Best Souvenirs From Indian States: A Shopping Guide

Souvenirs From Indian States: India is a very diverse country. Be it art forms, festivals, cuisines or culture, every Indian state is unique in every aspect. If you’re planning to tour the country or at least a part of it, let us help you in making the shopping list. Here are the souvenirs from Indian states that you must bring back.

Souvenirs From Indian States

1. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is known for its artistic brass handicrafts, originating from the Budithi village. These handicrafts are made by local artisans that have carried this art through generations. What would be a better souvenir than an authentic art piece?

2. Arunachal Pradesh

Provided with lush green forests, artisans, in this state, have the advantage of ample availability of raw material like bamboo and wood. Such arts include masks carved out of wood, baskets and other ornaments.

3. Assam

Whenever there is a mention of the state of Assam, lush carpets of tea plantation comes to mind. Being one of India’s largest tea producers, Assam is a home to various refreshing tea flavors, which make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

4. Bihar

Madhubani painting practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar has been a great attraction for the tourists. These paintings are known for their unique method of crafting and distinctive geometrical patterns.

5. Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is known for the production of authentic Kosa silk and ethnic wears made out of it. Other than this, art pieces like wood carvings, bamboo work, clay pieces, terracotta pottery and much more.

6. Goa

Nothing speaks Goa more clearly than its authentic Kaju feni wine. But if you’re not a drinker and are looking for something else, explore the street market. There you’d find floral t-shirts, funky jewelry, coconut shell art and much more; choose whatever you like the most.

7. Gujarat

Other than its delicious food, Gujarat is very well known for its textile industry. Be it bedsheets, sarees or wall hangings, its colorful fabrics, vibrant designs, and intricate glasswork will surely attract you.

8. Haryana

Haryana is quite famous for its handlooms, embroidery, and weaving. Especially, the Haryana Shawl known as Phulkari is often bought by tourists as a souvenir.

9. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is another state recognized for its handicrafts. Its paintings, shawls, leather works, metalware, woodworks are all appreciated by the tourists. The prominent of these are the Himachali caps, also known as Kullu caps, which are woven with vibrant and colorful threads and make great souvenirs.

10. Jammu and Kashmir

Being called ‘heaven on earth’ for its scenic beauty, J&K accounts for a great percentage of tourism each year. And there are many things that one can take back as a souvenir.

If looking for something edible, this state is known for, Kahva  (A blend of tea), walnuts, apples and most prominently, the best quality saffron.

If interested in clothing, there are winter clothes available made from superior quality wool, Pashmina Shawls being the most popular.

 In the world of art, Kashmir is known for the art of Paper Mache.

11. Jharkhand

Jharkhand is home to tribal communities and their beautiful cultural art. The Dhokra artifacts from this region are quite trendy right now and are used as showpieces and decorative items.

12. Karnataka

Karnataka is popular for its metal handicrafts known as bidriware that visitors often bring back as a souvenir. The silk sarees are also a source of attraction because of the luster and soft texture of the fabric.

13. Kerala

Kerala is also one of those Indian states that are known for their tea plantations, so you can buy yourself a packet of fresh and good quality tea leaves. Then there are spice markets that hit you with strong spice aromas as soon as you enter the place. So, if you or any of your friends is a cooking enthusiast, make sure to check these out.

If you’re looking for a cultural souvenir, Kerala is popular for its Kathakali masks made from paper mache. You just won’t be able to stop yourself from buying these colorful and lifelike artifacts.

14. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, being the center point of India, is a blend of numerous cultures, art forms, festivals, and cuisines. One such art form is Zari Embroidery which adds a sense of grandeur to the clothing. Another popular aspect of the region is Chanderi Silk fabric which is a blend of cotton and silk. I bet it would look good in your wardrobe.

15. Maharashtra

A must-buy souvenir of Maharashtra is the world-famous Kohlapuri Chappal, for both men and women. If you’re looking for a more artistic souvenir, check out Warli paintings that depict the history and rich culture of Maharashtra.

16. Manipur

Black stone pottery is an art form that is only confined to the Longpi region of Manipur. This form of pottery is one of a kind and is made through a unique method. You’d want to bring this special souvenir home, wouldn’t you?

17. Meghalaya

Known for its durability and comfort, Tlieng is a special kind of cane mat made in Meghalaya. The state is also known for Ryndia silk shawls which are said to become even softer after continued usage.

18. Mizoram

Puan fabric, originating from Mizoram, comprises of vibrant colors and mesmerizing patterns. It is woven with the traditional loom to produce an intricate and high-quality fabric.

19. Nagaland

Nagaland is known for Angami Naga shawls, the traditional shawl of Nagaland. It’s woven with cotton and is further embellished with various tribal motifs.

20. Odisha

Odisha is home to one of the oldest Indian art forms namely pattachitra paintings. These paintings are based on Hindu mythology, painted completely from natural colors through the old traditional way.

21. Punjab

Phulkari embroidery, meaning flower embroidery, is originated from Punjab. Any clothing item like a kurta, saree, dupatta or a jacket will make a perfect souvenir.

22. Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a state full of colors, numerous art forms, and a rich history and culture. Among these, Meenakari artifacts and Rajasthani Kathputli (puppets) are the most popular among visitors. But other than this, there are many other souvenir-worthy handicrafts available like jewelry, pottery, jootis, fabric, paintings and much more.

Some people even bring the sand from the Thar Desert as a souvenir.

23. Sikkim

Consisting of numerous Monasteries and Monks, Sikkim is seen as a pilgrim destination for followers of Buddhism. Hence the souvenir bought by tourists often depicts this religion like prayer flags, prayer wheels, paintings of Lord Buddha, etc.

24. Tamil Nadu

From Tamil Nadu, you can bring back a Tanjore Painting to beautify your house walls. Or if you’re thinking about adding something to your wardrobe, you can bring back a Kanjeevaram saree, known for its rich thread work and vibrant colors.

25. Telangana

Telangana is known for its best quality pearls and elegant jewelry, and what woman doesn’t like a nice pearl necklace, right? So make sure to save enough for your souvenir before visiting Telangana.

26. Tripura

Tripura specializes in bamboo crafts. Bamboo sculptures, lampshades, and mats are some of the souvenirs people bring back to adorn their houses.

27. Uttar Pradesh

While visiting Uttar Pradesh, it’s impossible to not visit Taj Mahal, situated in Agra. A must- buy Souvenir from Agra, that no visitor fails to buy, is a miniature Taj Mahal made out of marble.

Other than that, the Chikankari work from Lucknow, Banarasi Sarees and itr (perfume) from Kannauj are the most sought-after souvenirs of the state.

28. Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is well known for its Gahrwali Nath (nose ring) and Garhwal paintings. Other popular souvenirs are the homemade scented candles from Nainital.

29. West Bengal

A perfect souvenir to always remind you of West Bengal would be the traditional laal paar saree. It’s a simple white saree with a red border and is a customary festival outfit for Bengali ladies.

As mentioned before, all the Indian states are rich in culture and art. But what’s more beautiful is that all these different states co-exist in harmony and together make an incredible country that we proudly call India.

Anyways, Happy shopping!