Indian crafts worth buying, and where to find them

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Buying crafts directly where they are made supports artisans and gives you a meaningful souvenir. Here are some of India's best, and where to find them.

Silk saris

• Kanchipuram: heavy silk saris with contrasting borders, woven on traditional looms.
• Varanasi: Banarasi brocades with gold and silver zari.
• Mysuru: fine silk.

Look for the Silk Mark label for genuine silk.

Shawls and textiles

• Kashmir: pashmina shawls and embroidered crewel work. Buy from reputable shops in Srinagar.
• Jaipur: block-printed cotton fabrics, quilts and clothing, with workshops in nearby Bagru and Sanganer.
• Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: embroidery, mirror work and weaving in villages such as Bhujodi.
• Lucknow: chikankari embroidery.

Art and painting

• Thanjavur paintings with gold leaf.
• Pattachitra scroll paintings from Raghurajpur near Puri.
• Madhubani paintings from Bihar.
• Miniature paintings from Udaipur.

Metal and stone

• Bronze sculptures from Swamimalai near Kumbakonam.
• Marble inlay in Agra.
• Bidri ware from Karnataka and Telangana.

Other crafts

• Blue pottery from Jaipur.
• Papier-mâché from Kashmir.
• Channapatna wooden toys from Karnataka.
• Coir and spices from Kerala.

Buying tips

• Buy from cooperatives, government emporiums or artisan workshops.
• Ask for certificates for silk and pashmina.
• Bargaining is normal in markets but not in fixed-price shops.

See our Cultural holidays page.

Shipping and customs

Large purchases like carpets or furniture can be shipped home by reputable shops; ask for written receipts and tracking. If you are visiting from abroad, check your home country's customs rules for items such as antiques, ivory, sandalwood and certain animal products, which may be restricted.