If you are visiting Manali, you cannot miss the Manali Mall Road, the main shopping hub of the town. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels that cater to the tourists who flock to this scenic destination.
It offers a variety of items that are unique and affordable. Mall Road is also a great place to buy some unique and memorable souvenirs from your trip to Manali.
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In this article, you will get to know the following things to buy in Manali,
- Kesar
- Tibetan and Himalayan Handicraft
- Dry Fruits and Woollen Clothes
- Tea, Herbal Products and Essential Oils
- Dorjes and Thangkas
- Kinnauri and Kullu Cloaks, Kulu Caps
Let’s see each of these things in detail.
1. Kesar
One of the most sought-after Himalayan spices is Kesar or Saffron, which you can find in many shops on Mall Road. However, you should be careful to buy them only from authentic stalls, as saffron is a rare and expensive spice.
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Kesar is cultivated in a few regions in India, where it is harvested from a specific Himalayan flower and then dried before selling. It has a distinctive flavor and aroma, as well as medicinal properties that can benefit your health.
You can get some high-quality saffron here in Manali. But make sure to avoid buying from cheap places or street vendors, as they might sell you fake or adulterated saffron.
2. Tibetan and Himalayan Handicraft
The rich culture and tradition of the Himalayan people are reflected in their handmade crafts, which have become a thriving business. As you walk through the market, you will see many stalls selling beautiful artworks that portray the mountains, their customs, and their lifestyles. You might like the slippers made of straw and grass, or other small souvenirs that you can take home.
There is also a Tibetan market that will impress you with its variety of artworks, ranging from handicrafts and antiques to jewelry and accessories. You can find some unique and exquisite pieces here that will add to your collection.
Another shopping destination that is perfect for buying gifts for your loved ones back home is the Kashmir gift shop. It has a wide selection of items that are affordable and of good quality.
3. Dry Fruits and Woollen Clothes
When you visit the mountains, you always look for high-quality dry fruits. The climate and geographic terrain here are ideal for dry fruit plantations, which produce amazing quality at a lower price.
Manali is a great place to buy different kinds of dry fruits such as apricots, nuts, walnuts, almonds, various berries, etc. You can buy them from the food stores or dry fruit stalls on Mall Road. They can also be a thoughtful gift for your family members who love to munch on some delicious and nutritious berries, dry fruits, or nuts.
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Another thing that you should buy from here is woolen clothing. Woolen items are essential in the cold weather of the mountains, and you will find many shops and stalls selling warm and cozy woolen items in different vibrant colors.
You can shop for sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, stoles, coats, gloves, etc. All the items are soft, delicate, and of good quality. They have beautiful designs and color combinations that will make you look stylish and comfortable. They have such a huge variety that will make it hard for you to choose from.
4. Tea, Herbal Products and Essential Oils
Manali is a paradise for tea lovers, as the tea plantations here enjoy the perfect climatic conditions and produce some high-quality tea. You can savor a cup of tea while admiring the scenic view, or buy a box or two to take back with you as a souvenir.
If you are fond of pure herbal products, you will find a great variety of them on the Manali Mall Road. There are balms, skin products, health products, and natural cleansers that are made from local herbs and plants.
Another thing that you can buy from here is essential oils. You can find leaf oil, orange oil, peppermint oil, basil oil, lemon grass oil, eucalyptus oil, and more. These oils have different benefits and uses, such as aromatherapy, massage, or skincare. You can select a few of your choice and get them at a pocket-friendly price.
5. Dorjes and Thangkas
These are items that are specific to the hilly regions and are very attractive to look at. Dorjes are symbolic weapons that represent the features of both diamonds and thunderclaps. They are Tibetan scepters that are generally used during Tibetan Buddhist ritual oration.
Dorjes are also known as the “Lord of Stones” because of their hardness and brilliance. They look like clubs with ribbed round heads. The carved designs on them are marvelous. They make amazing showpieces for your home or beautiful gifts for someone special.
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You might also want to add Thangkas to your shopping list. These are Tibetan Buddhist paintings that depict a Buddhist scene, mandala, or deity. They are done on cotton or silk appliqué and are very colorful.
These paintings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have a purpose. They serve as a support for meditation. This form of art is ancient and is also called scroll painting. They can last for a long time and retain their glory till the end.
6. Kinnauri and Kullu Cloaks, Kulu Caps
These are traditional clothing items that are notable for their meticulous geometric designs. You will be able to appreciate the craftsmanship of the local people who weave them by hand. It looks really attractive.
The combination of textures is fantastic and reflects the diversity of Manali. The colors on the shawls have symbolic meanings that relate to mythological origin. For example, white is for water, green is for air, yellow is for earth, and so on.
The Kullu shawl is famous for its vibrant hues and simple designs. If you buy Kinnauri shawls, you will find uniqueness in the fineness of the weave and the intricacy of the patterns. All the shawls are warm, comfortable, and light.
While browsing through the market, you should also check out the Kullu caps or topis, which are an important part of the local attire. These caps are made out of pure wool and are quite colorful. They can be ideal gifts for those who love such things or you can keep them in your collection.
So make a rough list of things that you want from Manali. You can find more items as you explore the Mall Road. Set a budget and start your shopping spree.
You can buy whatever you like, and it won’t hurt if it crosses your budget a little bit. Look for the exotic and mountain-related items that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
So next time you visit this charming hill station, don’t forget to explore Mall Road.
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