Souvenirs From India

India is not only breathtaking but offers a vast variety of experiences and places and you will definitely want some mementos of your trip. Choosing which souvenirs from India to take home is a hard choice as baggage space is always a limitation for travelers. Here are our suggestions of some essential and some original souvenirs from the length and breadth of the country, depending on where your meandering feet might land. The suggestions are given based on the weight, size, authentic representation of the destination and some amount of cultural context. Shower your loved ones back home with a taste of India!

Prayer-flags-souvenirs-from-India

North India

Starting from the very North of the country, Jammu & Kashmir harbours a hidden pride in its valleys – Ladakh. The spirit of Ladakh is embodied in the fluttering prayer flags which hang in every nook and corner to spread the blessings with the wind. Grab a small roll of these to remember the gentle and non overwhelming demeanour of Tibetans in this region. If you have some space, pashmina shawls and stoles would also be a good choice. You are sure to land in Delhi if visiting the North. There will be a plethora of choices here, kitsch bric-a- bracs from the Hauz Khas market are something you could look at. For those who want to visit only one place, Dilli Haat in south-central Delhi will give an opportunity to pick a souvenir from states around the country.

Fabric-souvenirs-from-India

West India

Veering towards the western region, Rajasthan is a marvellous destination for shopping. Silver jewellery, funky slippers, and tie & dye fabric is the best in the country. Goa and Mumbai have their own set of curios, the most famous of which is a nice pack of cashews from Goa. In Mumbai, look out for some Bollywood inspired memorabilia. The street markets of Mumbai in turn are great for ethnic artificial jewellery which befits dresses for an evening out. The women are likely to spend a lot of time here – spending, and more importantly sprucing up their bargaining skills.

Handcraft-toys-artifacts-souvenirs-from-India

South India

South of India is a treasure where knick-knacks are concerned. If in Bangalore, don’t forget to pick up the unique Channapatna toys from Cauvery Shopping Emporium in the heart of the city. Mysore Silk is extremely famous, so picking up some light stoles will be a good idea. If you have taken fancy to the sari, then both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are great to pick up unique designs in both cotton and silk. Infact the whole of South India has regional delights where weaving skills are concerned. If heading towards Kerala, objects made of coconut husk, small replicas of the Snake Boats, Kerala Saris and Aranmula metal mirrors do not take up much space.

East India

Ethnic hunting spears & knives and prayer wheels lie ironically together in the Eastern Markets of the country. Bright red and black coloured Naga Shawls work really well as wall hangings too. Handier to carry back, are the small prayer wheels that a lot of locals use while chanting. The eastern states like West Bengal, Nagaland, Sikkim and Assam are famous for their own special weaving designs. Small bags, exclusive tribal jewellery and Hornbill pins are available everywhere.

Naga-shawl-souvenirs-from-India

Bargaining

It is difficult to assess the cost of an item if traveling alone. It’s best to get some local advice on this matter. Bargaining is rampant in India, so start with bringing down the cost by at least 40%. Based on your awe and desire for the souvenir, relent when needed. For small bric-a-bracs like key-chains and artificial jewellery you will not find too much scope to bargain.

Bangles-souvenirs-from-India

The list of things to carry back home may exceed your baggage space, so limit that urge to pick up bright and beautiful bread spreads, heavy antiques and shawls. Although if finances allow you might like to ship some back home as you are bound to get great deals in India.

If not for the souvenirs, just enjoy the thrill of shopping in the bustling streets of an Indian market. The colours, smell and noise add to the charm of jostling your way around and getting a good bargain! Moreover if you are able to transport yourself back to this fabulous country after your trip through your souvenirs, it will be a job well done.

Indian Clothing Culture: Types of Sari in India

Indian clothing is often the object of desire for many visitors to the country and a great souvenir with a wide variety of colours and fabrics to choose from.

Indian clothing has been conservative from the beginning. You will find women dressed in saris or salwar kameez, while men are comfortable in Kurta Pajamas or mundus (dhoti/ waishtis; pictured below). Modern influence has now made dressing in India very western like and you will see a number of people wearing western styles, although often with an Indian twist.

Dhotis-India

Adding to the plethora of choice, the clothing often has regional characteristics, especially the saris worn by women. Many travellers are fascinated by the vast choice and carry these back as souvenirs, not necessarily to use as clothing: saris often double up as drapes or wall hangings.

Sari-Draping

Amongst many Indian styles of clothing, the sari is most distinguishable and has an international appeal with its fabric varieties and colours. More so, it appeals to the women for its elegant draping. No matter which state you visit in India, you are bound to find a distinct style for the sari. Here are some of the few favourites types of sari for travelers:

1. Bandhani

This type of sari is found the western part of the country, namely, Gujarat and Rajasthan. It’s made of the hand dyed tie and dye and is available in cotton and silks. These saris are mostly multi colored and festive looking. The light fabrics make it easy to drape and youthful to look at.

Bandhej-ki-Sari

2. Chanderi

While the Bandhani saris are playful, the Chanderi has an air of sophistication to it. These are made in Madhya Pradesh in central India. A soft lightness and subtle colours are the main characteristic of these saris. Very muted colour contrasts and embroidery are the only embellishment that you will find on a Chanderi sari.

Chanderi-Handweave-Sari

3. Benares Brocade

The Benares brocade is famous for its heavy weaves and opulent look. Mostly bought for grand occasions and weddings, these saris are rich in design and texture. They are woven for days on fine silk and also use heavy embellishments to make it look even more lavish.

Banaras-zari-brocade-Sari

4. Jamdani Handloom

The Jamdani work on saris is a wonder woven in thread. Near transparent cloth is jammed with thread on the weft while weaving. The designs are often symmetric and inspired from tribal prints. Peacocks, cursive vines and flowers are common themes. A lot of Jamdani work is done in West Bengal.

Jamdani-handloom-Sari

5. Kantha

Again a Bengali special, the Kantha work on saris is intricate and almost a form of story-telling. Elaborate tales unfold in the embroideries. Complex decorative motifs are used on cotton and silk. These saris look very rich and cultured.

Kantha-Bangali-Sari

Buying Saris

Government run co-operatives and showrooms are always present in large cities. For example, in Delhi, the state emporiums near Connought Place have the traditional saris in store. Since each state has its own specific style of embroidery or weaving, this is one place you will be spoilt for choice. If you are visiting a specific destination, ask for guidance on the actual weaving centers from where you can buy directly. Large metros have a vast range if you have less time to go exploring locally.

Sari-Shopping

Rajasthan Tourism: Taragarh Fort in Bundi

Rajasthan is known for its royal grandeur which still exists in every part of the state in its forts and palaces. They are not only the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur; illustrious forts are sprinkled all over Rajasthan. The city of Bundi is also known for some impressive structures, especially the Taragarh fort, also known as ‘star fort’. The fort is about 40 kms from Kota and though it’s not well maintained, its weathered walls still tell fascinating stories of yore.

Monkeys-trail-Taragarh-Fort

The fort was built in 1354 AD and was in a vantage position being in the centre of Rajasthan. Even though the fort is not really well kept, there are a few remains of the three large reservoirs where water was stored in case of a siege. There were three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ka Phatak. These still exist at the fort. The fort’s main entrance is a considerable distance away from Kota and has intricate carvings of elephants on it.

Lake-behind-Taragarh-Fort

Taragarh Fort was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside for easy escape – an architectural marvel. However, these tunnels have probably filled up and are not accessible anymore. Also, people are wary of venturing in due to lack of maps. The fort is well worth a visit for the wonderful view of Kota city or just to get lost amongst the ruins and structures. The city looks marvellous in the early hours of the morning or the nights when the lights come on.

Another thing to look out on your way to Taragarh is the Prithvi Raj Smarak, a memorial dedicated to the last Hindu emperor of India.

Guard-House-Taragarh-Fort

How to get there

The nearest airports to Kota are in Jaipur and Udaipur, which are further connected well from other key cities of India. Overnight buses and trains also ply in between Rajasthan towns, so if you are already in the state, these might be better options.

Best season to go

As most of Rajasthan, the most pleasant time to visit this region is from October to March.

Entry Fee and Timings

There are no entry fees or timings of the fort. You can visit anytime of the day. The details of the Prithvi Raj Smarak are 7 A.M. to 9 P.M and entry fee Rs.2/-.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Margao

Goa might be famous for the sea and sand but away from the crowds discover the old-world charm of Margao where Portuguese churches and colonial bungalows that line the shaded streets of this vibrant city. We look at the things to do in Margao.

Architecture Walk

The old buildings still emanate a strong sensibility of architecture in the times of Portuguese occupation. There is a mix of both Hindu and Christian buildings that speak of the multi-cultural subsistence. Take a walk with a local or by yourself for some great photo-opportunities. Look out for the majestic city hall and the municipal garden.

Garden-in-Margao

Local Market

The Margao market is one of the most famous and vibrant places in the whole of Goa. Fishermen, local vegetable sellers and other shopkeepers offer a variety of wares. Again, a great place to see more local life of Goa rather than just hit the sands. One special market here is called the ‘closed market’ or ‘Pimplapedd’ in Konkani.

Fish-Market-Margao-Goa

Local places to visit

Anna Fonte or the natural springs are another spot that you can visit.

Churches

The three Christian buildings, the Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions and the chapel at Monte Hill are also charming additions to your itinerary. The popular church circuit includes Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian Church in Aquem, the Sebastian Church and the Monte Hill Chapel.

Temples

On the other hand the Hindu temples that might be of interest you are, the ‘Damodar Temple’, the ‘Hari Mandir’, the ‘Maruti Mandir’ at Davorlim, the ‘Saibaba Temple’ at Davorlim and the ‘Shiv Temple’.

Hit the beach

Colva is the closest beach to Margao and has vast stretches of low gradient beaches. Enjoy the lovely sea food and water sports here.

Beach-Margao

WHEN TO GO

As is true for the rest of the state, the months from October to February are great to travel in.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

There are a few local festivals like the Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple which happens a couple of days after Diwali. Also the feast of the Holy Spirit Church is another local event, held before the monsoons.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of Goa’s prominent railway stations is here in Margao, so the rail connectivity to other parts of India is very good. The airport in Vasco is also close to Margao.