Where will you find local markets that sell you exotica amidst rolling green hills and bright blue skies? Exotica like fresh flowers and locally made oils, handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, spices, chillies, tea, coffee, and yummy chocolate? Right out of a fictional book one might think, but you have it right here in a romantically named misty-eyed hill station in Tamil Nadu called Ooty.

Ooty, or Udhagamandalam, was a summer resort built by the British in 1819 and has since become one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. You can be sure that Ooty weather is welcoming, cool and refreshing all through the year.

Ooty is known for its beautiful landscape, which is highlighted by rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and a cool climate. Ooty tourist places also boast a number of historic sites, including the Ooty Botanical Gardens and St. Stephen’s Church, both of which were built in the early 19th century. Naturally, Ooty is an architectural delight.

The city’s buildings are a mix of modern and colonial styles, while the numerous tea plantations offer a glimpse into the area’s history. The major attraction is the stone buildings of Doddabeta, which were built by Chinese artisans in the 19th century and feature intricate carvings and detailed designs. All in all, the city is a wonderful reflection of its unique history and culture.

The Things to Do in Ooty List offer an array of experiences for visitors, from exploring its colonial architecture to enjoying its delicious cuisine and shopping for the most unusual exotica you can think of.

Ooty is a wonderland of exotic things to buy

Ooty is a wonderland of exotic things to buy! From the local flower market, you can get beautiful blooms like roses, carnations, orchids, and lilies. There are also locally made oils such as coconut oil, almond oil and essential oils that are perfect for skin care and aromatherapy. Handicrafts and antiques from local artisans are a great way to add character to your home.

You can also find beautiful jewellery made of gold, silver or copper with intricate designs. Chillies, tea, and coffee are some staple items you’ll find here that are perfect for taking back home as souvenirs. And don’t forget the chocolates, flavours, and spices as well.

1The Tibetan Market, located just opposite the Botanical Gardens, in Ooty, is a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs. It offers a variety of traditional and modern items, including clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, souvenirs, spices and food items. The market is bustling with activity; vendors selling colourful wares to locals and tourists alike create an atmosphere of vibrancy and excitement.

The shops in the market are arranged in a lively bazaar-style layout, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and discover unique items at great prices. The variety of goods available is sure to leave you spoilt for choice! You can also find Tibetan singing bowls, hand-carved masks, prayer flags, beads, hand-painted wood, and many other items from Tibetan culture in the market.

Famous street shopping spots in Ooty

Charring Cross

Located in the heart of the city, Charring Cross is one of the most famous street shopping spots in Ooty. It has a colonial architecture with brightly coloured shops and winding lanes lined with stalls selling all kinds of goodies like jewellery, handicrafts, and other souvenirs. The area also houses some interesting restaurants offering delicious local cuisines that are bound to tantalize your taste buds.

Commercial Street

This popular commercial hub of Ooty is known for its variety of items. From authentic leather bags to ethnic sarees and from traditional jewellery to handmade artefacts, this place has it all! There are a number of quaint eateries along the way where you can indulge in some delicious treats. Hand-made chocolate and handicrafts are great buys here.

Raja Complex

Located in the heart of Ooty, Raja Complex is an amalgamation of shops ranging from readymade garments to artificial jewellery and handicrafts to traditional items. It’s a great place if you want to pick up souvenirs for your friends and family at very reasonable rates.

Olavakkode Market

Located near the Botanical Garden, this market sells a variety of spices, fruits, and vegetables that are truly unique to the area. The prices here are also highly affordable so it makes for a great bargain shopping spot! You can also find some interesting local artefacts here that make for excellent gifts as well as home decor items.

Balamandir Market

Located near the Church of Immaculate Conception, this bustling market is a great place to pick up some traditional Ooty handicrafts and souvenirs at highly reasonable rates. It’s also a great spot to indulge in some lip-smacking local delicacies that are bound to tantalize your taste buds!

Kavaani Shopping Centre

This shopping centre has everything from fashionable garments to ethnic jewellery, home decor items, accessories, and more! It’s a one-stop shop for all kinds of shopping needs without burning a hole in your pocket. You can also get some delicious snacks here while you browse through the various merchandise.

Regal Market

This iconic market of Ooty is known for its wide variety of items like spices, handicrafts, apparel, and souvenirs. It is also a great spot to pick up some authentic local specialities like jams and honey at highly affordable prices.

Botanical Garden Shopping Centre

Located close to the iconic Botanical Garden of Ooty, this shopping centre has some unique items like herbal medicines and Ayurvedic products that make for excellent gifts. You can also find some delicious traditional snacks here that are bound to tantalize your taste buds!

Mayikadu Market

This bustling market offers an incredible range of merchandise from beautiful sarees to traditional jewellery and from authentic leather bags to handmade artefacts. It’s a great place to find some unique souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones at very affordable prices.

Stone House Market

This picturesque street market is known for its flock of colourful shops selling all kinds of goodies like spices, fruits, vegetables, readymade garments, home decor items, accessories, and more! It’s a great spot for bargain hunters who are looking for quality products at throwaway prices.

With its vibrant street markets and stunning architecture, Ooty is undoubtedly one of the best places in India to indulge in some delightful shopping escapades! And while we are enjoying the vibrant street shopping, there is no way to escape the tempting aromas of food outlets lining the street markets.

Explore the Food culture of Ooty

Ooty is renowned for its sublime cuisine and unique flavours. Traditional dishes include spicy fish curry, masala dosa (thin pancake with potato stuffing), and pongal (a rice dish cooked with pepper). Tea is also a mainstay of the cuisine here; Ooty is home to some of India’s finest tea plantations and more on that later.

Popular desserts and sweet treats in the area

Try Jangiri, a classic sweet dish made from urad dal batter, deep-fried into crispy circles and then soaked in sugar syrup.

Halwa is a popular dessert made with wheat flour, almonds, cashew nuts, ghee, cardamom powder, and sugar.

A great sweet with a cup of Ooty’s famed tea is the laddus (round sweets made of gram flour, ghee, and sugar) and the famous chikki (a nut brittle).

One of the most popular dishes from Ooty is Avial.

This is a traditional Tamil dish made with vegetables cooked in coconut oil, chilli powder, and yoghurt or tamarind juice. This delectable dish tastes great served over rice or dosas.

A popular local dish is Chicken Chettinad

This is a savoury and spicy dish made with chicken cooked in an aromatic gravy of spices such as cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin seeds, curry leaves, garlic, and chilli powder. This popular dish can be enjoyed with rotis or rice.

Kozhi Varutharachathu is another popular traditional dish from Ooty.

This is made with chicken marinated in a variety of spices and then fried or roasted till it’s golden brown. This delicious dish can be eaten with dosa or paratha.

Murukku is a famous snack from Ooty – crunchy, deep-fried spirals made with rice flour, besan, and chilli powder.

It’s a great snack to have in the evenings along with tea or coffee.

Tea tourism in Ooty

If you’re a tea lover and looking for an immersive experience that blends culture and adventure, then let us take you on a journey to Ooty’s tea gardens in south India. Nestled amid lush rolling hills of eucalyptus trees, the beautiful landscaped around Ooty’s tea gardens is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a unique exploration of tea tourism.

From its time-honoured traditions of harvesting and production to the breathtaking plantation views, Ooty is home to some of India’s most exquisite teas.

Come dive into the world of Indian tea with us as we explore this remarkable region and sample some delicious cups!

Tea lovers can explore the rustic charm of local tea gardens and plantations, learning about traditional methods of cultivation and processing. Visitors can sample some of the finest teas in India, take part in a traditional tea party, or enjoy an evening of local entertainment at some tourist places in Ooty . The many tea estates provide guesthouses and bungalows to accommodate travellers seeking a more immersive experience.

Ooty is also home to some of the most popular tea festivals and cultural gatherings in South India.

The annual Nilgiri Tea Festival in Tamil Nadu is a colourful celebration of tea culture that the whole family can enjoy.

Here, guests can sample and purchase fragrant teas from around the world, take part in traditional games, listen to music performances, and learn about tea production.

Tea tourism in Ooty offers an unbeatable combination of sightseeing opportunities and culinary experiences.

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Whether you’re looking for a delicious local treat or want to buy spices, custom clothing, handmade bags, or traditional Kerala handicrafts–you can find it all here. Get ready to explore and be a part of all the culture these amazing street markets have to offer!

The charm of street shopping in Kerala‘s port city of Kochi is the freshness of the local food and shopping experience. There are a variety of small, local shops offering everything from produce to traditional handicrafts. The shopping experience is further enriched by the people and culture that you encounter in these areas.

Visiting some of the flea markets in Kochi city can be an interesting cultural experience. Here, you may find street vendors selling the best in street food and other food items, the aromas wafting by the adjoining shop which has tailors selling custom clothing, and other artisans selling their wares. The street markets offer a diverse array of items such as jewelry, fabrics, kites, toys, handmade bag, and much more. You can also find some great bargains in the form of second-hand goods or antiques.

There is so much that you can do in this beautiful port city – visit the historical landmarks, explore the backwaters of Kerala, or shop and eat at local markets, that you will find that time flies and you are left wanting more…

What kind of cultural window does street shopping in Kochi open?

Street shopping in Kochi provides a window into the culture and customs of Kerala. It is an excellent way to experience local life and get a feel for how people go about their everyday lives. From spices, fabrics, kites, traditional handicrafts, jewelry, toys, and handmade bags – you can find all these items in small shops and markets around the city.

Shopping in these areas will also provide you with an opportunity to interact with local vendors and artisans, which can be a great learning experience as well as help support small businesses. Visiting flea markets is a great way to discover hidden gems and pick up unique souvenirs that reflect the culture of Kochi

Jew Town in Fort Kochi

Jew Town in Fort Kochi is a fascinating historical area that is full of old-world charm. With its unique mix of colonial, Indian, Jewish, and Dutch heritage, there are plenty of interesting sights to explore. The architecture in the area stands out with its brightly colored buildings and picturesque wooden structures towering over narrow alleys. As you wander through the streets of Jew Town, you will be amazed at the traditional Jewish culture that is still alive in this area.

There are many old-fashioned shops and stalls selling spices, antiques, fabrics, and jewellery. You can also find a range of cafes and restaurants serving up delectable local cuisine. The Synagogue of Cochin is also a must-see attraction which is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations and contains numerous artifacts that have been preserved for hundreds of years. Jew Town is an enchanting place that captures the essence of Fort Kochi’s rich history and culture

Jew Town in Fort Kochi is home to one of the oldest markets in India. It’s a bustling and colorful market brimming with life, vibrant colors, and flavors. The streets are filled with stalls selling spices, artifacts, and souvenirs from around the world. You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional jewelry and handmade crafts. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Kochi, and a great place to pick up some unique items!

Some of the antique shops sell colonial-era and heritage pieces, as well as Jewish items that are hard to find anywhere else. And if you’re looking for a snack, there’s no shortage of delicious local treats! From chai and samosas to fresh coconut water, Kochi’s oldest market has something for everyone. So come explore the vibrant streets of Jew Town and get lost in the sights, sounds, and tastes of old Kochi. You won’t be disappointed!

Jew Town in Fort Kochi is known for its unique local handicrafts and souvenirs. You can find a variety of handmade items such as coir mats, hand-woven baskets, Kathakali masks, Kerala Sarees and other traditional clothing, seashell artworks, brassware, wooden sculptures, Ayurvedic herbs and oils, traditional handicrafts, colourful umbrellas and cane furniture among other things. Jew Town is also known for its large selection of spices such as pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices are sold in baskets or sacks at various stores here. Be sure to check out all these unique items when you’re in the area!

Broadway

Broadway is a bustling market in Kochi that’s known for its old-world charm. The sloping-roofed buildings of the traditional shops add to the picturesque atmosphere. Here, you’ll find an array of stalls selling everything from home appliances and jewelry to books and clothes.

When you visit Broadway Market in Kochi, you’ll find an array of unique local handicrafts and souvenirs to take home. You can pick up traditional Keralan saris, spiritual artwork such as paintings of deities and palm-leaf lamps, intricately carved wooden statues, hand-painted umbrellas, vibrant fabrics with traditional patterns, and much more. Other popular souvenirs include Keralan spices, banana chips, local jewelry, and handcrafted leather items. It’s the perfect place to pick up some one-of-a-kind keepsakes!

There are also plenty of eateries serving up delicious local cuisine. It’s a great place to explore and grab some souvenirs! The lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and unique offerings make Broadway an unforgettable experience. Make sure you check it out when you visit Kochi!

Princess Street

Princess Street is a charming stretch of cobblestoned road in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India. Here you can still find some of the old colonial buildings from the British era and marvel at the beautiful architecture. The street offers a glimpse into India’s past and its European influences, as well as an insight into the lives of the locals.

The street is lined with colorful shops, cafes, bakeries, and boutiques selling souvenirs, handicrafts, spices and locally made clothes. As you walk the street you can smell the aroma of freshly baked goods and relish in the sights and sounds of local life. You can get a sense of the colonial heritage that Fort Kochi still has to offer, with its many old churches, buildings and monuments.

At the end of Princess Street, you can find the Dutch Palace, a magnificent building built by the Portuguese in 1555. After being taken over by the Dutch in 1663 it was renamed Mattancherry Palace (or Dutch Palace). It’s a great place to take pictures, learn about the history of Fort Kochi, and see its proud past.

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, unique architecture, or just an exciting stroll in an exotic part of India, Princess Street is the place to explore. From local shops and street vendors to grand colonial buildings, the charming street of Princess Street lets you explore the storybook atmosphere of this remarkable destination.

Is there a special shop in Princess Street, Fort Kochi I should visit on my trip here?

Absolutely! There are several unique shops and boutiques along Princess Street that you should definitely check out. One particularly special shop is the Spice Market, which sells a variety of local spices, herbs, incense, and aromatherapy products. You can also find a wide selection of handmade jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs from all over India.

You should also take the time to visit some of the local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants on the street to try out authentic South Indian cuisine. There are plenty of hidden gems in Princess Street that everyone should explore!

Bazaar Road

Bazaar Road in Fort Cochin is a bustling shopping destination that offers visitors a unique combination of traditional and modern retail outlets. The street is lined with an array of shops, from small family-run stores selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs to larger chain stores selling international brands. From clothing and jewelry to electronics, antiques, home decor, books and more, visitors can explore and enjoy a fun-filled vacation.

The atmosphere of Bazaar Road is reminiscent of a traditional Indian bazaar – the air is filled with the smells of incense and spices as shoppers wander around haggling for the best deals. Many shops are decked out in bright colors and decorations, while street food vendors offer up delicious local snacks. With its vibrant energy and unique culture, Bazaar Road is a great place to explore and find something special.

Any particular shop that is famous on Bazaar Road and is a must-visit?

One of the most popular shops on Bazaar Road is The Blue Elephant, an antique shop specializing in vintage furniture and home décor. They also sell a variety of unique items from all over India such as textiles, jewelry, musical instruments, and much more. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind pieces and get lost in the wonderful selection of antiques.

Where to find delicious local food while shopping

You can find some delicious local food in Jew Town, Princess Street, Broadway, and Bazaar road in Kochi. In Jew Town, check out Tree House Café & Restaurant, Coconut Grove Restaurant, and Thalassery Cuisine. Princess Street is famous for its eateries like – Kochi Kitchen (Kallepalli); Puttu Kadai; Kadavu Cafe & Bakery and Appam & Stew. If you are shopping in Broadway, douse your hunger at Saratha Vilas Restaurant, Tandoori Nights Restaurant, and Raju’s Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant. Bazaar Road has a plethora of well-known eateries serving local cuisine, like Nalukettu Restaurant; Kashi Art Cafe & Bar; The Harbour Restaurant & Bar, and Tastes of Kerala Restaurant.

What is the best Street Food you must try In Kochi?

Kochi is a great place for street food lovers. From lip-smacking dosas and specialty chutneys to freshly made idlis, Kochi has delicious street food delicacies on offer:

• Appam with Stew: This traditional Kerala breakfast dish consists of a thin pancake made from fermented rice batter and served with a spicy stew. Appam is usually accompanied by vegetables, fish, or chicken curry.
• Pazham Pori: This snack consists of slices of ripe banana dipped in batter and deep-fried until golden brown. It’s usually served with a dollop of sweetened condensed milk.
• Puttu and Kadala Curry: This delicious combination of steamed cylinders made with rice flour and grated coconut, served alongside a spicy black chickpea curry is one of the most popular street foods in Kochi.

• Idiyappam: These thin noodles are made from steamed rice flour, and topped with a range of delicious curries or vegetables.
• Kallummakaya Fry: This is an authentic Kerala delicacy made by shallow-frying mussels in a spicy batter. It’s usually served with coconut chutney and is one of the most popular street food items in Kochi.
• Fish Fry: Kochi is famous for its freshly caught seafood, and the fish fry is one of the must-try street food items in this city. It’s usually served with a spicy masala paste and lemon wedges.
• Prawn Curry: This delicious dish consists of prawns cooked in a traditional Kerala-style coconut curry. It’s usually served with steamed rice or appam.
• Masala Dosa: This popular south Indian dish consists of a thin paper-like crepe filled with a spicy potato masala and served with chutney and sambar. It is one of the most popular street food items in Kochi.

So, if you’re visiting Kochi and looking for a unique street food experience, make sure to try some of these delicious dishes.

These popular markets in Kochi add an extra layer of charm to the city’s character, making it even more special.

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