Popularly known as “The Kashmir of South India,” Munnar is known for its beautiful landscapes, unending expanse of tea plantations and pristine valleys. Its mountains are home to exotic species of flora like Neelakurinji, a blue flower that blooms every 12 years, and fauna like giant squirrels, barking deer, and so on. From coffee and handmade chocolates to aromatic oils and traditional clothes, there are plenty of things one can buy from this Keralite hill station. Here are seven items you should consider purchasing in Munnar and suggestions on where to buy them.
Fresh Tea
From mild and light oolong to black, white and green teas that are grown and harvested year-round in the Nilgiri Hills of southern India, Munnar is a haven for tea lovers. The handpicked tea leaves are 100 percent organic and have a rich aroma in every sip. Don't miss a visit to the Tea Museum of Munnar, India’s first such facility dedicated to the history and production of tea.
Where to shop
The Kannan Devan Tea Museum, the Lockhart Tea Factory, the Sidhu Dream Shop and the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. You can also buy it from local markets.
Spices
Spices shaped Kerala's tryst with destiny, bringing explorers and traders to the lush region. Over 12 varieties of spice including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are cultivated in Munnar and its neighbouring villages today.
Where to shop
The Spice Gardens or at local markets. You can also consider buying from spice stores like Krishna Super Spices and ASP Nadar and Sons.
Handmade Chocolates
Munnar is known to produce some of the best handmade chocolates in the country. There is an assortment of chocolates available to buy here, but white, dark and nut-filled chocolates are the best-sellers. Visitors can also find peach-, blueberry-, strawberry- and almond-flavoured chocolates in town. In addition to being excellent treats for yourself, they make for sweet gifts for your loved ones, too.
Where to shop
The Munnar Chocolate Factory and local bakeries like Royal Chocolate, the Padman Chocolate Shop and others.
Pure Aromatic Oils
Though not as popular as tea and chocolates, aromatic oils are one of the best things to buy in Munnar. You can buy natural oils like eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, sandalwood and tea tree oil from here. They are often used in Ayurvedic treatments and have various therapeutic benefits.
Where to shop
Shops like the Green Land Spice Supermarket and the Munnar Market specialise in the sale of these oils.
Coffee
Coffee is brewed from roasted coffee beans. Darkly coloured, bitter and slightly acidic, Kerala produces two major types of coffee—Robusta and Arabica. The flavour is strong and aromatic so bring back sachets of them for yourself and your loved ones.
Where to shop
Visit local coffee estates or stores like the Munnar Coffee House.
Handicrafts
Munnar is also famous for its handicrafts which are typically made of bamboo, jute and coconut shells. They make for unique souvenirs from the region and are often dyed using natural colours derived from plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Where to shop
The Munnar Handicrafts Centre and the Cottage Handicrafts store sell traditional handmade items.
Naturally Dyed Traditional Apparel
Created with a blend of traditional and artistic styles, natural dyes are made from leaves, roots and petals and are used to make saris and shawls. Artists make elaborate patterns and motifs on fabrics and clothes using their block printing techniques, so you will be supporting their livelihoods while also bringing back items of beauty.
Where to shop
Local shops like Zero Degree Winter Clothing, Aranya Natural, Munnar Embroidery and others.
