Welcome to Kerala! Whether you have just landed from the US or Europe, Fort Kochi is the perfect starting point for your South Indian adventure. Before you head down the coast to the dramatic red cliffs of Varkala or the serene backwaters of Alleppey, you will want to explore Kochi’s historic, cobblestone streets.
Fort Kochi and the neighboring Mattancherry district are an absolute paradise for collectors and aesthetes. From colonial-era antiques to sustainable fashion, here is a curated list of the 10 best souvenir and handicraft shops you absolutely must visit.
1. House of Vandy
Location: Lila Cafe, Ridsdale Road, Fort Kochi & Panampilly Nagar If you are looking for an authentic, wearable souvenir or a unique piece of home decor, House of Vandy should be your very first stop. As a premier sustainable lifestyle store, we house a massive, curated collection of artisanal handicrafts, eco-friendly lifestyle brands, and ethical fashion. Whether you are looking for hand-painted wooden jewelry, upcycled accessories, beautiful home decor, or breathable clothing perfect for the tropical Varkala beaches, our Fort Kochi store at Lila Cafe merges mindful shopping with a stunning artistic ambiance.
2. Crafters Antiques
Location: Jew Town, Mattancherry For travelers wanting a piece of history, Crafters is like walking into a museum. Located in a sprawling 12,000-square-foot former spice warehouse, it is packed with over 100,000 vintage and new furnishings. You can find everything from ancient brass-embedded jewel boxes and colonial door knobs to striking bronze sculptures and traditional Kerala Varpu (massive bronze cooking vessels).
3. Cinnamon Boutique
Location: 1/658 Ridsdale Road (Inside the Trinity Hotel) Housed inside a beautifully converted Dutch bungalow and designed by Italian architect Andrea Anastasio, Cinnamon is a must-visit lifestyle store. The space is wonderfully ascetic with pebble floors, offering a chic selection of contemporary Indian fashion, distinctive jewelry, and elegant homeware crafted by independent designers.
4. Pepper House Design Store
Location: Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi Once a 14th-century warehouse where spice boats docked from the Periyar River, Pepper House is now a vibrant cultural center and a permanent venue for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The design store inside offers limited-edition souvenirs, indie zines, Kantha brooches, and unique garments from Indian lifestyle brands, making it the perfect spot for art lovers.
5. Anokhi
Location: Lilly Street, Parade Road Spread across two beautiful old houses near the seashore, Anokhi is famous worldwide for its commitment to traditional Indian craft conservation. It is the best place to pick up high-quality, hand-block printed cottons. Travelers highly recommend buying their versatile silk and cotton Dupattas (large scarves), which are perfect for covering your shoulders when visiting temples or using as a chic beach wrap in Varkala.
6. Kairali Emporium (Kerala State Handicrafts)
Location: Ernakulam (MG Road) If you want an official, traditional Kerala souvenir, head to Kairali, the state-run handicrafts emporium. This is the most reliable place to buy authentic Kathakali masks—which come in small, medium, and large sizes—as well as intricate woodwork and traditional artifacts guaranteed to be authentic.
7. Aambal Eco Clothing & Handicrafts
Location: Napier Street, Fort Kochi Tucked into a corner of Fort Kochi inside a 300-year-old Portuguese heritage home, Aambal is a wonderful little eco-store. Aside from organic cotton clothing, they sell lovely eco-goodies that make great small souvenirs, such as handmade soaps, eco-friendly bags, natural cosmetics, and unique coasters.
8. Idiom Book Sellers
Location: Bastion Street, Near the Post Office Not all souvenirs have to be traditional handicrafts! Idiom Book Sellers is a charming, 20-year-old independent bookstore packed with a carefully curated selection of literature focusing on South Indian history, art, and travel. The friendly owner is a wealth of knowledge, and you can also pick up beautiful, affordable woodblock-printed stationery here.
9. Heritage Arts
Location: Near Princess Street If you are fascinated by the colonial history of Fort Kochi, Heritage Arts is a massive warehouse filled with restored treasures from the past. You can hunt through an incredible selection of brass telescopes, old typewriters, colonial maps, Dutch mirrors, and spice chests that the area is famous for.
10. Via Kerala
Location: Fort Kochi For travelers looking for something a bit more modern and quirky, Via Kerala is a fantastic stop. They excel at blending Kerala’s rich heritage with contemporary design, offering a great selection of brass home decor, tribal masks, small collectibles, and artistic trinkets that easily fit into your carry-on luggage.
A Tip for Travelers: As you explore these incredible shops, remember to leave a little extra room in your suitcase. The artistry of Kerala is something you will definitely want to take home with you!