Here’s a curated guide to the Top 10 Souvenirs to Buy in Vellore, specially created for new tourists and city visitors looking to take a part of Vellore’s charm home. Each souvenir listed includes what it is, where to buy it, price range, cultural significance, and pro tips — so you won’t need to look elsewhere!
1. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
- What It Is: Traditional, handwoven silk sarees known for gold zari work
- Where to Buy: Textile shops in Fort Area, Sripuram Road, Pothys/Saravana Stores
- Price Range: ₹1,500 to ₹20,000+
- Why It’s Special: Vellore is a trading point for authentic Kanchipuram silk, ideal for gifting and weddings
- Tourist Tip: Ask for silk mark certification if buying premium sarees
2. Temple Replica Idols (Brass & Wood)
- What It Is: Miniature idols of deities like Lakshmi, Murugan, or Ganesha in brass/rosewood
- Where to Buy: Outside Sripuram Golden Temple, Long Bazaar
- Price Range: ₹200 to ₹3,000
- Why It’s Special: Symbolic spiritual keepsake from Vellore’s temple town legacy
- Tourist Tip: Wrap them securely — many shops offer safe packaging for travel
3. Traditional South Indian Filter Coffee Powder
- What It Is: Blend of coffee and chicory, ground fresh for decoction
- Where to Buy: Leo Coffee, Annapoorna Coffee Works (Anna Salai), local grocery markets
- Price Range: ₹150–₹400/kg
- Why It’s Special: A flavorful, aromatic brew to relive your Vellore mornings
- Tourist Tip: Pair it with a stainless steel “dabara set” (filter coffee cup) as a combo gift
4. Handmade Clay Ganeshas / Lamps
- What It Is: Eco-friendly terracotta items crafted by local artisans
- Where to Buy: Street shops near Jalakandeswarar Temple & handicraft stalls in Anna Salai
- Price Range: ₹50–₹500
- Why It’s Special: Earthy charm with spiritual essence, great for décor or Diwali gifts
- Tourist Tip: Get bubble wrap or carry a cloth bag for safe packing
5. South Indian Spices & Herbal Powders
- What It Is: Turmeric, pepper, dry ginger, rasam powder, curry powders, siddha medicine items
- Where to Buy: CMC Herbal Store, Sripuram market stalls, Sathuvachari spice vendors
- Price Range: ₹50–₹300
- Why It’s Special: Home-cooked authenticity and health benefits in every packet
- Tourist Tip: Look for packs with expiration dates and travel-sealed bags
6. Books & Spiritual Literature (Tamil + English)
- What It Is: Books on local temples, Siddha medicine, devotional songs, medical sciences
- Where to Buy: Book World (CMC), Sripuram Temple Book Shop, NCBH Vellore
- Price Range: ₹80–₹300
- Why It’s Special: Knowledge-rich and thoughtful souvenir for readers
- Tourist Tip: Some shops have translated versions for global visitors
7. Banana Chips & South Indian Snacks
- What It Is: Homemade snacks like murukku, banana chips, thattai, seedai
- Where to Buy: Grand Sweets, A2B Sweet Stall, local snack shops in Long Bazaar
- Price Range: ₹50–₹300 per packet
- Why It’s Special: Crunchy, traditional, and makes for delicious edible souvenirs
- Tourist Tip: Ask for sealed packs for freshness and flight-friendly packaging
8. Religious Items from Golden Temple (Sripuram)
- What It Is: Framed blessings, kumkum boxes, golden coins with deity prints
- Where to Buy: Temple gift shop inside Sripuram Campus
- Price Range: ₹50–₹500
- Why It’s Special: Directly blessed temple souvenirs, meaningful for spiritual gifting
- Tourist Tip: Buy early in the day — shops close around 8 PM
9. Kolam Stickers & Rangoli Powder
- What It Is: Decorative floor art kits used during South Indian festivals
- Where to Buy: Stationery or fancy stores near CMC & Fort Road
- Price Range: ₹30–₹150
- Why It’s Special: Unique home décor item and an insight into Tamil tradition
- Tourist Tip: Choose sticker-based kits for easy gifting and travel
10. Stone & Temple Jewelry (Imitation)
- What It Is: Costume jewelry inspired by South Indian temple art
- Where to Buy: Krishna Chetty Street, Anna Salai Bangle Market, street vendors
- Price Range: ₹100–₹2,000
- Why It’s Special: Elegant, regal look perfect for events or as gifts
- Tourist Tip: Bargain for combo sets; avoid plated ones that peel quickly
Final Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Vellore:
- Best Shopping Times: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (avoid post-lunch heat hours)
- Carry Cash/UPI: While many accept digital payment, small vendors prefer cash
- Packaging: Request bubble wrap or carry a cloth bag for fragile souvenirs