From exquisite handicrafts showcasing craftsmanship to artistic textiles, souvenirs from India are truly elegant! As you walk through the local markets, you can witness the essence of each state. From the usage of colours and patterns to printing styles, every place has a matchless tale to narrate. The artistic expressions of Indians are passed down to generations and that’s what you get to see in the markets.
Planning to buy special souvenirs from India? It can be confusing to decide what to buy from each state. That’s exactly why you need to have an elaborate guide to understand the specialities of a specific place. With distinctive things to buy, here is an elaborate blog to help you navigate through the markets.
Best Souvenirs from India from 28 States
1. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is celebrated for its cultural heritage. So, collect some of the best souvenirs from India for your loved ones. Take home famous Kondapalli toys, Kalamkari sarees and Dokra metal crafts.
If you love art, purchase vases and trays showcasing Bidriware (metal handcraft). Also, check out Nirmal paintings depicting mythological scenes.
2. Arunachal Pradesh
Souvenirs from India are certain to be diverse when you are in Arunachal Pradesh. As you visit the markets, witness hand-woven textiles in dynamic colours.
Craftsmen also make baskets, trays and mats using bamboo and cane. Being home to the famous Tawang Monastery, you can purchase Thangka paintings, tribal jewellery, handmade pots and traditional masks.
You can also check pristine places to visit in Tawang for a serene holiday time.
3. Assam
This Northeastern state sure helps to buy authentic souvenirs from India. Yes, Assam is in demand for various types of tea. Bamboo and Cane baskets and fishing equipment are also available in the market.
Catch a glimpse of the traditional Muga and Pat silk sarees. Pair them with Assamese jewellery. If you appreciate robust flavours, be sure to bring home some pickles and spices!
4. Bihar
Bihar is well known for its silk production, which is reflected in Bhagalpuri silk sarees. These prized souvenirs from India sure reflect the state’s heritage and pride.
Check out the authentic Madhubani paintings and Manjusha art as well. Patna Qalm is a miniature painting showcasing historical events. You can also find Khadi products and stone artwork here.
5. Chattisgarh
Prominent for its tribal settlements, you can find Dhokra metal crafts available in the form of utensils and jewellery. The region of Bastar helps you with bell metal crafts and tribal accessories.
Tussar silk sarees are sure to be one of the best souvenirs from Chhattisgarh. Browse through Pithora and Mandana paintings. Certain stores also offer herbal oils, balms and cosmetics.
6. Goa
Collecting souvenirs from India is just simple when you are in Goa. The place has too much to offer along with beaches. You can buy trendy swimwear, bamboo handicrafts, shell jewellery, floral hats, funky clothing, dream catchers and wall hangings.
Seafood products, cashews, spices and goan tastemakers are a boom! To add to your palate, take home Feni and Urak (alcoholic drinks prepared with cashews and coconut). Do not forget to check out hemp bags and beaded jewellery. Book your affordable hotels in Goa for a comfortable time!
7. Gujarat
The colourful markets of Gujarat offer everything from clothing to spices and more. The best souvenirs from India also include Patola silk sarees. You can also shop for Badhani textiles and traditional pottery for your loved ones.
Snacks from Gujarat are popular across the country. Buy fafda, jalebi, papad and khakhras for a crispy treat. Handmade torans (wall hangings) with intricate details are a must-buy.
8. Haryana
When in Haryana, you can purchase dupattas, shawls and traditional attire. Terracotta crafts are well reflected in pottery and figurines. It is a traditional place for collecting the best souvenirs from India. Haryanvi culture is reflected in glass and metal bangles. You’ll also find wooden handicrafts, local snacks and pickles.
9. Himachal Pradesh
The vast state of Himachal Pradesh gives you an opportunity to get the best souvenirs from India. From hand-woven shawls in Kullu, Himachali caps and the intricacy of Pashmina stoles, there’s so much to shop for.
The snowy areas also offer authentic saffron, herbal products, honey and essential oils. Wooden carvings, hand-painted nameplates, Thangka paintings and magnets are mini souvenirs for your loved ones.
When in Himachal Pradesh, adventure calls you! From captivating treks and paragliding to snowy adventures, the state has it all for you.
10. Jharkhand
Jharkhand is notable for its coal mines; hence, the markets here are full of stone carvings showcasing wildlife. Tribal art paintings surely display the craftsmanship of the people in the state. Catch a glimpse of the best souvenirs from India, including bamboo baskets, dhokra art and lac bangles.
11. Karnataka
Looking for creative souvenirs from India for your special people? Visit Karnataka, as it is home to sprawling coffee plantations. You can purchase coffee powder as well as coffee beans.
Do not forget to check out sandalwood products, including oils, Channapatna toys, lotions and creams. Most tourists love to buy Mysore Pak (sweet), traditional handloom fabrics, lac bangles and stone carvings.
12. Kerala
Celebrated for its tea plantations, Kerala offers many kinds of tea powder and leaves. It is indeed a great place to buy souvenirs from India. If you love traditional clothing, Kasavu sarees are a hit! With dense forests, the state excels in natural oils, wellness products and herbal remedies. If small souvenirs are a thing, you can shop for mats made with coir (husk of coconuts).
13. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is home to tribal settlements, thereby popularising Warli art paintings. If you are planning to acquire souvenirs from India, this is the place to find perfect wall decor and Datia handicrafts. Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees fill the market with colourful designs. Other artistic things are pithora paintings, kothapalli toys and bamboo crafts.
14. Maharashtra
Recognised for its famous trekking destinations, Maharashtra is one of the best places to buy souvenirs from India. In the traditional cities, you can find Kolhapuri chappals and Warli art depicting daily life.
Markets in these areas are filled with luxurious Paithani sarees and idols of Lord Ganesha. Purchase miniatures of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, pottery and authentic Maharashtrian spices.
15. Manipur
In the heart of the northeast is the beautiful state of Manipur. Highly regarded for Muga silk sarees and shawls, it is one of the ideal places to buy souvenirs from India.
You can find impressive Kouna grass products too. With its concern for wildlife, many crafts and paintings are dedicated to the endangered Sangai deer. Do not forget to shop for Chakhao (black rice), Manipuri dolls, herbal products and traditional jewellery.
16. Meghalaya
Meghalaya is one of the top-rated places to buy souvenirs from India. Fall in love with traditional Khasi shawls decorated with vibrant patterns. It also has different products made with cane, including bags, furniture and decorative pieces. You can also shop for cardamom, honey, cinnamon and pepper. If you are an artistic person, you’ll love Khasi and Jaintia paintings.
17. Mizoram
The states in the northeast are excellent at handwoven textiles. Mizoram also offers traditional attire called puandum, reflecting the cultural legacy. Other souvenirs are wooden handicrafts, cane baskets and beaded jewellery.
Khuang (a drum) as well as bamboo flutes represent the love of people for music. Being one of the exceptional places for purchasing souvenirs from India, you can also buy ginger and turmeric packets.
18. Nagaland
Naga shawls are actually prized souvenirs from India due to their extraordinary features. Each tribe in Nagaland has its own distinctive pattern. Remember to purchase Naga chillies too.
Due to the amazing craftsmanship of the locals, you can obtain textiles, handwoven bags and wooden carvings. Rare jewellery made with shells and animal bones might be found in the markets.
19. Odisha
The artistic traditions of Odisha can be seen in the local markets. This is one of the best places to buy aesthetic souvenirs from India. Pattachitra paintings rule the market with their lively colours and details.
Mini souvenirs also include stone carvings, buffalo horn handicrafts, sculptures of deities and silver jewellery. Applique work is also reflected in bags and wall hangings.
20. Punjab
You’ll find everything Punjabi-centric when walking through the markets here. From Pulkhari embroidery in clothing to juttis, colourful combinations are a hit! It is one of the best places to buy authentic souvenirs from India. Punjabi turbans, dupattas and handicrafts are also well-known in the state.
21. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is definitely one of the most culturally rich places to get souvenirs from India. You can find excellent block prints, including Bagru and Sanganeri. Small and handy souvenirs also include puppets and traditional jewellery. You can also browse through camel leather items, blue pottery, massive carpets, rugs, juttis (footwear) and bedsheets.
22. Sikkim
Due to the Buddhist influence, Sikkim is known for Thangka paintings, singing bowls and prayer flags. Such a secluded place offers unique souvenirs from India. Tea, spices and traditional outfits take up the market here. Chhurpi (Himalayan cheese) made from yak milk is surely an extraordinary thing to buy!
If you’re considering exploring Sikkim and its surroundings, utilise this detailed 5-day itinerary for top destinations and recommendations.
23. Tamil Nadu
Nestled in southern India, Tamil Nadu is famous for Kanchipuram silk sarees. It is one of the perfect places to take home souvenirs from India. Browse through bronze statues and Tanjore paintings.
The cultural heritage offers traditional temple jewellery depicting different deities and the structures of temples. Do not forget to buy spices, filter coffee, wooden toys, palm leaf items and pattamadai mats.
24. Telangana
Pochampally Ikat is a traditional handwoven fabric notable for its geometric patterns. You can also purchase folk paintings and lambadi embroidery from the tribal community. You are certain to love lightweight Gadwal sarees, Banjara embroidery, leather puppets and copperware.
25. Tripura
When in Tripura, make sure to check out Rignai and Risa fabrics for women’s clothing. It is a decent place to purchase souvenirs from India. Catch a glimpse of cane products, tribal masks, dokra art and handmade traditional rugs and pots. Tribal headgear and weapons might amaze you too!
26. Uttar Pradesh
You cannot miss Banarasi silk sarees when in Uttar Pradesh. The state is also one of the best places to get aromatic souvenirs from India, for example, ittars (traditional perfumes). With many temples and ghats, you can purchase diya lamps, incense sticks and musical instruments. Do not forget the pethas and Lucknowi Chikan embroidery.
27. Uttarakhand
The spiritual significance of Uttarakhand helps you obtain the best souvenirs from India. Rudraksha beads and jewellery are trendy on the local streets. Mini souvenirs include herbal products like honey and rajma beans. Homemade pickles and sauces, gemstones and handicrafts are top-notch here!
With the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, do check the surrounding markets and support local businesses.
28. West Bengal
Get ready to invest in impressive terracotta souvenirs from India right in West Bengal. The state amazes you with Baluchari silk sarees and Kantha embroidery.
Many leather items, including bags, mini wallets and accessories, are found here. You can buy authentic Darjeeling tea, conch shell crafts and decorative wood panels as well.
Souvenirs from the 8 Union Territories
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Islands offer a cool breeze along with seashell and coconut shell jewellery. Andaman is popular for woodcrafts which are available near the shores. You can also find pearl beads and jewellery considering the coastal location. Spices and tribal handicrafts are a must-buy if unique souvenirs attract you.
2. Chandigarh
Just as in Punjab, you’ll discover comparable souvenirs here. Punjabi juttis, keychains and magnets are touristy gifts. Buy Phulkari embroidery, which is reflected in shawls, dupattas and clothing. Also, check religious books to learn about the cultural heritage of Chandigarh. Do not forget to book affordable hotels in Chandigarh for a hassle-free stay.
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
The two have been merged as one union territory, thereby merging cultures. You can purchase jewellery, pottery and Portuguese-inspired artefacts. The beachside offers coconut shell crafts and feni (traditional liquor). Cotton clothing is also found here.
4. Lakshadweep
Tucked away from chaos, Lakshadweep is an ideal destination for handicrafts made with coconut shells. Buy colourful and pastel shell jewellery. A plethora of mini-boat models can be found here. You can also take home island-grown spices like cardamom, pepper and cloves.
5. Delhi
The capital city of the country offers the best products at affordable prices. You can buy trendy and branded clothing, decorative items and leather bags. Delhi also organises markets for book lovers. Apart from this, purchase miniature paintings, cushions, rugs and keychains. With many budget-friendly hotels in Delhi, it is easy to plan your shopping journey here.
6. Puducherry
Known for its carefree lifestyle, Puducherry specialises in ayurvedic products. Local artisans also excel in terracotta pots, trays and figurines. It sure is one of the amazing places to buy aromatic souvenirs from India. From essential oils to perfumes, you can have it all. Confectionery products also ace the game! It is best to book pocket-friendly hotels in Pondicherry for a great holiday.
Now that you are here, do not miss out on the amazing things to do in Pondicherry with your happy people.
7. Ladakh
The rugged landscapes of Ladakh offer traditional Thangka paintings and prayer flags. It is one of the top-notch places to buy Tibetan souvenirs from India. Feel the warmth of Pashmina shawls for your loved ones. Other souvenirs also include dried apricots, jams and hand-woven carpets.
8. Jammu and Kashmir
The beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is reflected in the artistic Pashmina shawls. You can definitely buy the well-liked Kahwa tea available in sophisticated packaging. It sure is one of the great places to collect flavourful souvenirs from India. So, get ready to fill your bags with spices, perfumes and dry fruits. Also, check out the budget-friendly hotels in Jammu for a serene time.
A Handy Souvenir for You!
Travelling across the country allows you to witness something new everywhere. The best souvenirs in India showcase its cultural heritage and traditional essence. As you visit these places, this blog will help you decide the ideal gifts for your people. So, save this one and keep it handy when walking through the local markets.
