10 Best Things To Buy In Munnar

The misty, emerald-green hills of Munnar, a paradise in Kerala, are famous for tea plantations and cool, serene landscapes. However, a trip is incomplete without exploring the local markets. The best things to buy in Munnar are its world-renowned premium tea varieties, incredibly fresh and aromatic spices like cardamom and pepper, and the delightful, rich homemade chocolates. These locally produced items serve as perfect souvenirs and edible treasures, embodying the true flavor and essence of the high-altitude hill station.

Munnar, the queen of the Western Ghats, offers more than just breathtaking views. It is a vibrant shopper’s haven, especially for those exploring things to buy in Munnar, from gourmet food to natural products. The cool climate and fertile soil make it a hub for high-quality, authentic goods.

This comprehensive guide takes you through the top 10 must-buy items in Munnar. We cover the iconic teas, the freshest spices, and the unique, local chocolates. You will find all the details you need to shop like a local and bring home the true essence of Kerala’s hill station. We focus specifically on the things to buy in Munnar that offer the most authentic local value. Make sure to prioritize these unique things to buy in Munnar when planning your trip.

The Big Three: Tea, Spices, and Homemade Chocolates

These three items are the undisputed champions of Munnar’s shopping scene. They are locally sourced, exceptionally fresh, and offer the best value for your money. These core items—tea, spices, and homemade chocolates—represent the absolute things to buy in Munnar and offer the finest quality and value for your money.

1. Munnar’s Signature Tea (Black, Green, and Flavored)

Tea is the lifeblood of Munnar. Vast, sprawling tea estates cover the rolling hills, painting the landscape in endless shades of green. The aroma of freshly processed leaves fills the air, inviting every visitor to experience its purity. Buying tea directly from the source ensures maximum freshness and quality, making it one of the most essential things to buy in Munnar.

Why Munnar Tea is a Must-Buy

• Pristine Source: The tea is grown in the high-altitude, unpolluted environment of the Western Ghats.
• Unique Flavor: The cool climate and specific soil conditions give Munnar tea a bright, brisk, and highly aromatic character.
• Variety: You can find everything from robust black tea dust (perfect for a strong local brew) to delicate green tea leaves.

Top Tea Varieties to Look For:

• Black Tea Dust/CTC: This tea is strong, classic, and robust, making it perfect for the traditional Indian ‘Chai’ brewed with milk and sugar for everyday morning consumption.
• Orthodox Tea Leaves: These are a higher grade of whole or broken leaves with a more refined and subtle flavor, ideally enjoyed black or with a light splash of milk.
• Flavored Tea: These blends are infused with local aromatics such as cardamom, ginger, mint, or lemon, serving as a unique gift or a refreshing afternoon drink.
• Green Tea: This is a healthy, non-fermented option that features a fresh, grassy note, preferred by those focusing on health-conscious consumption.

Where to Buy: Always check out the factory outlets like the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) Tea Museum Outlet. The local Munnar Market also has reputable tea merchants.

2. Aromatic Kerala Spices (Cardamom, Pepper, and Vanilla)

Kerala is historically known as the “Spice Coast” of India, and Munnar perfectly carries forward that legacy. The region’s cool climate and rich soil are ideal for cultivating some of the world’s most aromatic and potent spices. From cardamom and cloves to cinnamon and pepper, every spice here is farm-fresh, sold whole, and bursting with natural oils. Buying these authentic spices is undoubtedly one of the top Things to buy in Munnar.

Essential Spices to Purchase

• Cardamom (The Queen of Spices): Munnar’s green cardamom is legendary. Look for bright green, plump, and unbroken pods. The strong, sweet, and floral aroma is unmatched. This is excellent for desserts, tea, or rice dishes.
• Black Pepper (The King of Spices): Buy whole black pepper corns. They are incredibly pungent and a staple of Kerala cuisine. Grind them fresh for the best flavor.
• Cinnamon: Buy cinnamon quills (sticks), not powdered. The flavor is warm, woody, and slightly sweet.
• Cloves and Nutmeg: These are also grown locally and are highly aromatic.
• Vanilla Pods: Look for plump, oily, and dark vanilla beans, often sold in small glass tubes. They are significantly more affordable and of higher quality than imported ones.

Expert Tip: Buy spices whole whenever possible. They retain their freshness and potency for a much longer period. Powdered spices can lose their aroma quickly.

3. Rich Homemade Chocolates

Believe it or not, Munnar is famous for its homemade chocolates. Because cocoa is grown in the region and dairy products are fresh, local shops craft delicious chocolates that are a unique souvenir. They are made in small batches and are creamy, fresh, and often reasonably priced, making them a delicious entry on your list of things to buy in Munnar.

Unique Chocolate Flavors

• Nut-Filled: Chocolates generously studded with local cashews, almonds, or walnuts.
• Spice-Infused: Try varieties with a hint of local cardamom, chilli (for a sweet-spicy kick), or ginger.
• Fruit-Flavored: Look for strawberry, orange, or coffee-flavored blocks.

Where to Buy: Numerous small confectionery shops line the Main Bazaar. Look for places with high customer traffic and fresh stock. Some popular names include Manna Chocolate Kitchen and Krishna Homemade Chocolates, which offer some of the sweetest things to buy in Munnar.

Unique Local Products & Natural Goods

Beyond the big three, Munnar offers a variety of natural and handcrafted items that make excellent gifts and souvenirs. These unique local specialties round out the amazing array of things to buy in Munnar.

4. Eucalyptus Oil and Aromatic Oils

The crisp, clean air of Munnar is often scented with Eucalyptus. Distilleries extract the pure oil from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree (Nilgiri). This oil is a popular medicinal item and one of the sought-after things to buy in Munnar.

• Eucalyptus Oil: Known for its decongestant properties, it is great for steam inhalation during a cold. It is a powerful, fresh-smelling oil.
• Other Essential Oils: You can also find oils made from lemongrass and other local herbs. These are perfect for aromatherapy or a soothing massage.

Caution: Always check for purity. Reputable spice shops and Ayurvedic stores are the best places for things to buy in Munnar like these oils.

5. Locally Sourced Forest Honey

The hills and forests around Munnar are home to a wide variety of flowering plants and wild bee colonies. This results in forest honey that is distinct in flavor and color, depending on the season and the flowers the bees pollinated, making it one of the natural things to buy in Munnar.

• Wild/Tribal Honey: Often collected by local tribes, this honey is raw, pure, and has a rich, complex flavor. It is prized for its health benefits.
• Cardamom Honey: Honey collected from beehives placed near cardamom plantations, giving it a subtle, aromatic finish.

6. Handmade Soaps and Ayurvedic Products

Kerala is the land of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Many local shops in Munnar sell products made with natural ingredients sourced from the hills.

• Herbal Soaps: Look for soaps made with coconut oil base and infused with local ingredients like sandalwood, turmeric, aloe vera, or neem. They are gentle and chemical-free.
• Ayurvedic Balms and Creams: These often contain medicinal herbs and oils for treating minor aches, colds, or skin issues.

7. Coffee Beans

While Munnar is primarily a tea region, some estates also grow excellent coffee.

• Arabica and Robusta: Kerala grows both varieties. Arabica is known for its sweet, softer taste, while Robusta has a stronger, more robust flavor and higher caffeine content.
• Where to Buy: Factory outlets and major spice markets will stock freshly roasted coffee beans.

8. Handwoven Textiles and Local Attire

The local markets feature traditional Kerala textiles, often hand-dyed using natural, plant-based colors. These make for unique, traditional apparel.

• Kerala Kasavu Saree: The iconic off-white cotton saree with a golden border. A beautiful, timeless piece of traditional wear.
• Naturally Dyed Fabrics: Shawls, stoles, and fabric lengths dyed using natural vegetable colors like turmeric or indigo.

9. Homemade Fruit Jams and Squashes

The cool climate allows for the cultivation of various fruits, especially strawberries. Local artisans turn this fresh produce into delicious spreads and concentrates.

• Strawberry Jams: Made from farm-fresh strawberries, they often have a high fruit content and less artificial preservative.
• Passion Fruit or Pineapple Squashes: Concentrated fruit syrups that can be mixed with water to make a refreshing drink.

10. Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs

If you are looking for non-edible keepsakes, the markets have a range of beautifully crafted items.

• Wooden Artifacts: Small carvings, particularly elephants (a symbol of Kerala) and miniature snake boats.
• Bamboo and Coir Products: Items like placemats, bowls, and baskets made from local, sustainable materials.
• Handmade Paper: Greeting cards and small notebooks made from recycled paper, sometimes incorporating dried tea leaves or flowers.

Munnar Shopping : Expert Tips

To ensure you get high-quality, authentic products, follow these simple guidelines:

• Know Your Product: When buying spices, trust your nose. Good spices should have a strong, immediate aroma. For tea, look for whole, unbroken leaves (Orthodox) or the signature dust for the strongest brew (CTC).
• Shop Where Locals Go: The main town market (Munnar Market) and dedicated factory outlets (like the KDHP outlet) offer the most authentic experience and are trusted by locals.
• Look for Certifications: While shopping on the street, look for shops that display quality certificates or mention they are sourced directly from plantations. For Ayurvedic products, stick to established brands or certified stores.
• Reputation is Key: Check the cleanliness and turnover of the shop. High turnover means fresh stock, especially for perishable items like chocolate and spices.

Practical Shopping Tips

1. Ask for a Sample: Most spice and chocolate shops are happy to let you taste their wares. Try the tea or a small piece of chocolate before committing to a large quantity.
2. Price Comparison: Prices can vary significantly between the main market and the factory outlets. Do a quick survey of two or three shops before making your final purchase.
3. Buy Whole: For maximum shelf life and flavor, buy spices in their whole form (pods, sticks, seeds) and grind them at home as needed.
4. Check Packaging: Ensure homemade chocolates are sealed correctly and that oils are in opaque glass bottles to protect them from sunlight.
5. Bargaining: A little bit of polite bargaining is expected in the small, local stalls, but you will find fixed, fair prices in the larger, factory-run outlets.

Conclusion

A visit to Munnar is much more than a journey through stunning emerald tea gardens; it’s a deep dive into a rich and flavorful local economy. When planning your shopping, remember that the true treasures of this hill station are the products crafted from its pristine environment.

You must not leave without a piece of the “Big Three”: the aromatic Munnar Tea varieties—from robust CTC dust to delicate Orthodox leaves—the potent, farm-fresh Kerala Spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla, and the unique, creamy Homemade Chocolates. These culinary delights are truly the best things to buy in Munnar.

By choosing these local goods, whether it’s a bottle of pure Eucalyptus oil, a jar of forest honey, or a handwoven textile, you not only take home a genuine piece of Munnar but also directly support the local farmers and artisans who keep this unique cultural and agricultural heritage alive. These authentic treasures are the perfect things to buy in Munnar to remind you of your trip. So, shop wisely, savor the flavors, and let these authentic souvenirs be a lasting, aromatic reminder of your unforgettable time in the Queen of the Western Ghats. Remember, these locally sourced items are the definitive things to buy in Munnar.

For a hassle-free shopping experience that ensures you visit all the authentic outlets, consider booking a local travel agency like Mountains Moto. They can guide you directly to the top tea estates, trusted spice gardens, and popular chocolate houses.

FAQs

1. What is the best place to buy good quality spices and authentic homemade chocolates in Munnar? Southern Spices is the best place to buy spices and homemade chocolates in Munnar.
2. Are the spices in Munnar guaranteed to be fresh? Yes, the spices sold directly at the plantations and reputable markets are highly fresh and potent.
3. Where should I buy tea : the factory outlet or the local market? Buy from the factory outlets (like KDHP) for guaranteed quality and the local market for variety and better bargaining.
4. Are Munnar’s homemade chocolates expensive? No, homemade chocolates are generally reasonably priced and are a popular, affordable treat.
5. Should I buy whole spices or powdered spices? Always buy whole spices for maximum freshness, aroma, and a longer shelf life.
6. Can I find pure Eucalyptus oil in Munnar? Yes, pure Eucalyptus oil is readily available and is a popular medicinal product to purchase.
7. Is bargaining common in the Munnar markets? Yes, polite bargaining is expected in small local stalls but not in major factory outlets or fixed-price stores.
8. What is a unique, non-food souvenir from Munnar? Locally made coir products or intricate wooden artifacts are unique non-food souvenirs.
9. Do they sell good coffee in Munnar, which is a tea town? Yes, you can find high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, often grown alongside spices.
10. How should I pack homemade chocolates for the journey home? Pack homemade chocolates securely in a cool area of your luggage, ideally wrapped in newspaper to insulate them.