Gokarna is a little temple town with sunny beaches, palm trees, and challenging hiking paths. Previously a famous destination for Hindu pilgrims, the city today draws younger tourists due to its access to beaches and adventure-friendly forests. Locals have started opening restaurants and businesses that reflect the local culture in response to the increase in visitors from practically every region of the nation, paving the way for enjoyable shopping in Gokarna. Go on a local shopping trial by staying at our resort in Gokarna.
About Gokarna Shopping
Small street stores that sell everything from literature to regional handicrafts are among this beach town’s most prominent features. Even though shopping in Gokarna may not be as glamorous as shopping in huge malls with an array of worldwide brands, it nevertheless has a certain allure that draws in any compulsive shopper seeking a souvenir from their trip. Additionally, it is always fascinating to browse through the local stores, bargain, and bring home more than simply pleasant memories of the trip, no matter how exciting the beach, the woodland trails, or the temples are to you. There are a few things you may buy that are just specifically exclusive to Gokarna and its culture, despite the fact that there are many shopping areas in Gokarna where you can spend a day browsing shops. Let’s examine those items for purchase.
The Top 6 Items To Purchase In Gokarna
Gokarna smells not only of the sand and the beaches but also of the local culture and customs. Such a culture can be strongly sensed and experienced when traveling, but to genuinely bring them back home, one must purchase authentic items from Gokarna’s history. So, here are some things you can buy on your trip.
1. Clothes
The beachwear that is frequently sold on Gokarna’s beaches must be purchased when you are doing your street shopping there. The nicest beachwear can be found at Car Street, which is great for hippies because it’s a treasure trove of t-shirts with psychedelic patterns and designs. You can get the renowned panchesalya (wrap-around) sarees on Car Street, one of Gokarna, Karnataka’s greatest shopping districts.
2. Kallu Sakkare
The name Kallu Sakkare, which means “palm sugar crystals” in English, refers to a common regional confection that is frequently created in residents’ homes. For those who are more health-conscious or who have diabetes but don’t want to give up sweetness, this candy can be consumed on its own like toffee or used as a sugar alternative.
3. Brass Lamps
Since Gokarna is a well-known pilgrimage destination, there are several stores selling brass lamps and other Hindu puja accessories. Additionally, it offers a variety of other items for sale, including deity paintings, Trishul (a trident that belongs to Lord Shiva and a few other goddesses), rudraksha malas, conchs, and fragrant incense sticks. When a brass lamp illuminates a room just dimly enough to feel the warmth that fills the space around, there is a touch of serenity. Brass lamps are exquisite and well-crafted.
4. Books
A beach holiday with books? And why not? Sri Radhakrishna Bookshop is a must-visit for bookworms and those who prefer resting by the beach, soaking up the sun, and reading their favourite book. It is a bookstore that sells a wide variety of books, from spiritual literature to used novels in European languages and Indian fiction.
5. Handicrafts
A trip to Paent market street (a street in Kumta) is essential for all the creative types who adore decorating their homes and workspaces with unique handicrafts from all over the nation. Local artists create these handicrafts, which are distinctive and one-of-a-kind since they frequently represent the local culture. The Mahalasa handicrafts store close to the Shantika Parameshwari temple has the best selection of handicrafts.
6. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are among the best things to purchase in Gokarna if you enjoy music. You can purchase any type of instrument in Gokarna while on vacation, from sitars to guitars. You may locate shops where you can purchase your preferred musical instrument in Gokarna’s Car Street. You can browse all of these gorgeous instruments kept at these shops if you don’t wish to buy one.
Tips for shopping in Gokarna
Here are some pointers to bear in mind while Gokarna street shopping:
- Never be reluctant to make a deal with the merchants. It is usually advisable to haggle before purchasing anything because merchants may demand extravagant prices for their goods because tourists may come from all over the country and from numerous other countries.
- When doing street shopping, it is best to have someone who speaks the local tongue because the majority of people here speak Kannada or Konkani.
- Before purchasing a product, it is always a good idea to visit a few stores where it is sold because the more you look around, the more options you have.
- Visiting these stores is the best way to do so if you want to learn about the locals’ culture and engage with them in the coastal town.
