Cauvery Emporium: B’lore’s very own

Ask any seasoned traveller about her ornate sandalwood souvenir on the mantelpiece and chances are that it would lead you to the city’s very own Cauvery Emporium. A prominent landmark at the intersection of Brigade Road and MG Road, Cauvery Emporium is a must-do for those who want to savour the traditional side of namma Bengaluru.

Established in 1964 with the aim of preserving, nurturing, and helping the indigenous artisans, Cauvery is just the place to be if you are a connoisseur of handicraft items—sandalwood and rosewood furniture, inlay and carvings, bronze statues, lacquer ware, batiks and other home decor products.

This shop is sprawled over two floors. The first floor contains a wide variety of goods in bronze and sandalwood. Items range from small ashtrays to huge statues. There is also a counter that sells sandalwood agarbattis, honey and some must-buy cosmetics. The second floor contains clothing and accessories in silk and batik along with precious and semi-precious jewellery. The price tag here can be quite inhibiting for the great Indian middle class, hence be prepared to shell out. Not surprisingly, this place is oft frequented by foreign tourists.

Just outside the Cauvery Emporium is a small section that sells an array of bric-a-brac: from handmade bags and pouches to cushion covers, toys and tiny trinkets from Rajasthan. What’s more, you can see them being made right in front of you.

So, if being ethnic is your signature tune, play it in style with a visit to Cauvery.