Best Markets and Must-Buy Items in Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a shopper’s paradise, offering a unique blend of traditional and cultural products that are perfect as souvenirs or personal indulgences.

If you want to make the most of your WordCamp visit, here are some of the most famous items you can take back as souvenirs from Kolhapur.

Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri Chappals are traditional handwoven leather footwear that comes in all sizes, suitable for both children and adults.

These iconic chappals are a must-buy when visiting Kolhapur, as they are known for their durability and unique design.

• Where to Buy:
  • Mahadwar Road: Known for its wide variety of authentic Kolhapuri Chappals.
  • Shivaji Road and Bahu Singhji Road: These areas offer both affordable and high-quality export-grade Kolhapuri Chappals.
  • Shetkari Bazaar: A budget-friendly shopping destination, popular among villagers and locals.

Kolhapuri Saaj and Other Jewelry Items

Kolhapuri Saaj is a traditional necklace known for its intricate design and cultural significance.

Other popular jewelry items include Thushi (a choker with tiny gold beads), Har, Mohanmal, Malas, Chaplahar, Bormal, Pohehar, and Putlihar, all derived from unique shapes and traditional craftsmanship.

• Where to Buy:
  • Hupari: A town famous for skilled artisans who create beautiful silverware and jewelry. Their products are exported globally.
  • Karekar Jewelers in Rajarampuri: Known for authentic Kolhapuri jewelry with reasonable pricing and minimal labor charges.
  • Mahadwar and Shivaji Road: Ideal for a variety of jewelry items.
  • Shetkari Bazaar: Best for imitation and artificial jewelry at affordable prices.

Kolhapuri Jaggery (Gudd)

Kolhapuri Jaggery is renowned for its purity and is widely used in households for cooking, especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti for making sweets like tilgul.

Jaggery in Kolhapur is prepared traditionally in rural areas and sold in wholesale and retail markets.

• Where to Buy:
  • Shahupuri Market Yard: A wholesale market offering a variety of jaggery at affordable pricing.
  • Local Markets: Various shops sell different varieties of jaggery, from dark brown to light golden, ensuring freshness and affordability.

Kakvi (Sweet Syrup )

Kakvi, a byproduct of jaggery production, is a sweet syrup with medicinal properties as per Ayurveda. It is used as a natural sweetener and adds a unique flavor to dishes.

• Where to Buy:
  • Available at any general store in Kolhapur.
  • Look for bottled Kakvi in local markets.

Kolhapuri Masala

Kolhapuri Masala is a fiery blend of chilies, onions, garlic, and spices. It is a key ingredient in Kolhapuri dishes like misal, meat curries, and vegetable preparations. This masala is a favorite among spice lovers across India.

• Where to Buy:
  • Sunday Market: Known for pure and unadulterated Kolhapuri Masala.
  • Local Shops: Widely available in the markets.

Tips for Shopping in Kolhapur

• Explore the local markets to get a true feel of Kolhapur’s culture and craftsmanship.
• Don’t forget to bargain for the best prices, especially in bazaars.
• Take back souvenirs like Kolhapuri chappals, jewelry, jaggery, kakvi, and masala to share the essence of Kolhapur with your friends and family.

Shopping in Kolhapur is not just about purchasing items; it’s an experience of immersing yourself in the local traditions and culture. So, shop till you drop and take home memories that last a lifetime.