10 Famous Things to Buy in Kerala: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide (2025)

Kerala, the southwestern Indian state is a shopper's paradise, brimming with unique products that showcase centuries of tradition, natural abundance, and skilled craftsmanship.

Whether you're planning your first visit to Kerala or you're a seasoned traveler looking to discover new finds, this comprehensive guide reveals the most coveted items that make Kerala shopping truly special.

Black Pepper - The King of Spices

Kerala black pepper offers a complex taste with notes of pine, citrus, and heat that commercial varieties simply can't match.

Best places to buy: Fort Kochi spice markets, Thekkady spice gardens, Kumily plantations

Price range: ₹800-1,500 per kg for premium quality

What to look for: Dark, wrinkled peppercorns with strong aroma and no powdery residue

Cardamom - The Queen of Spices

Kerala's cardamom, particularly from the high-altitude regions of Idukki and Munnar, represents the pinnacle of this precious spice. The small green pods contain seeds that burst with an intensely aromatic, sweet-spicy flavor that transforms everything from traditional chai to gourmet desserts

Unlike cardamom from other regions, Kerala varieties offer exceptional oil content and a more complex flavor profile.

The cool mountain climate and careful cultivation methods produce cardamom that commands premium prices in international markets.

Best places to buy: Small cardamom from Munnar hills, organic cardamom from Idukki

Price range: ₹2,000-4,000 per kg depending on grade and season

Storage tip: Keep in airtight containers away from sunlight to preserve essential oils

Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg

Kerala's spice diversity extends far beyond pepper and cardamom. The state produces exceptional cinnamon with a delicate sweetness, cloves with intense aromatic properties, and nutmeg that adds warmth to both sweet and savory dishes. Each spice benefits from Kerala's unique climate and traditional cultivation methods passed down through generations.

Munnar Tea: From Mountain to Cup

The hills of Munnar produce some of India's most prized tea, with plantations perched at altitudes that create ideal growing conditions. Kerala tea offers a perfect balance of strength, color, and flavor that has made it a favorite among tea connoisseurs worldwide.

What sets Munnar tea apart is the combination of high altitude, cool climate, and traditional processing methods. The tea leaves develop slowly in the mountain air, concentrating flavors that create a distinctively robust yet smooth brew.

Popular varieties:

• High-grown black tea with full body and bright color
• Aromatic green tea with delicate flavor notes
• Specialty blends incorporating local spices like cardamom and ginger
• Organic teas from certified plantations

Where to buy: Direct from tea estates in Munnar, Tea Museum shop, local markets in Kochi

Price range: ₹200-800 per 250g depending on grade and processing

Kerala Coffee

The traditional processing methods, combined with the region's ideal climate, create coffee beans that offer smooth, rich flavors with low acidity. Whether you prefer filter coffee preparations or modern brewing methods, Kerala coffee beans deliver exceptional results.

Coconut Products: Nature's Versatile Gift

Kerala's virgin coconut oil stands as perhaps the state's most internationally recognized health product. Made using traditional cold-pressing methods, this oil retains all the beneficial properties of fresh coconuts while offering incredible versatility for cooking, beauty care, and wellness applications.

What makes Kerala's virgin coconut oil special is the quality of coconuts used and the processing methods employed. The coconuts are harvested at optimal maturity, processed quickly to maintain freshness, and cold-pressed to preserve maximum nutritional value and natural aroma.

Health benefits:

• High lauric acid content for immune support
• Natural moisturizing properties for skin and hair
• Stable cooking oil suitable for high-temperature preparation
• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties

Price range: ₹300-600 per liter for premium quality

What to look for: Clear appearance, fresh coconut aroma, and organic certification

Authentic Ayurvedic Products and Wellness Items

Kerala's position as the birthplace of Ayurveda makes it the ideal place to purchase authentic Ayurvedic products. The state's numerous Ayurvedic centers, research institutions, and traditional manufacturers produce a wide range of therapeutic and wellness products based on ancient formulations.

Traditional Ayurvedic Preparations

• Herbal oils: Specially formulated for massage therapy and specific health conditions
• Natural cosmetics: Soaps, face packs, and beauty treatments using traditional ingredients
• Dietary supplements: Herbal preparations for various wellness goals
• Aromatherapy products: Essential oils and incense made from Kerala's aromatic plants

Trusted brands: Kottakkal Ayurveda, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Nagarjuna

Where to buy: Authorized Ayurvedic centers, government pharmacies, reputable wellness clinics

Important note: Always purchase from certified sources and consult practitioners for therapeutic products

Traditional Snacks and Chips

Kerala's food processing industry produces some of India's most beloved snacks, with banana chips leading the category. These crispy treats come in various flavors and preparations, from traditional salted versions to innovative spiced varieties.

Must-try varieties:

• Classic banana chips with perfect crispiness
• Pepper-flavored chips with Kerala spice blends
• Jaggery-coated chips offering sweet and savory combination
• Jackfruit chips providing unique texture and flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most authentic place to buy Kerala spices?

spice plantations in Thekkady and Kumily, traditional markets in Fort Kochi, and certified organic farms in Munnar.

How can I verify the authenticity of Ayurvedic products?

Purchase Ayurvedic products only from licensed outlets, check for proper labeling with manufacturing details and expiry dates

What's the best time of year for shopping in Kerala?

October through March offers the most comfortable shopping weather.

Are there any items I should avoid buying as a tourist?

Avoid products with unclear origins, items without proper labeling, ivory or other wildlife products, and overly cheap versions of traditionally expensive items, as these may be imitations or of poor quality.

Conclusion

Start planning your Kerala shopping adventure today and prepare to discover treasures that will remind you of God's Own Country for years to come. Each purchase becomes a piece of Kerala's story that you can share with the world, spreading the magic of this incredible destination through the authentic products that define its cultural and natural heritage.