Situated on the coast of the stunning Arabian Sea, Kovalam is blessed with nature’s bounty in the form of clear blue waters, rows of coconut trees and unending stretches of sandy beaches. It is the Maharaja of Travancore who will always be credited for popularising this sleepy fishing town as he spent a lot of time here along with his European guests. Apart from the magnificent beach fronts, endless sunsets and serene backwaters, you can explore unique shopping places in Kovalam.
Lose track of time as you explore the best shopping places in Kovalam
Beachside Shacks
The shops in Kovalam are sure to attract the most discerning shoppers due to an attractive variety of clothes, artifacts and food specialties of the South. The beaches are lined with small and large shacks that are filled with goodies that beckon you. The skill of bargaining is a must if you are planning to buy at the beachside shopping markets in Kovalam. International tourists would do well to understand the few basic words of the local language so it becomes easy to bargain.
Artefacts made from teakwood and rosewood are extremely popular and tourists instantly are attracted to these. While you are out for street shopping in Kovalam, make sure you approach the authentic shops and get the real deal, especially where wooden articles and furniture is concerned.
Kovalam is a popular holiday destination for international and Indian tourists and the shopping districts of this quaint town reflect this quite effectively. You will not only find the local produce here for sale but speciality stuff from all over India. Keep looking for you wouldn’t know what treasure you could stumble upon while street shopping in Kovalam.
SM Handloom Centre is one place that tourists flock to for dresses made locally. The handloom centre is a shopper’s delight.
Tibetan Handicrafts
Tibet in Kovalam? The old shop owner is full of advice on what to buy and does not ever come across as a pushy salesman. The shop is named Little Tibet Arts and is a great place to shop for miniature Buddhas, meditation bowls, Tibetan pots and other handicrafts. Don’t forget to pick up a scarf or two for friends and family.
Spices
Joseph and Sons at Lighthouse Beach is the best place for shopping in Kovalam if you have spices on your mind. Make your choice from a massive range of cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, saffron, fenugreek, dry ginger amongst dozens of other great smelling spices. Chat up with the owner for a while and soak up the wealth of knowledge while inhaling a wonderful concoction of spice scents that abound in this shop.
Sarongs or Lungis
This is the traditional wear of men from this region and is available at every junction of Kovalam. Take your pick from a range of colours and designs (checks mostly), while bargaining at your aggressive best. Be wary of the quality though and ensure you check your stuff before you pay.
Books
If you are an avid Bibliophile and cannot survive without your daily fix of books, Kovalam does not disappoint you in this area too. Though there are not too many bookstores in shopping markets in Kovalam, Ancy’s Bookstore at the Lighthouse Beach is filled to the brim with English, French, German and Swedish titles. Spread that mat under one of those coconut trees and spend a beautiful morning lazing at the beach, with your favourite book in hand.
Seashell Jewellery
Seashell Jewellery is available in abundance and there are many local shops you can try out. This is a speciality here and you will love to try these on for yourself and for friends. Bargain as hard as you can and you will be surprised how much you have saved in the bargain. Varkala Beach is one of the most common markets for such jewellery items amongst the shopping places in Kovalam and it is certainly worth the trip here. Tibetan junk jewellery is a good option if you love their large earrings and necklaces.
Kovalam is a retreat waiting to be discovered. Share all your experiences (Good and not-so-good ones) with us once you have visited this beautiful coastal town.
