If you’re heading on your way for a new Indian adventure, I hope this post will help you get a better idea of what souvenirs in India you plan on bringing back home for your family and friends. If you’re already there and are finding other neat bargains along the way, be sure to let me know!

Ganesha Sculptures

‘The Land of the Ganesha’ is what many travelers like to call India when venturing across the country. Everywhere and anywhere you will find small to obscenely large Ganesha statues made out of concrete or clay. They are heavy souvenirs but one of the most popular things to buy among travellers (especially the Leave UR Mark interns this month).

Photo Credit: Arun Kumar

Sarees and Kurtas

You can’t go home without a saree or kurta. Sarees are for more formal events such as dinners out, weddings or ceremonies. Kurtas are like small fitted cotton dresses which are worn with leggings on a daily basis. Depending on what region you’re exploring, you can usually get kurtas anywhere between 100 to 700 Rupees – mind you the better quality ones will be priced around the 1,000 Rupees mark. Sarees are more expensive and will usually need to be tailored to your body. Sarees cost anywhere between 1,000 to 5,000 Rupees if you’re looking at getting a more neutral print.

Photo Credit: Kiran SRK

Coconut Silk

Coconut silk is used in scarves and sarees across the country. Though it seems a little rough for my liking, it is supposed to be one of the best fabrics out there.

Photo Credit: Natesh Ramasamy 

Sandalwood Products

India is home to many of the world’s most renowned sandalwood forests. Expect to find sandalwood body scrub, facial treatments, incense and much, much more! Sandalwood doesn’t often come cheap but it is great quality and makes for a wonderful souvenir.

Photo Credit: Crystal Luxmore

Handicrafts

Handicrafts in any country are a must. The Indian designs often contain a lot of wood, marble, steel and gems. Depending on where you’re shopping, local handicrafts can usually be found for a great bargain! Check out the local shops and smaller markets for the best prices.

Photo Credit: Aditya Mopur

Bangles and Ganesha Gold

Indian Gold, you’re familiar with it, right? The bright yellow gold that is seen among woman all over the globe with an Indian heritage. This gold shines bright and is beautiful when worn as bangles, bracelets, necklaces, etc.

Photo Credit: James Chen

Pashmina Scarves

Near any tourist shop, you will likely find many pashmina scarves accessible for purchase. They are easily manufactured here in India and can be purchased at an astonishingly cheap price. Save yourself the high prices at home and stock up while you’re here.

Photo Credit: Martin & Katy Dady

Indian Spices & Curries

I have found that Indian food at home just doesn’t taste the same as the Indian food in India. It is funny because I don’t typically like Indian at home because of the intense spice and the over usage of chili powder. However, I find the spices in India are mixed so perfectly that the dish isn’t too overwhelming and the spice adds a perfect flavor to every dish!

Photo Credit: Carol Mitchell

String & Sewing 

This might be the most unheard of thing you’ve ever heard someone tell you, but if you have loved ones back home who enjoy sewing and handicrafts, I found the thread and buttons in Bangalore to be of extremely good quality. I think each thread spool cost me about $0.10 and they’re the only ones I still use today.

Photo Credit: The Shopping Sherpa

Skin Care Products – Himalaya

Okay, this was just my weakness… you may have never heard this in a blog post ever before, but I needed to share it. Thanks to some of the other Leave UR Mark interns I spent some time with, I have found a new obsession with India’s Himalayan skin care products. They are extremely affordable and made with all herbal ingredients. You can pretty well find these in any local supermarket or beauty parlor.

Photo Credit: Himalaya Wellness

For those of you curious about how the heck I got to India and what I was doing there, I’ve written many blogs previously about my experiences in Bangalore. I was working with Leave Ur Mark, an American based organization which allows travellers to get the full Indian experience while either interning or volunteering for an organization of their choice. Students from all backgrounds join Leave UR Mark to build their resumes, add to their graduation certification or come just for fun.

Are there any other souvenirs in India that you would add to the list? 

I have been asked many times, “how do you do it?!” So if you’re asking yourself the same thing, I answered it here: The Answer to Your Questions | How to Afford Travel.