Each region in India tends to specialize in a particular industry that's been handed down over generations. The unique items that are produced all have their own individual appeal.
Here's a state by state guide as to what to shop for in India.
Rajasthan
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Rajashtan, India's desert state, produces an eye-catching array of goods to delight the shopper. Colorful textiles embroidered with mirror work are a Rajasthan speciality. To buy precious and semi-precious gemstones, head to Jaipur, Rajashtan's pink city. Blue glazed pottery is also made in Jaipur. Other items to shop for in Rajasthan include paper mache puppets, paintings, brass items, and traditional men's shoes that curl up at the toes.
Karnataka
Karnataka is known for its fragrant sandalwood industry. Plenty of sandalwood carvings and incense can be found, especially around Mysore.Uttar Pradesh
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Uttar Pradesh also produces a great range of copper and brass items. Marble items, obviously inspired by the Taj Mahal, abound in Agra. Some of them are made in exquisite detail, inlaid with semi-precious stones. For leatherwork, India's main production center is in the Kanpur area. Varanasi is a popular place to buy silk and saris, but it's important to check the quality and purity.
Goa
The production of fenni (traditional locally made alcohol) is booming in Goa. It comes in two types - cashew and coconut - and can be bought in decorative bottles to take home. Beware that it packs a punch! Goa is also renowned for its markets overflowing with colorful hippie clothes.Maharastra
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Footwear is a good buy in Maharastra. India's prevalent leather chappals (sandals) are made down south, around Kolhapur and Pune. Shoes can be found all through the markets of Mumbai, but particularly in Bandra. Aurangabad is known for its patterned Himroo weaving industry, which produces shawls, sheets, bedspeads, and saris. Particularly stunning silk and gold thread saris are made in Paithan, near Aurangabad. The workmanship is carried out in painstaking detail, with price tags to match.
West Bengal
Kolkata specializes in the production of terracotta wares, including bowls, figurines, and wall hangings. Being the cultural capital of India, this city also offers a fine range of traditional Indian instruments. Further north, around Darjeeling and Kalimpong, is the territory of India's tea plantations. This is where to head for delicious, aromatic tea.Bihar
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Bihar has a thriving wood carving industy, with wood inlay work being one of the state's oldest crafts. Bihar is also known for its unique folk art paintings. Many Madhubani ceremonial folk paintings are produced around the Patna area, by artists that have settled there.
Himachal Pradesh
A wide range of traditional woollen shawls and caps are produced in the Kullu Valley. These are very warm due to the cold winter climate so close to the Himalaya mountains. The influence of the Tibetan community can be widely felt in places such as McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala. Tradtional Tibetan rugs, silver jewellery, prayer wheels and flags, meditation bowls and beads, and music are all readily available there.Kashmir
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Kashmir is most renowned for its carpets, with production techniques imported long ago from Persia. Other items orginating from Kashmir include paper mache articles, leather boots and shoes, and intricately carved wooden furniture, including screens and tables.
