Take a pick: Bangalore's souvenir shops

There’s no fun in visiting a tourist place, raving about its architectural and cultural splendour, soaking in the uniqueness, savouring its eats, unless you take back a slice of it with you—a keepsake, a souvenir that brings back the memories of the holiday in all its vividness, keeping alive the happier times in the process.

With a charming potpourri of cultural heritage and technological advancement marking the city’s character, you might find it a tad difficult slotting your impressions of Bangalore. But shift your glance to sandalwood artefacts and incense sticks, the tribal-looking Lambani jewellery, the luxurious Mysore silks, the delicate brass and ivory craft, and the wooden toys and there is the city resurrecting before your eyes to the last hawker on Commercial Street!

The IT hub of the country, Bangalore is also famous for the grandiose Mysore silk sarees that can be bought from the state emporia. Handloom House or the KHDC showrooms, the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation outlets at MG Road and KG Road and the wholesale and retail outlets of Mysore Silk Udyog, Jayanagar, are just a few places where you can pick up the dazzling drapes.

If Mysore silk saris fall more into the category of personal buys, aromatic carved sandalwood images can easily be picked up as gifts for family and friends. Stocking a vast variety of sandalwood products are Cauvery Arts Emporium and Cottage Industries Emporium on MG Road. There is a melange of items to choose from: keychains depicting spiritual themes, endearing toys like miniature giant wheels or good old spinning tops, sandalwood incense sticks and sandalwood cosmetics, to name a few. For leather products Lidkar, a state outlet on Residency Road and Commercial Street Cross offer genuine and affordable deals.

For artefacts and bulkier articles in brass, ivory and rosewood, head for the various antique shops dotting the city. Shops like Natesan’s Antiqarts, MG Road—specialising in Chola stone sculptures, batiks, Tibetan and Tanjore paintings—Krishtie Antique Arts Gallery and Alankrita can leave you spellbound by their exquisite display of flawless craftsmanship.

If you prefer a stroll down the street scouting for the perfect souvenir, then we recommend Kempe Gowda Road, Jayachamarajendra Road, Chickpet, Commercial Street and Russel Market. Lambani jewellery, flashing white metal baubles crafted by the banjara craftsmen, is also freely available in these markets.

Just take your pick and make the city yours, forever.