Looking for souvenirs from Uttarakhand? Well it’s time to create a huge list!
Resting on the laps of Himalayas with lush greens and serene snows sheathing them, Uttarakhand is no less than a Paradise on Earth. Blessed with sacred waters and holy temples, it is often referred to as ‘Devbhumi’, meaning land of Gods. It is believed that people who visit the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, attain Moksha or salvation. Apart from its religious significance, Uttarakhand is full of bounties of nature like glaciers, rivers, forests, and wildlife. It has attracted tourists for years. It is one of the places where one must visit at least once in a lifetime.
If you plan to visit this divine land, to experience pure bliss and tranquility it gifts us, you must buy few souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Souvenirs from Uttarakhand – What to grab, from where?
Dehradun – The capital city and a (not so) hidden gem for souvenirs from Uttarakhand
Feel the warmth of Uttarakhand by wrapping yourself up in hand-knitted woolens
Apart from Dehraduni Basmati rice-one of the finest in India, this city is also famous for its Tibetan settlements, a result of which is the Tibetan market. Hand knitted woolens like sweaters, cardigans, mufflers and wall hangings are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand, which you can buy from this market.
Celebrate and appreciate the tribal culture
Exquisite tribal jewelry is not only a style statement, but one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand. One can buy finest works of tribal jewelry at Tibetan market mentioned above.
Antiques from past, to relive your days in Uttarakhand in the future
Astonishing antiques and artefacts are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand. One can buy intricate items of the past from the Paltan Bazaar- one of the famous and economical Sunday markets of Dehradun.
For memories as majestic as the mountains
Beautiful Pahaari handicrafts, Garhwaali paintings and hordes of other items that express the beauty of Pahaari culture, can be one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand. One can buy such local tokens of beauty at Paltan Bazaar mentioned above, as well as at the Astley hall and Connaught place of Dehradun.
Haridwar- The gateway of Char Dham
Take a bit of Maa Ganga in your home too
Gangajal is probably the most famous souvenir from Uttarakhand. It is believed to have purifying and healing properties. Haridwar has the purest water of river Ganga before it starts absorbing impurities by the human civilization.
Wise words by wise men
Haridwar has a huge outlet of Gita press, where one can find books on all religious or spiritual topics, written by ancient scholars as well as local publishers. Books can be one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Red makes it auspicious
KumKum has a special place in a married woman’s’ life. When it comes to religious rituals, KumKum is indespensible. Haridwar is the perfect place to buy pure KumKum and it can serve as a souvenir from Uttarakhand.
Om Namah Shivaye
Haridwar holds its significance for Shiva as his first wife Sati belonged to Kankhal in Haridwar and Parvati meditated near Haridwar. Rudraksha can be used for chanting in the name of Shiva as well as for wearing purpose. Rudraksha is one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Heal at Haridwar
Uttarakhand is home to many traditional Ayurvedic treatments. One can find many Vedshalasat the streets of Haridwar. Healing herbs and herbal medicines are sold in these places. Herbs can be one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital
Relish the traditional savories
Pickles and Murabbas of mangoes, carrots, bel, chillies, lime, amla and other fruits and vegetables are available in many shops of Rishikesh. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Worship the Vishnu with stone Shaligrams
These are round shaped, small stones which we can find in the rivers- mostly in rivers of Nepal like Gandaki. They are considered as a representation of the Vishnu and hence used in many temples and homes for worship. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Worship the Shiva with Shivalingas
One can look for a Sphatiklinga or marble Shivalinga in shops near the temples at Rishikesh. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
What ran the world back then
One can find old coins of various periods back in time near the temples of Rishikesh. Old coins are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Badrinath – The pre-eminent abode of Lord Vishnu
Take the holy shrine home
There are many shops near the temple of Badrinath which sell detailed replicas of the holy shrine of Badrinath made of wood, marble, or metals like brass or copper. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
The sacred silver
The Badrinath temple administration committee had decided few years back, to utilise the silver offered by devotees by making coins aesthetically with images of Kedar-Badri idols on either side. These coins are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Kedarnath – Jyotirlinga of Shiva
Take the holy shrine home
There are many shops near the temple of Kedarnath which sell detailed replicas of the holy shrine of Kedarnath made of wood, marble, or metals like brass or copper. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Healing touch of Tulsi
One can buy Tulsi Mala near temples. The benefits of the leaves of Tulsi is well proven, and owing to its spiritual and physical healing powers, the touch of the Tulsi wood acts as a rejuvenator for the stressed mind and brings the spiritual self of a person closer to God.
They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Captivating crystals
One can buy crystals and precious stones in shops near the temple. Kedarnath can be one of the best places to buy precious stones for astrology requirements. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Mussoorie- The colonial wonder
Knit it with Pashmina
Apart from being famous as a hill station-an escape amidst the scorching heat, Mussoorie is also known for its pure Pashmina shawls, gently crafted by local co-operative societies, that aim in promoting native products, especially from the Himalayan region.They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Dim it with class
Classic lampshades are one of the best things one can buy from Mussoorie. These elegant handcrafted pieces can be bought from the Classic Emporium. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Décor for your home
Streets full of local shops selling mementos, knick-knacks, trinkets, handicrafts and other home décor- The Mall road has it all to decorate your home. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Walk on the designs of Mussoorie
Exquisite and intricate designs on hand-woven carpets of Mussoorie will surely catch your eye. These can be bought in the Tibetan market. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Ranikhet – The Queen’s Meadow
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Ranikhet is famous for Baal Mithai- made of condensed and concentrate milk, covered with little sugar beads. It is one of the favourite sweet of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. It can be one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Let it light up
Handcrafted and decorated candles are a specialty of this place. Grab a few to light your home up, from the Sadar market of Ranikhet. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Bling like a Rani
Treat yourself with finely chiselled or kerned silver ornaments sold by a large number of jewellers and bling it up. Such intricacies can be bought from Zaroori bazaar. As you walk in these bazaars, look at the buildings that line their lanes. The old houses with heavily ornate wooden frontages are like walking down in 1930s. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Nainital – The lake district of India and a delightful places to shop souvenirs from Uttarakhand
Keep cool with bamboo souvenirs from Uttarakhand
Clothes made of bamboo fibres are an exclusive purchase of Nainital. These clothes keep you fresh, cool and odor free- a boon for summers. Not only that, it keeps you warmer in winters. Factory shop of Uttarakhand Textile Development Corporation in Pandegaon is where you can buy these from. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
The fine pine
Handicrafts and decoration items made of fallen pinecones are remarkable pieces of craftsmanship. Shops all across Nainital sell them. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
Take home the sacred sound
Brass bells offered to Lord Golu at Ghorakhal Temple of Nainital please the ears with harmony. Lord Golu is a legendary mythological and historical God of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. They are one of the must buy souvenirs from Uttarakhand.
The best thing one can take from any place is moments that last for a lifetime. Uttarakhand is one such place for creating some heart-warming memories. Everyone deserves to experience the peace and scenic beauty that this state provides us with, at least once in their lives. So pack your bags and prepare your minds for the everlasting and rejuvenating experience of Uttarakhand.