Spices
The scent of spices emanating from markets, kitchens and homes leaves a lasting impression on travellers' olfactory memories. Spices have helped shape the history of Kerala, which is still the country's leading producer of spices and the world's second-largest producer of pepper, with Vietnam taking first place in recent years. Kerala pepper is one of the best in the world, particularly the MG1(Malabar Garbled One) black pepper variety. Tellicherry (Thalassery) pepper is also internationally renowned, and many other varieties are on offer. Kerala produces a myriad of spices grown mainly in the Western Ghats: turmeric, a major component of Indian gastronomy, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, mustard seed, nutmeg, saffron, star anise, vanilla... Various spice blends (masala) are also available. Spices are a must in Kerala, and you'll find them everywhere: markets, specialized stores, spice gardens..
Tea
Although not as internationally renowned as the famous Indian teas from the Darjeeling and Assam regions, Kerala tea, grown in the hills of the Western Ghats, is of excellent quality and enjoys a certain popularity throughout the country. Black teas, green teas, white teas, scented teas and, of course, the famous blend for concocting Indian spiced tea, masala chai... You can buy it in Munnar, Kumily, in the spice gardens, but also in all the big cities. Tea plantations are ubiquitous in the Idukki and Wayanad districts. Be sure to visit one of the many tea factories in these regions. Not only will you learn more about the tea-making process, but you can also take part in a tasting session and choose to buy your tea directly from the producer.
Café
Few people know it, but Kerala also produces excellent coffee. Plantations are found mainly in the Wayanad and Idukki districts, as well as around Kumily. Coffee plantations account for 33% of Wayanad's arable land. Robusta accounts for 90% of Kerala's coffee production, and Arabica for 10%. Discovered by accident in the 1950s after a shipment from Europe became damp, Malabar coffee is a "monsoon coffee" with a distinctive aroma due to the swelling of the beans by moisture.
Chocolate
The chocolate produced in the Western Ghats is a surprise for many travelers. Indian tourists are crazy about it! It's made from a variety of ingredients, the most popular being dried fruit (cashews, almonds, etc.). You'll find them in Kumily, Munnar, Ooty... Don't expect top quality, but a square of local chocolate is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee at tea time and makes an original product to bring back from your trip.
Ayurvedic products
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine, is particularly widespread in Kerala. In addition to the treatments offered by specialized centers and massage institutes, it is relatively easy to obtain a range of products: massage oils, balms, treatments and cosmetics made from plants, herbs or "organic" essences. You'll find them in specialized boutiques, "classic" pharmacies, ayurvedic pharmacies and even in some mini-markets: shower gels, facial care products, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizing creams, talcum powder, among others. The Biotique and Himalaya brands offer top-quality products and are among the most sought-after by travelers. You'll also find Ayurvedic toothpastes at much lower prices than in France (Vicco, Ayush). Quality dietary supplements (spirulina, ashwagandha, triphala, neem, slimming formulas...) are also available. Choose from reputable brands (Organic India, Himalaya, etc.). Kerala being the land of coconuts, it's easy to find coconut oils for body and hair. The famous sandalwood soaps made in Mysore (Karnataka) are also very popular and are sold nationwide.
Crafts
Coconut is ubiquitous in Kerala and is used to make a wide range of objects. Carpets, doormats, mats and ropes are still handcrafted from the fiber that surrounds the coconut. This fiber is called coir in English, a word derived from the Malayalam kayaru, meaning "rope". You can also find furniture, armchairs, lamps, baskets and other objects made from rattan or moonj grass, a similar plant. Moonj grass is one of Alappuzha's specialties. State emporiums, government stores with fixed, posted prices, offer quality regional and national handicrafts. Indian pottery is a favorite among travelers, still produced by hand using techniques and materials that differ from region to region. These objects, whether functional or decorative, are generally made using skills accumulated from generation to generation. Vases, jars, flowerpots or small biodegradable cups (for the chai in particular) are objects used daily by the Keralites.
Clothing and textiles
You'll quickly notice that the state's inhabitants are elegant and like to dress in white. Men often wear a dothi (or mundu), a traditional large piece of white cloth, with a white or light-colored shirt. Women wear white saris for special occasions (religious or social ceremonies), and colored saris for everyday life. Ideally, you should be accompanied by a local to help you with your purchase. For shopping enthusiasts, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram have Western brand boutiques where you can find items at much lower prices than in France... It has to be said that these garments are often produced in India! Indeed, the textile industry is a major economic activity in the country, with many Western designers sourcing their textiles in India. It's possible to find textiles and fabrics of many different qualities: traditionally embroidered textiles, silks woven by craftsmen still using ancient techniques, hand-printed fabrics, but also, of course, a large number of industrially-produced textiles, such as the colorful wall hangings offered to travelers in all the tourist towns. If you're looking for a unique piece of certified quality, it's best to go directly to the artisan-producers. All tourist towns have stores run by Kashmiris selling North Indian items from Kashmir (shawls, scarves, carpets, fabrics), Tibetan handicrafts (statuettes, jewelry, thangkas), or more traditional clothing. Kashmiris are formidable merchants, and you'll need to negotiate hard on prices! If you're looking for cashmere or pashmina products, pay close attention to the quality of the textiles.
Wood carvings
This is one of the specialties of Kerala's craftsmen. Statues, furniture, traditional masks, jewelry boxes, caskets, lamps and other decorative objects are made from coconut wood, rosewood, rubberwood... To whet your appetite, you can admire some sublime wooden pieces at the KeralaFolklore Museum in Ernakulam.
Copper
Copper's therapeutic properties are extolled in Ayurveda, which is why maharajas used bowls and jugs made of this metal. Decorative objects, cooking utensils, bowls, gourds and other containers made of copper are readily available in stores and markets.
Gold and silver
These two precious metals are highly prized by Indian men and women! Gold is sought after for religious and spiritual reasons, but it is also an outward sign of success. In fact, India is the world's leading consumer of gold, and despite significant domestic production, the country also imports large quantities to keep up with high demand. Women adorn themselves with gold necklaces, earrings, jewelry and other ornaments, and there are also luxury saris embroidered in fine gold. Indian jewelers have a long tradition of craftsmanship, and you'll find sumptuous pieces in gold and silver, sometimes encrusted with precious stones. Avoid shopping in markets or on the street, opting instead for reputable names and street-side artisan boutiques. Whatever you choose, always ask for a certificate of authenticity.
Incense
Called agarbatti in India, incense is an omnipresent part of people's daily lives. The scent of incense transports travelers and emanates from almost everywhere: homes, temples, stores, markets... They come in a variety of forms: handcrafted or industrial, traditional or Ayurvedic, stick or cone, flowery or woody aromas... Among the most popular are the famous Nag Champa, sandalwood incense, rose incense, amber incense and Tibetan incense with medicinal herbs. The choice is yours!
