One of the ‘must do‘ things on my agenda whenever we travel is to shop for souvenirs. I usually research about the local arts and crafts of the destination upfront and once there, I shop for artifacts and objects that are unique to the place. Apart from the experience of travel, it is a great way to relive the memories when you see those souvenirs in every nook and corner of the house.
This is one of the reasons I am not a big fan of buying and decorating the house by shopping at the innumerable “decor” stores in the city. While a few of them have good stuff occasionally, I prefer to collect pieces that are exclusive to a place, rekindle precious memories of a journey or a trip and help you recount the fond stories behind buying each of the items.
Here are some of my favorite picks from my travels:
Masks: from Manali to Madhurai, I love collecting masks. My particular favorites are a set of three “Kondepalli” masks I picked up on a visit to Hyderabad and a Buddha face from Coonoor.
Pottery and ceramics: This is my all time favorite. I never tire off collecting ceramic pots, candle holders and vases from Pondicherry. They have great textures and impeccable finishing. I found some really nice pieces in the hills station of Lonavala too. I truly adore the trademark ceramic shoes, windmills and houses of Amsterdam as well.
Brassware and antiques: this again is one of my favorites. Lamps, bells and antique pots in brass and copper have a special place in my house. Most of them have been bought on my visits to Mangalore while others are from Ooty and Thanjavur.
Thanjavur is incidentally a great place to pick up copper and brass artifacts. Cochin, especially Fort Kochi is also a great option for antiques though I find some of the stores unreasonable and excessively exorbitant
Stone and Marble sculptures: You get some of the choicest sculptures in stone in the town of Mahabalipuram, 60 km from Chennai. The shopping arcade in the vicinity of the world famous Ajanta caves in Maharashtra is quite amazing with a plethora of stores. I picked up some lovely green marble artifacts on my visit there. However, you need to have your bargaining skills handy in both these places.
Magnets: this is of course, one of my ‘mindless acquisitions’ and I pick them up quite effortlessly as they showcase the ‘highlights’ of the place so well. If not anything, magnets are a must buy for me on any trip. Compact and easy to handle and pack, they find themselves all over the fridge and cupboards once I reach home!
Loving your collection Rashmi, everything!When I do visit Thanjavur, I’m definitely picking up the brass artifacts. I don’t like to return home without souvenirs too:)
Thanks Divya! Thanjavur is like a treasure house, you must visit next time you come down to India:)
Great post. I love shopping for souvenirs. Magnets are something I always buy but I like to purchase other small bits that will hold nice memories too. X
Thanks so much! You must write about your collections as well; would love to read it:)
Thank you. I should☺ x
looks very beautiful!
Thanks Gloria!
You have made a nice collection there! I always contemplate about buying since I find it difficult to manage extra weight in my luggage 😛
Hence, I buy paintings (without the frame, of course) to remind me of my journeys! I wish I could buy those beautiful artifacts out there.
Thanks Anupriya! Ya luggage is always the challenge especially if you are travelling alone.
Some lovely souvenirs Rashminotes! I especially like your ceramic collection, I have a big collection of travel fridge magnets but they now live in a box because we have integrated doors on our fridge freezer so sadly I’ve no longer anywhere to display them!!
Thanks Marion!
That’s a great collection!
Thanks Arun!
Sometimes I have brought back things like a dried pine cone, or some other dried flowers, only to photograph them in B/W in a nice well lit environment… It’s nice to have something to bring back…
Yes dried flowers are a great pick, especially the inflorescence of sugarcane or maize. We usually find them while driving through fields; it is a great experience.
You sure have a great taste Rashmi, it’s a beautiful collection. I love brass too, and have quite few from my ancestral home. Plus various local things picked on various trips too!
Thank you Priyanka!
What a lovely collection of your travels. This is such a beautiful way to decorate the home!!
Thanks Reeanna!
You have amazing collection there!!! I also love to bring back souvenirs from different travels, it’s creates so many memories 🙂
Thank you so much:)
Wow, so many pretty collectibles to keep your travel memories alive. We love collecting magnets and ceramic items while travelling, they are such great souvenirs to take back home and also perfect gifts to your loved ones!!
Thank you so much! Ceramic is my favorite too:) Would love to read about your collection!
You have some great memories and keepsakes here. 🙂
Many thanks for your visit.
Thank you Jo!
wonderful keepsakes.
Thanks Nitin:)
You’re welcome. 🙂
Must say, you have a lovely collection of souvenirs and artifacts Rashmi. 🙂
Thank you so much Meetu!
I am coming to your house to have a look at the wonderful artifacts and the collection from your various trips…I remember picking up pipli artwork from orissa that are indeed souvenirs adorning my home.
Sure Sunitha:) Most welcome anytime; I will be really happy to have you!
Hello Rashmi, a beautiful post to which I find instant connection, could be due to some shared interests. For me personally, my Travel and buying Souvenirs is a joint venture :), incomplete without one another!
I share your thought about the decor items sold in furniture shops, and instead always prefer my travel memories to be seen around and giving the feel and essence to my living room and house.
Loved your post and happy to connect with you here. ashu
Thank you so much Ashu for stopping by! We will surely be in touch:) Am so glad you liked this post.
wow, great souvenirs. I would love someday to display also my souvenirs …
Thanks so much!