Kochi Shopping

There are a lot of places in Fort Kochi that offer stitching in an hour. The hour usually refers to kurtas, simple drawstring trousers, and the like. This place stitched me three salwar trousers overnight, which was pretty impressive. The stitching was good and the size was correct (I had left a sample), and although the inside seams weren’t all finished they haven’t come apart after a dozen washings. Cost was Rs350 per pair, including material, which I thought was reasonable. The people in the shop were very nice and accommodating. They have a selection of ready-mades too.

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The streets leading to the Pardesi Synagogue are lined with antiques stores – heck, there are antique stores and warehouses all through that area, and a few near Vasco de Gama’s house, and more at random places all over Fort Kochi. It looks like every piece of antique anything in India has made its way here. (You have to wonder how, and what could possibly be left in the rest of India.) You can buy elaborately carved walls, entire ceilings, a real snake boat, or any of millions of little items, from wall brackets to spice boxes to tiny bronze and carved wood temple offerings.

Wandering through the stores is a lot of fun, most of the time. There are a few where browsers are tailed by overly “helpful” employees, and more than one tried to pass off a reproduction as something much more valuable. A couple of tips: 1) legally, you can’t take anything out of India that’s more than 100 years old; 2) if a shopkeeper claims something is more than 100 years old and still tries to sell it to you it’s probably a reproduction (unless you’ve identified yourself as a real collector or an interior decorator). If you don’t know what to look for, refrain from buying.

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Most of the shops are not locally owned nor are the merchandise ( kashmiris selling rajasthani jewelry for instance), btu with a little bit of persistence you would come across local owners and stuff from the houses and tarawads being torn down to make way for boutique hotels. i was able to buy these two hanukkias- lamps for hanukka. the moslem owner knew it belongs to the jews but was unable to put a history to it. both of them are with me now, hopefully in 5767 i would be able to use them in the city of lights or as planned, on the first night of hanukkah of 5767 in Cochin itself!

He has been selling postcards in Jew Town for a long time, right in front of Sarah Cohen's house. Each time i stock up on a few, especially of the synagogue to send to friends. I didnt expect him to remember me but was very surprised on him greeting me as i came out of sarah's house. Sir, have not seen you around here for a while. Flabbergasted! good memories in the hearts of simple people who reward you with a smile when you are kind to them.

Crafters is actually several shops in Fort Kochi. I stumbled across the warehouse, and I recommend you seek it out - it's enormous and packed to the rafters with everything from furniture to old photographs.

Even better, if you like Indian-style furniture, take measurements before you leave home, so that if you come across the perfect chest of drawers or closet or table you can go ahead and buy it without worrying whether it will fit. Even with shipping expenses factored in, it's cheaper to buy here than in Europe.

What to buy: Furniture, masks, anything that strikes your fancy.

What to pay: Depends on what you buy - you can find something for every budget

Along the pathway to the St. Francis church you'll find loads of stalls with local craft and artworks as there are peacock feather fans (!!! you may not export them), beautifully handmade postcards, normal postcards with nice local views, casual dress, statues, local jewelry, etc. etc.
As usual don't forget the bargaining.

The main shopping area is located on MG Road and Broadway. Look for spices, gold jewellery, local handicrafts and clothing. Remember that bargaining is the rule in the markets. State emporiums have fixed prices and are a good source for handicrafts from all over India. Rosewood carvings and antiques are very popular items; a good selection can be found in the shops of Jewtown. The local currency is the rupee.

Sash the artist with the ring could be found near the beach usually in the evenings and weekends. During the week, I think he has a Mobile Phone repairing business. On a hard fibre ring that fits your fingers, he would write the name you request, thus immortalizing your love or friendship. very small fee. When I wanted to take a number of them for my friends in Cuba, he wanted me to write down their names ( since Cuba is notorious for difficult names such as Yunieska or Anisley ) and gave me his mobile number in case I wish to call him. The next day he delivered all the rings requested to the hotel and wanted to give me a discount !

What to buy: Rings for all your friends with their names or theri friends name inscribed on it

What to pay: Ten rupees each