Kanchipuram, also known as the “City of a Thousand Temples” and the “Silk City of India,” is one of Tamil Nadu’s most culturally rich destinations. Beyond its magnificent temples, the city offers a wide range of authentic and traditional items that perfectly capture its heritage.
Here’s the ultimate guide to the Top 10 Souvenirs to Buy in Kanchipuram, along with detailed information, pricing tips, and buying advice — everything you need for a fulfilling shopping experience.
1. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
What to Buy: Pure handwoven Kanchipuram silk sarees with traditional temple motifs and zari borders.
Why It’s Special:
- Each saree is handwoven using pure mulberry silk and gold or silver zari threads.
- Recognized by the Government of India with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- These sarees are considered heirloom pieces and are treasured for generations.
Approximate Price Range: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 and above, depending on the weave and zari quality.
Where to Buy: Reputed stores like Prakash Silks, Pachaiyappas Silks, and Sarvalakshmi Silks.
Tourist Tips:
- Look for the “Silk Mark” tag that certifies authenticity.
- Check that the border and pallu are woven separately and attached — a key feature of genuine Kanchipuram sarees.
- Keep receipts and authenticity certificates safe.
2. Brass and Bronze Idols and Lamps
What to Buy: Decorative brass or bronze idols, diyas (lamps), and traditional puja accessories.
Why It’s Special:
- Kanchipuram’s artisans are skilled in metal casting, creating beautiful representations of Hindu deities and lamps used in temples.
- These items reflect the spiritual essence of the city.
Approximate Price Range: ₹300 – ₹5,000, depending on size and craftsmanship.
Where to Buy: Local handicraft stores near Kamakshi Amman Temple or Gandhi Road.
Tourist Tips:
- Ensure the idols or lamps are solid brass or bronze and not coated metal.
- If buying large or heavy items, ask the shop to provide proper packaging for travel.
3. Handloom Cotton and Soft Silk Fabrics
What to Buy: Handwoven cotton sarees, soft silks, and dress materials.
Why It’s Special:
- Apart from pure silks, Kanchipuram also produces exquisite cotton and mixed-fabric sarees.
- Lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear while still maintaining a traditional appeal.
Approximate Price Range: ₹800 – ₹8,000
Where to Buy: S.K. Textiles, N.C. Santhanam Silks, or cooperative handloom outlets.
Tourist Tips:
- Ask for care instructions (many fabrics require dry cleaning).
- Ideal for gifting or as wearable souvenirs.
4. Wooden and Stone Handicrafts
What to Buy: Hand-carved wooden figurines, stone sculptures, and decorative temple art pieces.
Why It’s Special:
- Local artisans craft stunning pieces inspired by temple architecture and deities.
- Perfect for home décor and as cultural souvenirs.
Approximate Price Range: ₹500 – ₹10,000 depending on the size and detailing.
Where to Buy: Local markets near temples and artisan shops around the old town.
Tourist Tips:
- Examine carvings for smooth finishes and no cracks.
- Wooden items are lightweight, while stone sculptures may require careful handling or courier shipping.
5. South Indian Filter Coffee and Spice Mixes
What to Buy: Filter coffee powder, sambar powder, rasam powder, and dried curry leaves.
Why It’s Special:
- Tamil Nadu is known for its aromatic filter coffee and authentic spice blends.
- Easy to pack, lightweight, and perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
Approximate Price Range: ₹200 – ₹1,000 per packet or set.
Where to Buy: Local grocery stores and coffee outlets near Gandhi Road.
Tourist Tips:
- Check manufacturing and expiry dates.
- Ask for sealed packaging to preserve aroma and freshness.
6. Silver and Plated Jewellery Boxes
What to Buy: Mini silver boxes, small trays, and jewellery containers with engraved designs.
Why It’s Special:
- Reflects traditional Tamil craftsmanship and makes for elegant souvenirs or gifts.
- Often engraved with temple or floral patterns.
Approximate Price Range: ₹500 – ₹3,000 depending on size and material.
Where to Buy: Jewellery stores and handicraft emporiums near Little Kanchipuram.
Tourist Tips:
- Confirm if it’s real silver or silver-plated.
- Always ask for purity details and weight for genuine silver pieces.
7. Traditional Art Prints and Postcards
What to Buy: Hand-painted art, postcards, or framed prints depicting temples and mythological themes.
Why It’s Special:
- Showcases the artistic side of Kanchipuram’s heritage.
- Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for travelers and collectors.
Approximate Price Range: ₹50 – ₹500
Where to Buy: Local handicraft stalls and souvenir shops near the main temples.
Tourist Tips:
- Choose laminated or framed versions for better preservation.
- Ideal for wall décor or gifting.
8. Gift Saree Packs and Mini-Saree Sets
What to Buy: Smaller, budget-friendly silk and cotton sarees packaged for gifting.
Why It’s Special:
- Perfect for travelers who want to take home authentic sarees without the high price tag of bridal collections.
- Available in various colors and designs.
Approximate Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹4,000
Where to Buy: Retail silk outlets such as Varahi Lakshmi Silks or Upasana Silks.
Tourist Tips:
- Confirm that the gift sarees are machine-woven or handloom, as both types differ in durability.
- Check for colorfastness and washing instructions.
9. Miniature Brass Lamps (Single-Wick Deepam)
What to Buy: Small brass lamps used for traditional rituals and home décor.
Why It’s Special:
- Symbolic of light and positivity in Tamil culture.
- Compact size makes them ideal as travel souvenirs.
Approximate Price Range: ₹300 – ₹800
Where to Buy: Brassware and handicraft shops near Gandhi Road and the temple markets.
Tourist Tips:
- Choose solid brass lamps for durability.
- Clean and pack carefully to prevent oil stains.
10. Traditional Pooja Items and Temple Decor
What to Buy: Brass plates, incense holders, temple bells, and miniature “deepam” (lamps).
Why It’s Special:
- These items are deeply rooted in local temple traditions.
- Reflects the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Approximate Price Range: ₹200 – ₹2,000
Where to Buy: Markets around Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple.
Tourist Tips:
- Ideal for religious or spiritual gifts.
- Ensure the edges of metal items are smooth and safe to handle.
General Souvenir Shopping Tips for Kanchipuram
- Authenticity: Always check for GI tags and Silk Mark certification when purchasing silk sarees.
- Bargaining: While branded stores have fixed prices, smaller shops often allow reasonable negotiation.
- Payment Options: Most large stores accept cards and UPI; small vendors prefer cash.
- Receipts: Always ask for a bill, especially for high-value items like silk sarees and metalware.
- Festive Sales: Major discounts are offered during Pongal, Deepavali, and Navratri seasons.
- Timing: Most stores open around 10:00 AM and close by 7:00 PM.
- Packing: Request bubble wrap or cloth packaging for metal and fragile items.
- Transport: For heavier items like brass idols or sculptures, ask shops to arrange courier service.
- Location Tip: Gandhi Road, Nadu Street, and T.K. Nambi Street are the best shopping areas for authentic local items.
- Cultural Etiquette: Avoid aggressive haggling — politeness and respect go a long way in getting good deals.