Kodaikanal is known as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’. But if you think Kodaikanal is only about viewpoints and valleys, you would be wrong. It is also a perfect destination to go on a shopping spree! From shawls to homemade chocolates, Kodaikanal shops and markets have a whole range of delightful products, gifts and souvenirs you’d love to stuff your bags with.
In Kodaikanal, however, you’ll find scores of shops selling great-smelling oils and balms. The Eucalyptus trees are grown in large numbers in this region, and hence, it is very easy to find the medicinal oil extracted from this tree. Citronella oil, neem oil, pain balms, and winter green oil (red and white versions) can also be purchased at very modest fares.
The next best thing your money could buy in the town is chocolates! We are talking about the homemade variety crafted in countless flavours. Be sure to buy them from the shops near the bus stop as the sellers at touristy places charge steeper rates. Almond chocolates, white chocolate, peanut chocolates, mint chocolates, crispies chocolates, rum and raisin chocolate.
Go for ethically made jams, pickles, creams, balms, oils, incense bread, other baked items and even veggies at times. The shops also stock home-made cheese, chocolate and blueberry muffins, home-grown honey, herbal tea and home-made chocolates. Basically, it has all the goodies in store to fill your shopping bags to the brim!
Kodaikanal's Top Stores and Markets
We bring you a list of Kodaikanal’s top stores and markets so you can rest assured you will have the choicest of products to shop from the hill station.
- Danish Display
It is the most high-profile store in Kodaikanal to shop for trinkets, souvenirs, jewellery, and aromatic oils. They sell ethnic rosewood and sandalwood woodcraft, along with perfumed candles and natural aromatherapy oils. The place sells exquisite jute, brass, bronze and terracotta decorative products and funky fashion jewellery.
- Kaleeswari Supermarket
This is a reasonably priced Kodaikanal Shoppiing Market that sells Eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, natural oils and spices.
You can also buy a variety of tea products and medicinal oils. This is a one-stop shop to buy essential Kodaikanal products under one roof at affordable prices.
- Kodai Chocolate Factory
Is one of the Kodaikanal famous food items. The art of homemade chocolates turned into a booming factory. Kodai Chocolate Factory is a chocoholic’s dream come true.
Butterscotch, raisin, caramel, almond, hazelnut, white and dark chocolates, the place has the most delectable & mouth-watering collection of chocolates. The place also sells herbal oils, coffee and tea.
- Kodai Cheese
Though the prices are slightly steep at Kodai Cheese, the amazing variety of cheese is worth it. Shop for handmade Kodai Parmesan, Kodai Blue Cheese, Kodai Mozzarella and Kodai Cambrie cheese at the shop. Try the yoghurt as well as unsalted butter here.
- Object Organic
This is a great place in Kodaikanal to buy fresh and exotic organic fruits. Buy the famous Kodaikanal avocados, along with organic passion fruit, pear, plum, peaches, hill bananas and more at this small but charming shop. They also sell fresh tree tomatoes and oranges.
- Spices Corner
A wholesale manufacturer and supplier store of all types of Indian spices, this place is ideal for a quick look about.
Buy powdered and hard spices that are fresh and organic. Cooking with these spices will add a special flavour to your meals. Also buy herbal and skin products, oils, and tea products at very reasonable prices.
- Potter’s Shed
This little pottery venture has been featured in national media. Here you will find locally made beautifully designed mugs, bowls, plates, vases and other pottery products.
The adorable artisanal pottery is made by local craftsmen and the earnings made through sales are reinvested in educating underprivileged children. The pottery made here is microwavable and made with the highest quality standards. Stop by for an aesthetic treat.
- Shalimar Weaves
This is a tourist favourite when it comes to ethnic clothing and accessories. You can buy original silk and wool shawls, scarves, stoles and even pure pashmina.
The designs are beautiful and the aesthetics appealing. The products are reasonably priced compared to online stores which may sell the same products for higher prices.
Street Market In Kodaikanal
Shopping in Anna Salai, a street market in Kodaikanal is win-win because you can latch onto a variety of wares and eatables at throw-away prices. Find homemade chocolates, marshmallows and cheese in the bakeries – awesome all the way! The street-side small stores will amaze you with an immense array of flowers, vegetables, handmade articles, hot snacks, children toys, medicinal herbs, oils and almost every useful thing. Anna Salai in Kodaikanal is also a hub of fresh vegetables and fruits. Your shopping itinerary should also feature a trip to the Kashmir Handicrafts centre in Anna Salai for shawls, jewellery, brass, leather items, and bone and walnut wood articles. Other fine stores selling handicrafts are the Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Government Sales Emporium.
Because everyone needs a souvenir and an excuse to head to a worthy shop to accomplish this purpose, we have shops like the Travancore Crafts Work. Scour through wooden carvings, bamboo works, metal works etc. at affordable rates. Corsack is a place which would make you feel as if you died and went to design heaven. Make a stopover to this shop to find intricately carved handicraft, documented books, woollen sweaters, chocolates and so many other interesting things. At the Bazaar road, you will be overwhelmed by the woollies and spices, and on the other hand, the Khadi Emporium will win you over with its merchandise comprising dreamy paintings, exquisite jewellery, unique lampshades, classic shawls and crafts. A visit to the PT Road will help you find ample wonderful objects to take home. Given the crowd of avid shoppers that this area witnesses every weekend, consider this fact a reason enough.
