What to Buy in Chennai: Best Local Products, Prices and Where to Shop
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
Authentic Handwoven Silk Sarees from Kanchipuram
Why It is Special
- Only produced in Kanchipuram since the 9th century using traditional weaving techniques.
- High-end sarees use pure Mulberry silk with vibrant colors.
- Feature real gold and silver zari borders.
- Body and border are woven separately and manually joined for strength and contrast.
- Designs include temple borders, mythical creatures and natural motifs.
- Retain value over decades while maintaining shape and lustre.
- Worn for weddings and high-visibility events.
- Ensure you buy sarees with silk certification.
Price Range
- Typical prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹2,00,000+ depending on quality.
- Sarees priced around ₹2,000 are usually synthetic and not authentically made in Kanchipuram.
Where to Buy?
Recommended shops in T. Nagar / Mylapore:
- Nalli Silks
- Sundari Silks
- Pothys
- Pachaiyappas Silks
- RMKV
- Palam Silks
Tanjore Paintings
Traditional Gold-Leaf Relief Art from Thanjavur
Why It is Special
- Origins date back to the 16th century in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu.
- Made on wooden panels with intricate 3D relief work.
- Uses 22 Karat gold leaf and is often adorned with gemstones.
- Traditionally depicts Hindu deities, now also includes birds and landscapes.
- High-quality paintings increase in value over time.
- The gold work becomes more lustrous as it ages.
- Always check for authenticity certificate for gold before purchase.
Price Range
- Small: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000
- Medium: ₹15,000 – ₹35,000
- Large: ₹75,000+
Where to Buy?
Recommended places in Chennai:
- Poompuhar (Pantheon Road)
- Victoria Technical Institute
- Balaji Tanjore Art Gallery
- Sankalp Arts and Crafts
Temple Jewellery
Traditional Jewellery Inspired by Temple Art
Why It is Special
- Originates from temple rituals, historically used to adorn deities.
- Craft dates back to the 9th century in South India.
- Features motifs inspired by temple carvings like Lakshmi, Ganesha and gopurams.
- Made using a unique gold foil over silver base technique.
- Characterized by a bold, heavy 3D sculptural design unique to Chennai.
Price Range
- Gold (Authentic): ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹10 Lakhs
- Silver-based: ₹5,000 – ₹30,000
Where to Buy?
Trusted jewellery stores in Chennai:
- VBJ
- GRT
- Bhima
- Tanishq
Brass & Bronze Statues
Traditional Swamimalai Metal Casting Sculptures
Why It is Special
- Premium statues are crafted using the lost-wax casting method from Swamimalai.
- Each statue is one-of-a-kind as the wax mold is destroyed after casting.
- This technique dates back to the Chola era (9th–13th century).
- Some idols use Panchaloha (5-metal alloy) with spiritual significance.
- Features distinctly Tamil forms like Nataraja and Bharatanatyam-inspired designs.
Price Range
- Small: ₹300 – ₹3,000
- Mid (Standard Quality): ₹3,000 – ₹25,000
- Mid (Premium Quality): ₹25,000 – ₹1 Lakh
- Large: ₹1 Lakh – ₹10 Lakhs
Where to Buy?
Recommended handicraft stores in Chennai:
- Panchaloha Divine Handicrafts Center
- SILAII Flagship Store
- Poompuhar (Pantheon Road)
- SRUSHTI Handicrafts
Palm Leaf Crafts
Eco-Friendly Handwoven Crafts from Palm Leaves
Why It is Special
- Widely used in everyday life, not just as souvenirs.
- Crafted using traditional techniques from villages across Tamil Nadu.
- Features distinct geometric patterns and subtle natural or dyed colors.
- Made using naturally processed leaves, ensuring eco-friendly sustainability.
- Lightweight, durable, and practical for daily use.
Price Range
- Small: ₹25 – ₹150
- Medium: ₹150 – ₹400
- Large / Premium: ₹300 – ₹800
Where to Buy?
Recommended handicraft stores in Chennai:
- Poompuhar (Pantheon Road)
- Hasmi Handicrafts
- Aarde Craft
