Culture Shoppe starts exclusive souvenir outlets

Memories apart, what can one take back after a holiday in God's Own Country?

For holiday-makers, souvenirs are of immense value, especially when they visit truly exotic destinations such as Kerala. Souvenirs that reflect the culture, history, and art of the State and suit everyone's pocket are what visitors love to pick up.

Aranmula Kannadi; Kasavu sari; handicraft products made from coconut shells, wood, clay, and cane; ‘nettipattom;' ‘nettoor petti;' ‘nilavilakku;' mural paintings; Ravi Varma paintings; Kathakali showpieces; ‘chundan vallom;' ‘Kettuvallom;' ‘ramacham vishari;' ‘uruli' (wok); ‘para' (brass miniature of a traditional measuring vessel); coir products; and spices are the most sought-after gifts.

Cashing in on the demand for souvenirs, Culture Shoppe, the official agency to promote souvenirs for Kerala Tourism, has started exclusive outlets for their sale. The outlets function at Hotel Mascot, the flagship hotel of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Hotels and Resorts; Keralam Museum at Park View; and Punnamada houseboat terminal in Alappuzha.

Handicrafts

Tourists can buy handicrafts made of bell metal, wood, cane, fibre, and coconut shell; Kathakali models in wood; murals; elephant sculptures in wood and silver; and stone jewellery at affordable prices from these branded shops. Ayurvedic clothes, taupe shawl medicated with ramacham (vetiver), and aromatic cotton bed-sheets are very popular among tourists from abroad. The outlets also attract local people keen on branded products to give as gifts on special occasions.

There is a huge market for Kerala souvenirs and the approximate amount that tourists spend on shopping is estimated to be around 10 per cent of the State's total earnings every year.

A spokesman of Culture Shoppe said the products were made by highly skilled artists, craftsmen, and the like with traditional expertise and know-how, and quality was assured. Arrangements were in place to ship the souvenirs to the doorstep of those who did not want to take them along on flights and trains, he said.

The government has shortlisted 110 designs of souvenirs and these have been approved by a seven-member State-level committee headed by the Tourism Secretary. The prices range from less than Rs.100 to Rs.8,000. Kerala Tourism will bring out 250 souvenirs by 2015 to promote Kerala souvenirs and mementoes among the tourists.