Shopping in Chennai

Shopping in Chennai

Shopping in Chennai can be an intriguing experience for the tourist because Chennai is one of the major trade centers of south India. Chennai is a great place to shop for an interesting variety of items which primarily includes traditional bell metal items, bronze icons, and stone sculpture, as well as other crafts of the southern region predominantly at the local shops of Chennai. The city of Chennai is renowned for the beautiful Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees. These sarees are legendary for their temple borders and rich zari (gold thread) pallavas. Intricate traditional motifs and vibrant colors with contrasting borders make these sarees stand out.

One can also try out shopping some of the exquisite souvenirs for their near and dear ones in silver, copper, bronzed and wood available in numerous government emporia and private stores. Even the jewelry made from uncut precious stones makes fantastic gift items. A wide range of craft shops and various government emporia along Anna Salai focus on traditional souvenirs and handicrafts made of rosewood, sandalwood, ivory, bronze and silver. Leather goods, silk and hand-woven fabrics, saris and jewellery are available at most of the exclusive shopping centers. The Victoria Technical Institute, run by nuns on behalf of development groups sells traditional crafts, handmade clothing, batik greeting cards, embroidered upholstery and finely carved wooden furniture besides other items.

The visitors can try out the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Temple Towers, Anna Salai, and Nandanam and it offers some of the choicest arts and crafts items. Fantastically decorated, it has an excellent range of handicrafts from all over India. For exquisite silks and cottons the government - sponsored Handloom House in George Town, or the more expensive India Silk House on Anna Salai provide some of the best choices. Both locals and visitors alike visit Kumaran and Nalli silk stores to add some of the most stunning collections to their wardrobe. In George Town near the Parry's corner are the self-styled duty free shops, which sell electronic goods, sweets and chocolates. Footpath stalls along Anna Salai or in front of Egmore station, are excellent places to pick up cheap but trendy 'export reject' clothes.

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