It is said that the best shoppers' items one can bring home from one's travels are the quintessential goods that reflect the destination's culture, art and cuisine. Although hobnobbing for bargains in branded stores may be some shopaholics' idea of the ultimate shopping experience, seasoned travellers know what local specialties make for a collector's item or the ideal souvenir that captures the soul of the holiday location. And if it's an authentic shopping experience in India one's after, there's no better place to hit the local markets than the sun kissed state of Kerala.
Renowned as a venue of choice for all that is traditional, the major shopping districts of Kerala are concentrated in Trivandrum and Kochi. A popular locale for all that shines, gold and ivory are much sought after items in the region while antiques are virtually available in every street corner. Jew Street in Kochi is one such hotspot that sells everything from Malayalam collectibles to Chinese ceramics while the metal mirrors of Aranmula are also popular items among travellers. Kairali and other government run emporiums are ideal for souvenirs such as Kathakali masks and other local crafts while wall mats, bags, natural fibre furnishings and carpets are all the rage in the Alappuzha and Kuttanad markets. Sandalwood figures, teak urus and rosewood snake boats are also staples in any Kerala shopping list while coconut shell, wood and coir creations are equally famous. Handicrafts made from buffalo horns are also prized items in addition to handlooms and Kasavu Mundu and Neryathu which are traditional garbs of Keralites.
Famed as the land of spices, Kerala is also the place to pick up those treasured condiments that form the basis of Indian and Asian cuisine. Whether it's aromatic cardamoms, ginger, arecanuts, spicy peppers or medicinal turmeric all that is needed for a well-stocked spice rack are available at the numerous spice markets in the state.
For those with a hankering for a steaming Kerala cuppa, look no further than the tea capitals of Idukki district and Munnar where real Indian tea is up for grabs. Caffeine fanatics on the other hand can head down to Kalpetta or Wayanad district to experience the state's coffee culture although there are a myriad of tea and coffee vendors approved by the Tea Board and Coffee Board scattered across Kerala.
Visitors in search of first class hotels in Kovalam will be more than satisfied with the stylish rest that is The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala. Ideally situated within close range of the Trivandrum International Airport, it is also one of the most conveniently located Kovalam hotels in all of Kerala.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pushpitha_Wijesinghe
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Sunday 15 August 2010
Wooden Handicrafts - An Important Business Option
Wooden Handicraft:- "Handicraft", as the name suggests, is the traditional art of creating useful and decorative items entirely by hand. Thus, wooden handicraft is a craft where skilled labor is employed to decorate or carve wood to create items with bare minimum tools. India takes the pride of superlative craftsmanship which reflects the right shades of traditional beauty and style. Important to mention here is the fact that goods involving mass production or machinery are not considered as "Handicraft".
Types:- Now moving on, we find that wooden handicrafts can be segregated under the following categories. They are:
* Antique Woodcraft
* Wooden furniture
* Wooden Gift Items
* Wooden Kitchen accessories
* Wooden Toys and Games
* Wooden Statues
* Wooden blinds for corporate as well as domestic purposes
The Industry:- India is one of the chief exporters of wooden handicrafts in the global market. The factors that have added to the benefit of this industry from India's perspective are:
* A low capital investment and other resources
* Scope of employment for about six million artisans (becoming the second largest employment provider after agriculture)
* Scope of earning for the women folk, who, constitute a large section of the handicrafts industry
Wooden Handicraft Suppliers:-
Each state mentioned have a unique workmanship which add to the value of that product from that region. The Indian states which contribute to the growth of this sector are:
* Uttar Pradesh
* Arunachal Pradesh
* Rajasthan
* Gujarat
* Madhya Pradesh
* West Bengal
* Karnataka
* Andhra Pradesh
* Tamil Nadu
* Kashmir
Apart from these states and the related business centre, many B2B market places have emerged to eradicate the gap between demand and supply. At the very click of the mouse, an array of suppliers and manufacturers line up to satisfy every individual need.
Right from antique handicrafts, wooden furniture designs to kitchen accessories and gift items, these market places have the solution to every problem.
Conclusion:- The Indian craftsmen of each state create these handicrafts using wood that is available locally. Some of the the most common varieties used to make Indian handicrafts are:
* Teak,
* Sheesham,
* Sal,
* Oak,
* Mango,
* Ebony and
* Mahogany
Worth mentioning here is the fact that Sandalwood, rosewood and walnut are the exotic varieties and are highly expensive raw materials. Hence, they are used in producing very niche and high end furniture and decorative items.
Although, Decentralization of this sector, perennial Deforestation, Lack of Infrastructure and Working Capital, and above all Poor Marketing Strategies have been a major concern in the growth and development of this sector, one cannot deny the following landmarks too:
* Indian Wooden Handicrafts has emerged as one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for India
* Considered to be an important export commodity for India
* India's handicraft exports show a consistent increase of sixteen per cent every year
Author has wide knowledge of B2B Marketplace and Business industries. For latest updates, business opportunities on wooden handicrafts products and available trade leads, visit Trade.indiaMART.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vaiv_Jais
Types:- Now moving on, we find that wooden handicrafts can be segregated under the following categories. They are:
* Antique Woodcraft
* Wooden furniture
* Wooden Gift Items
* Wooden Kitchen accessories
* Wooden Toys and Games
* Wooden Statues
* Wooden blinds for corporate as well as domestic purposes
The Industry:- India is one of the chief exporters of wooden handicrafts in the global market. The factors that have added to the benefit of this industry from India's perspective are:
* A low capital investment and other resources
* Scope of employment for about six million artisans (becoming the second largest employment provider after agriculture)
* Scope of earning for the women folk, who, constitute a large section of the handicrafts industry
Wooden Handicraft Suppliers:-
Each state mentioned have a unique workmanship which add to the value of that product from that region. The Indian states which contribute to the growth of this sector are:
* Uttar Pradesh
* Arunachal Pradesh
* Rajasthan
* Gujarat
* Madhya Pradesh
* West Bengal
* Karnataka
* Andhra Pradesh
* Tamil Nadu
* Kashmir
Apart from these states and the related business centre, many B2B market places have emerged to eradicate the gap between demand and supply. At the very click of the mouse, an array of suppliers and manufacturers line up to satisfy every individual need.
Right from antique handicrafts, wooden furniture designs to kitchen accessories and gift items, these market places have the solution to every problem.
Conclusion:- The Indian craftsmen of each state create these handicrafts using wood that is available locally. Some of the the most common varieties used to make Indian handicrafts are:
* Teak,
* Sheesham,
* Sal,
* Oak,
* Mango,
* Ebony and
* Mahogany
Worth mentioning here is the fact that Sandalwood, rosewood and walnut are the exotic varieties and are highly expensive raw materials. Hence, they are used in producing very niche and high end furniture and decorative items.
Although, Decentralization of this sector, perennial Deforestation, Lack of Infrastructure and Working Capital, and above all Poor Marketing Strategies have been a major concern in the growth and development of this sector, one cannot deny the following landmarks too:
* Indian Wooden Handicrafts has emerged as one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for India
* Considered to be an important export commodity for India
* India's handicraft exports show a consistent increase of sixteen per cent every year
Author has wide knowledge of B2B Marketplace and Business industries. For latest updates, business opportunities on wooden handicrafts products and available trade leads, visit Trade.indiaMART.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vaiv_Jais
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