Ashleigh Brilliant, author and syndicated cartoonist, once said, “Keep a few memories from your past or how you’ll prove it wasn’t all a dream.”
Memories are memories of the memory of some wonderful cherished memories. It could be a handful of seashells from the sand on the beach or a photo posed in front of a monument or a rare and colorful seal from a distant country. When it comes to travel, memories take on immense value, especially when people visit truly exotic destinations like Kerala.
Here are some ideas on the best Kerala souvenirs to take with you after your trip.
1. Aranmula Kannadi: Aranmula Kannadi (Mirror) is a metal alloy mirror handcrafted in Aranmula, a village in Kerala. One of the most interesting factors about Aranmula Kannadi is that the secret alloy used in the manufacture of the metal is still unknown to the general public; therefore, it is made only by a few selected families. Unlike normal ‘silver’ glass mirrors, being a metal alloy mirror, it is a front surface reflection mirror, eliminating secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors.
The most famous version of Aranmula Kannadi is the Sree Padmanabha Mirror which represents immense treasure and prosperity. It should be noted that the cost of an Aranmula Kannadi starts from Rs.2500 due to the amount of work involved. It is best to buy it in the family workshop where it is made.
2. Kerala Wall Paintings: One of the most famous and colorful artifacts that are preferred by most of the tourists are the Wall Paintings. These paintings represent legends and beliefs of Kerala and Indian culture. The walls of the ancient temples, palaces and churches of Kerala can be seen adorned with mural arts.
It takes a lot of dedicated effort to create this wonderful visual art. You can buy them at craft stores or order them directly from leading wall art creators.
3. Nettipattam – The bright ornament worn on the forehead of the elephant called Nettipattam. It is mainly worn during temple festivals and is crafted from gold by a skilled clan of craftsmen. It should be noted that a real Nettipattam is made up of three and a half kilograms of copper and three sovereigns (24 grams) of gold.
The imitations are available in various prices and sizes that can be used to hang on the wall and the small ones to hang behind the front glass of the car.
4. Nilavilakku: Another amazing thing that you will get in Kerala is the “Nilavilakku” (floor lamp) which is lit during every auspicious occasion in temples or homes.
It is a good idea to buy some of these lamps for one simple reason, that is, they look beautiful. You can buy such lamps of all sizes. They are cast in bronze or bell metal.
5. Kasavu Sari (Kerala Sari) – This is an ideal souvenir to take with you from Kerala, especially if you want to gift something to the women in your family. Kasavu Sarees is a peculiar white and gold Keralite traditional saree, worn by women in Kerala. It is woven of fine cotton and trimmed with gold and copper jari.
The white and gold color symbolizes the purity and divinity of a woman. The cost of a Kasavu Sari ranges from Rs.800 to Rs.1 lakh and depends on the width and material of the kasavu, which can be thread or gold. You can buy the Kasavu Sarees at any good textile shop in Kerala.
6. Kerala Spices: When you are in Kerala, you must treat yourself and your loved ones to a pack of spices. Kerala is famous since ancient times for its spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, dried ginger etc. A blend of black pepper with aromatic cardamom can be an ideal takeaway souvenir from Kerala.
The best place to buy spices is Kumily which is near Thekkady and the second best place is Fort Cochin.
7. Kathakali Mask: The famous Kathakali dance form originated in Kerala and you will get Kathakali souvenirs, everywhere from fridge magnets, to Kathakali masks, hanging pieces and so on. Kathakali deserves a special mention as it can be called an icon of Kerala. The mask is made of fiber, painted and studded with shiny stones. Kathakali masks and figurines of different sizes can be purchased at craft stores.
8. Coconut Shell Crafts: It is true that Kerala got its name from the abundant coconut tree all over the landscape. Kera = Coconut and Alam = Home. Fascinatingly, the Keralites use every part of the coconut tree. From the roof of the houses to the carpets, everything is made with coconut trees. Artisans make useful and eye-catching items like bowls, cups and ladles, table lamps, etc. As the coconut shell is biodegradable, these products are environmentally friendly.
9. Coconut products: As already mentioned, the Keralites use every part of a coconut tree, the coconut fiber is extracted from the shell of the coconut. This coconut fiber is mainly used to make doormats, coconut rugs, etc. that are popular and widely purchased. A good quality mat will cost you around Rs.300.
10. Model Snake Boats (Chundan Vallam): Snake boats or Chundan Vallams have been a part of Kerala tradition for a long time. These boats are made from Anjili wood and are said to resemble the hood of a cobra. Today these snakes come in all shapes and sizes. You can buy them as a display piece or spice container etc.
11. Nettur Casket (Nettoor Petti): Some of the best wooden chests in the world are made in Kerala. The Nettur casket is a handmade jewelry box that features intricate patterns and is usually made from rosewood or teak, which is then crafted from brass. The Nettur Chest has multiple uses in addition to being a jewelry box, it can be used as a storage unit, a coffee table or a decorative element in your showcase depending on the size. The cost of Nettur Casket starts at Rs 4000 and it is easily available in handicraft showrooms in Kerala.
12. Elephant Figurines: Elephants are considered to be the state animal of Kerala as they appear on the Kerala state government emblem. Also, the famous Guruvayur temple has more than 60 captive elephants and on the other hand, most of the local festivals in Kerala include at least one richly adorned elephant. Therefore, a handmade elephant model is an ideal takeaway souvenir from Kerala.
On your next trip to Kerala don’t forget to take these unique souvenirs home with you. These keepsakes can convey your travel memories better than a thousand photographs.
