Chengalpattu, located between Chennai and Mahabalipuram, offers a wonderful mix of cultural, handcrafted, and locally-made souvenirs. This guide gives you what to buy, where to find it, approximate prices, and important tourist tips, so you won’t need any additional information.
1. Palm-Leaf Handicrafts
Why it’s unique:
Eco-friendly, handmade crafts that reflect Tamil Nadu’s traditional artisan culture.
Items available:
Baskets, pen holders, pouches, mats, fans.
Where to buy:
Local craft stalls and market-area shops.
Price range: ₹50 – ₹500.
Tourist tips:
Palm-leaf products are light and ideal for travel. Choose items stored in clean areas.
2. Temple-Themed Idols and Cultural Figurines
Why it’s special:
The region is close to Mahabalipuram, so you get access to beautiful stone, wood, and metal idols inspired by temple architecture.
Where to buy:
Craft stores, gift shops in Chengalpattu market areas, and artisan stalls on GST Road.
Price range: ₹150 – ₹5,000.
Tourist tips:
Stone items can be heavy; consider small or medium sizes for travel.
3. Traditional Tamil Nadu Handloom Sarees
Why it’s a great souvenir:
Soft cotton sarees with traditional Tamil Nadu patterns, excellent for gifting and cultural value.
Where to buy:
Textile shops in Chengalpattu town, Bazaar Street, Old Bus Stand area, and Guduvanchery textile stores.
Price range: ₹300 – ₹2,500.
Tourist tips:
Check edges, thread density, and smoothness. Ask for soft cotton or handloom varieties.
4. Stone Jewelry and Semi-Precious Handmade Accessories
Why it’s a great buy:
Affordable, colorful, and ideal for gifting.
What to buy:
Necklace sets, earrings, bangles, beaded ornaments.
Where to buy:
Women’s accessory shops near Bazaar Street and mobile jewelry vendors.
Price range: ₹40 – ₹600.
Tourist tips:
Check clasps and bead threads for durability.
5. Traditional Tamil Snacks and Sweets
Why it’s special:
Authentic local flavors make these perfect edible souvenirs.
Popular items:
Murukku, mixture, banana chips, laddoo, jangiri, kara sev.
Where to buy:
Local sweet and snack stores throughout Chengalpattu.
Price range: ₹50 – ₹300 per packet.
Tourist tips:
Choose sealed, freshly packed items for longer shelf life.
6. Tamil Literature and Local History Books
Why it’s meaningful:
Books about Tamil culture, history, spirituality, and temples make thoughtful souvenirs.
Where to buy:
Local bookstores near the railway station and bus stand.
Price range: ₹80 – ₹400.
Tourist tips:
If you don’t read Tamil, ask for Tamil-to-English translated editions.
7. Wooden Keychains and Mini Craft Items
Why it’s perfect:
Small, inexpensive, lightweight — ideal for friends and colleagues.
Themes include:
Tamil script designs, temple motifs, elephants, cultural icons.
Where to buy:
Street vendors, gift shops in Bazaar Street and market lanes.
Price range: ₹20 – ₹100.
Tourist tips:
Buying in sets gets better pricing.
8. Incense, Fragrance Oils, and Pooja Items
Why it’s unique:
Tamil Nadu is known for high-quality jasmine, sandalwood, and temple fragrances.
What to buy:
Incense sticks, dhoop, camphor, small brass lamps, temple powders.
Where to buy:
Pooja and general stores across town.
Price range: ₹20 – ₹300.
Tourist tips:
Sandal and jasmine fragrances last longest.
9. Wooden Kitchen Utensils and Handcrafted Home Items
Why it’s useful:
Handmade wooden homeware from local artisans is both functional and stylish.
What to buy:
Spoons, ladles, cutting boards, coasters, trays.
Where to buy:
Household goods stores and craft stalls in Chengalpattu town.
Price range: ₹40 – ₹600.
Tourist tips:
Teak and neem wood are the most durable options.
10. Traditional Clay Pots and Terracotta Items
Why it’s culturally rooted:
Clay pots and terracotta art reflect Tamil home traditions.
Items available:
Mini pots, decorative terracotta designs, painted clay items, diyas.
Where to buy:
Pottery shops and roadside vendors near Chengalpattu outskirts.
Price range: ₹20 – ₹500.
Tourist tips:
Choose smaller pieces for easy packing and ask for proper wrapping.
General Souvenir Shopping Tips for Tourists
Where to Shop (Best Areas)
- Bazaar Street
- Old Bus Stand Market
- Market Road
- GST Road craft stalls
- Guduvanchery shopping zone
- Artisan clusters near Mahabalipuram (for stone items)
Best Shopping Time
- 11 am – 1 pm
- 5 pm – 8 pm
Payment Tips
- Most shops accept UPI
- Carry cash for small vendors and street stalls
Bargaining Guidance
- Bargain only in roadside markets and small stalls
- Fixed-price at textile shops and formal stores
Packing Tips
- Wrap fragile items in cloth or newspaper
- Keep snacks sealed and stored in hand luggage
- Wooden and palm items can be packed anywhere safely