Shopping in Andhra Pradesh

Shopping has always been on the top of the list of travelers all around the world. Whenever someone decides to visit a place either for holiday or for business, first thing that comes up in their mind regarding shopping is what to buy from that place. As every place has their own specialties, people get to choose the authentic items from their visiting place. Andhra Pradesh is full of traditional arts and crafts. People not only buy these traditional items for themselves but also for their loved ones back home.

Jewelry, antiques, textile and handicrafts items are some of the favorite thing to shop in Andhra Pradesh and most of the visitors do not leave the state without collecting the same from here. Different cities and districts offer different products for all shopping lovers here. For example, the famous Mangalgiri Sarees are the specialty of Vijaywada, while Etikoppaka Wooden Crafts are the specialty of Visakhapatnam. Budithi Brassware cannot be missed once you are in Srikakulam district and Durgi Stone are the specialty of Guntur district. Additionally, Saraswati Veena of Vizianagaram district are the other offering of the state to its tourists and visitors. Various different traditional arts related to textile industry such as Venkatagiri, Kalamkari, Pochampalli, Dharamavaram and Narayanpet Sarees can be found in different parts of the state and none of them cannott be missed on your visit to the state.

What to Buy From Andhra Pradesh

Different crafts and antique items can be purchased from Andhra Pradesh. However, knowing all the details about the things you want to buy always helps a lot in deciding the best choice for yourselves. Some of the important information regarding the Andhra Pradesh collectibles is as follows:

Budithi Art

Budithi artwork are renowned for their beautiful shapes. They are made from alloys and are available in traditional and modern art pieces. Usually cooking utensils are available in traditional form of this art while contemporary forms of these products include flower pots and planters. Budithi Brassware have very striking presentation of geometric patterns with curves and straight lines. They can be purchased from Budithi village of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.

Mangalgiri Sarees

Mangalgiri Sarees are available in cotton only. These sarees are made of Mangalgiri cotton and are renowned worldwide for their different design. Mangalgiri is located at a mere distance of about 12 Km from the city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.

Durgi Stone

Durgi Stones are one of the most sought after specialties of Andhra Pradesh and are available at Durgi village of Guntur district. The village is located at a mere distance from Macherla and can be accessed via private or public vehicle. The art of crafting Durgi stones was started in 15th century here. Idols were carved out of soft limestone at that time. However, expensive granite has replaced the same in recent times for the purpose of carving idols. One can buy items such as lampshades and paperweights from here. In earlier times, stone carving used be more complex and creative, However with the modernization of state the same has become more simple and utilitarian.

Etikoppaka Wooden Crafts

Etikoppaka is situated in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and is known for its wooden crafts all around the nation. This region has an abundance of 'Poniki' wood (a very soft wood), which is used for toy making and doll making. Different crafts include candle stands, vermilion boxes and bangles are sold here. These crafts have a very attractive appeal due to their lacquer finish and are made in bright colours. Toys to be used in marriage ceremonies and other rituals can also be found here.

Eluru Carpets

Eluru is not only famous on the map of India but world as well. Carpets of this region have their presence in international markets from a long time ago. Eluru carpets were an invention of Persians and they brought it here during the Muhammaddin regime. There is a huge carpet industry situated in Eluru and most of the carpets are exported.

Dharmavaran Sarees

Silk Sarees of Dharmavaram are a must for every women. Women from all around the world purchase them for many different occasions. These sarees have simple and broad borders with the gold pattern usually. Additionally, the borders also have butta. Woven with tussar silk, these saree’s pallus are accomplished by special designs. Dharmavaram Sarees are the specialty of Anantpur district. Not only the silk saree, but cotton sarees and leather puppets of the place are also of equal importance.

Pochampalli Silk and Cotton Sarees

Another place to get you a silk or cotton saree is Pochampalli. It is located in district of Andhra Pradesh state of India. These sarees have uncomplicated geometric patterns on them and are prepared by using the Ikat process of weaving. Tie and dye method of yarn is used in the preparation of these sarees. Various yarns of different colors are woven into geometric designs to prepare them. Not only the sarees but home furnishings and dress materials are also available in these patterns here.

Kondapalli Toys

Kondapalli toys are known for their simplicity. They are made of Tella Poniki, a type of soft wood. Sawdust, enamel gums, tamarind seed powder and watercolors are also used in the preparation of these toys. These toys are found in the shapes of Gods, Goddesses, Ordinary folks, Birds, Vegetables, and Fruits. Kondapalli is located around Vijayawada at a mere distance of about 16 Km from the city itself.
Kondapalli toys are available in various sets. However, two sets are quiet famous among all of them. The first one is the village set, which constitutes toys of different occupations of village people. Kondapalli toys are influenced by Rajasthani culture and it is believed that the artisans had migrated from Rajasthan. 17th century Rajasthani style (pointed nose and veil over the head) can be easily seen in Kondapalli toys. Some influence of Islamic idiom is also prominent in some of the toys.

Preparation Method of Kondapalli Toys:

First of all the toy is carved on the soft wood and to give the toy further shape, a paste made of wood, sawdust and tamarind is applied on the same. The same paste is used to attach limbs as well to the toy. It is also used to give the toy final touches. The toy is then painted with sudda (white lime) and left for a day or two to dry. Once they are dried, colouring of the toy starts.

Kalamkari Textile

Kalamkari is a renowned art related to cotton textile. It consists of hand painted and block printed fabrics and the same are used for decorations purpose usually. Religious ornaments and other crafts can also be found in the form of kalamkari prints.

Saraswati Veena has lost its charm in past few years. Only a few places are left that manufactures the same still and Bobbili is one of them. It is located in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh and is a must visit for all Veena lovers.

Where to Shop in Andhra Pradesh

Shopping in Andhra Pradesh is great fun as various shopping places are located in the state. One has the option to visit the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh to buy the original arts and crafts from its native place and if someone is shot of time, the same can be acquired from various shops located in big cities of the state as well. Some of the famous arts and crafts of the state can also be purchased from shopping malls and complexes as well. However, most of the people love to buy them from the shops located in the local markets of the cities or towns. Let us take a look at some of the most famous places to buy these items of Andhra Pradesh:

Lepakshi Handicrafts Shops in Andhra Pradesh

Lepakshi Handicrafts shops are one of the best ways to shop in Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation and is an government initiative. Lepakshi Handicrafts shops are located at various regions of the state and provide almost all forms of the arts and crafts of the state. All of the products are  authentic and available here at a reasonable cost. Here are the details of Lepakshi Handicrafts Shops in Andhra Pradesh:

Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Guntur
Address: Building No.3-2-132/2, 12 th Lane, Arundalpet, Guntur
Ph: 0863-2233151
Cell No.9849900941
 
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Ananthapur
Address: Subhash Road, Ananthapur - 515 004
Ph: 08554-220175
Cell No.9849900942
 
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Kurnool
Address: Dwarka Bazaar Building,
Opp: Head Post Office, Near Kondareddy Buruz, Kurnool - 518 001
Phone :08518 - 240470
Cell No. 9849900944
 
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Visakhapatnam
Address: Main Road, Visakhapatnam - 530 002
Ph: 0891-2508037
Cell No.9849900935/9849900936

Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Rajahmundry
Address: 29-1-7, G.T.Road, Rajahmundry - 533104
Ph: 0883-2475757
Cell No.9849900943

Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Tirumala
Address: Tirumala, Chittoor District .
Ph: 0877-2277246
Cell No.9849900933/9849900934

Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Vijayawada
Address: Gandhi Nagar, Vijayawada - 520 003.
Ph:0866-2573129
Cell No.9849900937/9849900938

Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Puttaparthy
Address: Sai Aramam, Tourism Complex, Yenumalapalli Cross, Puttaparthy, Ananthapur Dist.
Phone No. 958555 - 289248
Cell No.9849900922

Shopping Places in Visakhapatnam

Visakhaptanam is famous among tourists and locals for its shopping areas. Not only the malls of the city but locals markets also sell some really unique products. Various shopping malls including CMR Central, UNV Shopping Mall and CMR Shopping Mall are located in different areas of the city. Sector 2 Shopping Complex is another famous place of Visakhapatnam to shop. Also, some of the areas of the city are renowned for special types of products.

Handicraft Shopping in Visakhapatnam

People who are interested in buying handicrafts must visit government managed emporiums and co-operative societies. Some of the examples of them include Lepakshi Emporium,  Eastern Art Museum and Girijan co-operative society. These are the places where one can easily find handicrafts of entire state. Yetikippaka and Nakkapalli toys, Pochampalli and Kalamkari prints, metal sculptures, sandalwood products, hand woven fabrics, wooden carvings, antiques, leather products, carpets, wall hangings, sculptures and other popular craftwork are easily found at such places. They do not only offer authentic products but also offer them at reasonable charges.

Jewelry Shopping in Visakhapatnam

Every women is mad about jewelry and never misses an opportunity to add to her collection of jewels. People visiting Visakhapatam find it interesting to hit the gold souks in Visakhapatnam. One of the most famous gold market of the town is Kurupam Market. The market also offer silver jewelry to its customers. Only skill required to purchase from tis market is bargaining. It is situated nearby  old post-office junction.

Sport Goods' Shopping in Visakhapatnam

The city is known for its love of sports. Dabagardens, RTC complex and TSR complex are the favorite destinations of sports lovers. All of these places offer various products including  skates, cricket sets, balls and other sports utility items.

Shopping Places in Vijayawada

Just like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada is a shopper's paradise. It is a place where people need not think about what to buy, as so many options are available for everyone. Pearl jewelry, handloom items, handicrafts, silver jewelry, textile products and furnitures are among the most popular shopping products here. Other products available in the city of Vijayawada include kalamkari paintings, handiworks, antiques, pearls, semi precious stones and leather goods.

Several malls are located in entire Vijayawada for ease and convenience of shoppers. Apart from them various other markets including M G Road, Eluru Road, and Besant Road offer all of these products at a reasonable price to the tourists. Kondapalli, which is located nearby Vijayawada is renowned for its toys among all people.