Nestled in the western Kashmir Valley by the Jhelum River, Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Known for its scenic beauty, historic gardens, beautiful houseboats, meandering river, and pleasant climate, the picturesque town of Srinagar is a delight for all travelers whether be it a nature lover, photographer, or adventure junkie. Besides, Srinagar is one of the best places for shopaholics as the city boasts of several bustling local markets, studded with shops selling all authentic Kashmiri products. From affordable jewelry to priceless Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, and wooden carvings, there are a plethora of things to buy in Srinagar for your loved ones on your trip to Kashmir. Are you confused about what to buy in Srinagar? Then, check out our list of some of the best things to buy in Srinagar as part of Kasmir Tour Packages.
Pashminas
Don’t you ever think of leaving Srinagar without buying beautiful pashminas? These pashminas are perfectly crafted by experienced craftsmen of Kashmir from the wool of ibex found in Ladakh. The art of shawl making is more of a family affair, passed on from one generation to another. Thanks to their lightweight, beautiful buta motifs, and the unmatched warmth they offer, Kashmiri shawls have been immensely popular across the world for decades now. The varied colors, designs, and weaving patterns of real Pashmina apparel will surely spoil you with choices. Lal Chowk, Nowshera, Eidgah, Kawdara, and Government Arts Emporium are some of the popular places to visit in Srinagar to buy Pashmina Shawls.
Carpets
Kashmiri Carpets are among the must-buy things while shopping in Srinagar. The weaving pattern, design, intricate work, and color combinations are highly known worldwide. The origin of hand-knotted carpets locally known as ‘Kal baffi’ dates back to the 15th century. The unique technique with which the Kashmiri carpets are knotted makes them stronger and last over long durations. The purest kind of carpet is hand-knotted and made using pure wool or pure silk. Available in a wide range of colors, designs, and sizes, these carpets are generally expensive, and their price depends on the size and quality. Some of the best places to buy Kashmiri Carpets are Badshah Chowk, Government Art Emporium, and Polo View Market.
Copperware
Locally known as Traam, Srinagar is also famous for its copper utensils and copper home decor items. It is one of the best things to buy while shopping in Srinagar. Copperware acts as a symbol of elegance and royalty with its beautifully carved designs and patterns. Some of the popular items to shop in Srinagar are Lota(pot), Naer (water jug), Serving spoons, trays, Samovar (for preparing tea) and much more. Shehr-e-Khaas, Lal Chowk, and Zaina Kadal Road are some of the best places to shop and buy this copperware and utensils in Kashmir. If you love Copper Utensils, then don’t miss to buy these items as part of Srinagar tour packages.
Kashmiri Tea
Kashmiri Tea is one of the most popular and high-in-demand shopping items that should be on every traveler’s list during your Kashmir Trip. Kashmiri Tea is known for its amazing and truly hypnotic color and flavor. Different from everyday tea, Kashmiri Tea is made using pure green or oolong tea leaves. Favorite among the travelers are Kashmiri Kahwa and Noon Chai, which is pink in color and takes about an hour to prepare due to their special method of preparation. Chai Jaai, Kulhad Chai, Winterfell Cafe, and Floating Market are some of the best places to have Kashmiri Tea in Srinagar, among the top hill stations in India.
Papier Mache Products
Another famed thing to buy in Srinagar is Papier Mache products. This incredible art was brought from Persia to India in the 14th century by the Muslim saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. It is an intricate and delicate artwork made by using paper pulp as the main raw material which is molded into different shapes and sizes. These items are coated with lacquer to make it water resistant and durable. The colors used for ‘Naqashi’or the designing on the papier mache products is organic or of vegetable-base. Sold all over the city, one can pick several attractive papier mache items like ornaments, candle stands, paintings, bangles, bowls, vases, and trays from different local markets. Polo View Market, Zaina Kadal Road, Badshah Chowk are some of the best places to buy papier mache products in Srinagar.
Walnut Wood Carvings
Another famous shopping item in Srinagar is walnut wood carvings. Since Walnut is found abundantly in Kashmir, the carving on the wood is done by highly talented craftsmen with the help of indigenous tools. You can see the real beauty of wood after polishing which makes it look sheen and glossy. From jewelry boxes to showpieces and decorative items, one can find a variety of Walnut Wood products in Srinagar. Polo View Market and Lal Chowk are the best places to buy Walnut Wood Carving objects in Srinagar as part of honeymoon tour packages.
Dry Fruits
Since Kashmir is known to be the hub of dry fruits all over India, it is one of the must buy item while shopping in Srinagar. Dry Fruits are such items that are generally liked by everyone and most of the people love to eat as their daily diet. Though Kashmir offers a wide range of dry fruits, some of the most popular ones are Almond, Walnut, Cashews, Hazelnuts, and Figs. Lal Chowk and Residency Road are the popular places to buy Dry Fruits in Srinagar, among the best India tourist places.
Spices
Last but not the least, Kashmiri Spices are another popular item that one must buy as part of Jammu & Kashmir packages. Almost found in all the local markets of Srinagar, the aroma of these spices is really refreshing and hypnotic. Everything is authentic and pure in Srinagar from Kashmiri red chilies, saffron to nutmeg, brown cardamom, black cumin, and star anise. Residency Road and Lal Chowk are the best places to buy spices in Srinagar as part of India tour packages.