a good eye can find a number of useful and aesthetic Indian souvenirs to cherish as keepsakes.
Kolhapuri Slippers: As the name suggests, this footwear made of leather originated in Kolhapur. In ancient times, cow and goat’s skin was used to make these chappals. However, now, killing animals for the purpose of making such goods is frowned upon. So the travelers can purchase the modern-day Kohlapuri chappals made using PU.
Himroo Fabric: This fabric is woven in Aurangabad. It’s a combination of cotton and silk. Several times, the weavers also use wool and zari to make this sumptuous fabric.
Indian souvenirs to collect from Odisha
The Indian souvenirs hailing from Odisha are highly distinctive. The stone sculptures carved in Odisha are exported all over the world. Several resorts purchase these sculptures to maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Do check out the silver jewellery with delicate Filigree work when in Odisha. It looks like silver-colored threads are arranged together to create the silver masterpiece. The finest of silverwork can be found in Cuttack.
The ones who are drawn to fine paintings can also take a look at the Pattachitras, a kind of artwork done on palm leaves and cloth.
Indian souvenirs from Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Since Telangana was once a part of Andhra Pradesh, the findings of both the states are pretty much the same. A traveler can find some of the best souvenirs of India in these neighboring states.
The list of stuff to buy begins with the pearls of Hyderabad. It’s said that back in the day, the Nizams of the state imported premium pearls from the Gulf of Arabia. Several varieties of pearls of different sizes are now used to make all kinds of pieces of jewelry and ornaments. The list of stuff to buy begins with the pearls of Hyderabad. It’s said that back in the day, the Nizams of the state imported premium pearls from the Gulf of Arabia. Several varieties of pearls of different sizes are now used to make all kinds of pieces of jewelry and ornaments.
The Kondapalli Toys made using the Tella Poniki wood are great for your memorabilia.
Indian souvenirs from Karnataka
Karnataka is more of a place where people go to rejuvenate and unwind. Karnataka’s sweets are delectable, and hence, loved by each and every one. The mention of Mysore Pak is enough to make a person drool.
Some of the Indian souvenirs one can buy from the state of Karnataka are the elegant Mysore silk sarees and the Channapatna Wooden Toys. Do check out some of our highly recommended shopping places in Mysore, whenever you visit the city.
Another highly sought souvenir is the Rosewood Inlay Art. One can also find pure sandalwood toiletries and garlands in Karnataka. These articles don’t just make for good Indian souvenirs for yourself but are also wonderful giftable items.
Indian souvenirs from Kerala
Kerala is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. Every nook and corner of God’s Own Country is indescribably picturesque. The same charm can be found in Keralan craftsmanship as well. Some of the bona fide souvenirs of India, coming from God’s Own Country are:
Kathakali Masks: Kathakali is a classical Indian dance form of the south-western region of Kerala. The colorful attire and painted faces of the performers are the distinctive features of this dance form. The Kathakali artist’s face is replicated on these masks.
Aranmula Mirror: These mirrors come from the Aranmula village of Kerala. Want to know what’s special about these mirrors? You see your reflection in a unique kind of metal. We kid you not, that ain’t glass! The folklore associated with this mirror says that it brings fortune, wealth, and luck to the onlookers’ lives.
Nettur Caskets: Do you find yourselves drawn to the things of the bygone era? Well, if you nodded your head in affirmation, this is something you should definitely invest in. These Nettur Caskets can be used as vintage jewelry boxes or to store makeup.
Which out of all the mentioned souvenirs of India stirred up your desire to grab your satchel and step out for your next shopping spree? Do tell us in the comments section!
