Kannur, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers a wide range of souvenirs that reflect its history and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for a keepsake from your travels or a gift for loved ones, Kannur has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 souvenirs to buy in Kannur, so you don’t have to look anywhere else for the perfect memento.
1. Kasavu Sarees
Where to Buy: Kannur Handloom Weaving Centre, Malabar Bazar
Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
Why Buy:
- Kasavu sarees are iconic traditional Kerala attire, made from silk and cotton with a distinct golden border. These sarees are widely popular among tourists looking for authentic Kerala textiles.
- It’s a perfect souvenir for anyone interested in traditional South Indian fashion.
What to Look For:
- Gold-bordered sarees, often worn during festivals and weddings.
- Available in various colors and styles.
Secret Tip:
- The handwoven Kasavu sarees offer superior quality and are best purchased directly from local weaving centers for authenticity.
2. Coir Products
Where to Buy: Puzhathi Village Handicrafts, Kannur Beach Shopping Complex
Cost: ₹100 – ₹2,000
Why Buy:
- Kannur is famous for its coir industry, and products like coir mats, rugs, and decorative items are some of the best souvenirs to take home.
- Eco-friendly and durable, these items make for great gifts and home decor.
What to Look For:
- Coir mats, rugs, and decorative coir wall hangings.
Secret Tip:
- Opt for handmade coir products as they’re often of better quality and more unique than mass-produced items.
3. Wooden Handicrafts
Where to Buy: Sree Kannara Jewellery & Handicrafts, Sultan’s Bazaar
Cost: ₹200 – ₹3,000
Why Buy:
- Kannur is known for its intricately carved wooden crafts, including wooden figurines, masks, and home decor items.
- These handcrafted items are perfect for adding a touch of Kerala to your home.
What to Look For:
- Wooden elephants, traditional Kerala masks, and carved figures.
Secret Tip:
- Wooden masks of deities or theyyam performers are highly symbolic and make for meaningful souvenirs.
4. Spices
Where to Buy: Thalassery Market, Kannur Town Market
Cost: ₹50 – ₹500
Why Buy:
- Kannur is known for its spices, particularly black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. These aromatic spices are not only a part of Kerala’s culinary culture but also make for perfect gifts.
What to Look For:
- Malabar black pepper, cardamom, and clove.
- Spice gift packs that combine various flavors.
Secret Tip:
- Buy freshly ground spices for a more authentic flavor when you use them in cooking back home.
5. Brass Lamps
Where to Buy: Sree Kannara Jewellery & Handicrafts, Sultan’s Bazaar
Cost: ₹500 – ₹2,500
Why Buy:
- Brass lamps are a traditional Kerala craft and symbolize light and prosperity. They are widely used in temples and homes across Kerala.
What to Look For:
- Small brass lamps for home decor.
- Large temple-style lamps for decorative purposes.
Secret Tip:
- Choose antique-style brass lamps, as they offer a unique charm and are great for gifting.
6. Mussels and Shell Crafts
Where to Buy: Payyambalam Beach, Kannur Beach Shopping Complex
Cost: ₹100 – ₹1,000
Why Buy:
- Kannur’s beaches are famous for fresh mussels and shells. The local artisans make beautiful shell crafts, which are ideal souvenirs for beach lovers.
What to Look For:
- Shell jewelry (necklaces, earrings)
- Mussels in decorative frames
- Shell mirrors and keychains
Secret Tip:
- Shell crafts make great eco-friendly gifts, as they’re made from natural materials found along the coast.
7. Beedi (Kerala Cigarettes)
Where to Buy: Thavakkara Market, Kannur
Cost: ₹50 – ₹150
Why Buy:
- Beedi, a traditional Indian cigarette, is widely produced and smoked in Kerala. They are often handmade using tobacco and leaf wraps.
- A quirky and unique souvenir for those interested in Kerala’s local culture.
What to Look For:
- Packaged beedi, available in varieties depending on the flavor and strength.
Secret Tip:
- Buy flavored beedi for a more interesting experience and to give as a unique gift.
8. Tea and Coffee
Where to Buy: Thalassery Market, Kannur Town Market
Cost: ₹100 – ₹500
Why Buy:
- Kerala’s tea and coffee plantations are renowned, and Kannur is a great place to purchase freshly brewed, high-quality Malabar tea and coffee.
What to Look For:
- Malabar Tea (green tea, black tea)
- Fresh Coffee Beans (Arabica or Robusta)
Secret Tip:
- Buy fresh coffee beans for a great souvenir that can be enjoyed long after your trip.
9. Kerala Saris
Where to Buy: Kannur Handloom Weaving Centre, Malabar Bazar
Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹4,000
Why Buy:
- Apart from Kasavu sarees, Kerala saris are also famous for their simplicity and elegance. These sarees are often worn in ceremonial occasions.
What to Look For:
- Plain Kerala saris with subtle designs or borders.
- Cotton saris for summer wear.
Secret Tip:
- If you’re shopping for a traditional gift, choose a cotton Kerala sari that will be loved for its comfort and aesthetic appeal.
10. Sandalwood Products
Where to Buy: Malabar Bazar, Kannur
Cost: ₹300 – ₹3,000
Why Buy:
- Sandalwood is a prized product in Kerala. You can buy sandalwood oils, incense sticks, and carved sandalwood items, which carry a rich cultural heritage and fragrance.
What to Look For:
- Sandalwood incense sticks
- Carved sandalwood figurines
- Sandalwood oils for aromatherapy
Secret Tip:
- Sandalwood items are perfect for those looking for relaxing, fragrant gifts.
Conclusion
Kannur offers a diverse range of authentic souvenirs, from handwoven textiles and coir products to spices and brass items. These top 10 souvenirs capture the essence of the city’s culture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty, making them perfect keepsakes for your trip.