What to Buy in Karnataka: Silk, Toys, Bidriware, Sandalwood and Souvenirs

Karnataka souvenirs at a glance

Textiles and sarees

Mysore silk

Mysore silk sarees are known for their softness, fine weave and pure gold or silver zari borders. The silk is made in government-run units and private looms. Look for the silk mark and the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation label if you want guaranteed purity. See the Mysuru guide for where to shop.

Ilkal sarees

From Ilkal in Bagalkot district, these sarees are woven with cotton on the body and art silk on the border and pallu, with a signature design called topi teni. They carry a GI tag. See the Bagalkot guide.

Molakalmuru sarees

Handwoven silk sarees from Molakalmuru, near Chitradurga, known for their simple elegance and rich borders.

Navalgund durries and Kasuti embroidery

Navalgund durries are flat-woven cotton rugs from the Dharwad region. Kasuti is a traditional hand embroidery done on sarees, in dense, geometric patterns. See the Dharwad guide.

Toys, woodcraft and metalwork

Channapatna toys

Called the toy town of Karnataka, Channapatna produces wooden toys finished with vegetable-dye lacquer, from tops and rattles to dolls and puzzles. They are lightweight, colourful and make good gifts. Buy near the highway between Bengaluru and Mysuru, or at government emporia. See the Ramanagara guide.

Kinhal toys

From Kinhal village in Koppal district, these are brightly painted wooden toys and masks made from soft wood. They can be found in craft shops in Hampi and Hosapete. See the Koppal guide.

Bidriware

A metal craft from Bidar in which black alloy objects are inlaid with silver or brass in delicate floral designs. Items include vases, jewellery boxes and trays. Genuine pieces are heavy and finely finished. See the Bidar guide.

Rosewood inlay and Ganjifa cards

Rosewood inlay work from Mysuru uses ivory-coloured or contrasting woods in decorative panels, while Ganjifa cards are hand-painted circular playing cards that date from the royal courts.

Sandalwood, soaps and perfumes

Karnataka is famous for sandalwood. The state-owned Mysore Sandal Soap is one of its best-known brands, and sandalwood oil, incense and carved figures are widely sold. Real sandalwood is expensive, so be cautious of very cheap items. Buy from government shops where the quality is certified, and keep the receipt.

Coffee, spices and food gifts

• Coffee: Buy freshly roasted beans or ground coffee from Coorg and Chikkamagaluru estates. See the hill stations in Karnataka guide.
• Spices: Pepper, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon from Kodagu, Sirsi and Malnad.
• Honey: Wild honey from Coorg.
• Mysore pak: The famous sweet, packed in boxes for travel.
• Dharwad peda and Belgaum kunda: Milk sweets that keep for a few days.
• Mangalore specialities: Banana chips, jackfruit chips and fish pickle.

For more, see food to try in Karnataka.

Where to shop in Karnataka

• Government emporia: Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium in Bengaluru and other cities offer fixed prices and certified products.
• Devaraja Market, Mysuru: A colourful market for flowers, spices, incense and sandalwood.
• Channapatna roadside shops: Good for toys.
• Hampi Bazaar: A place for handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs, with bargaining expected. A few lines of Kannada help: see our Kannada phrases for travellers.
• Commercial Street and Malleshwaram, Bengaluru: For sarees, silk and general shopping.

How to avoid fakes

• Check for GI tags and silk marks. They indicate genuine products.
• Compare prices. Very low prices suggest synthetic material.
• Ask about the process. Genuine artisans can explain how things are made.
• Buy from government outlets for expensive items.
• Keep invoices. They matter for silk and sandalwood.
• Test the weight. Genuine Bidriware is heavy and silver inlay does not rub off.

Packing and shipping tips

Wrap fragile Channapatna toys and Bidriware in clothes or bubble wrap. Silk should be stored in cotton cloth. Sandalwood is strongly scented and can affect other items. Ask shops to ship larger purchases, and keep the tracking number. If you are flying, check airline rules on liquids such as oils and perfumes.

Plan your shopping trip

Combine shopping with a Mysuru and Channapatna stop on the way from Bengaluru, or with a Bidar and Vijayapura heritage trip. See our 7-day itinerary and forts in Karnataka for routes.

Frequently asked questions