SHOPPING HUBS

From silk saris to handcrafted souvenirs, there’s something for everyone wishing to indulge in some retail therapy.

Kanjeevaram Saris

The most sought-after variant of silk saris, Kanjeevaram saris are woven from pure mulberry silk thread, and the designs are inspired by scriptures of South Indian temples. In a genuine Kanjeevaram sari, the body and border are woven separately and then interlocked together. The joint is woven so strongly that even if the sari tears, the border will not detach. 25 Nalli (nalli.com) is the tallest institution when it comes to silk saris anywhere in India.

Sweets, Savouries and Filter Coffee

With over 140 outlets across India, 26 Adyar Ananda Bhavan (aabsweets.in) offers a mindboggling range of local sweets and savouries such as Mysore pak, burfi, murukku, thattai. One cannot possibly leave Chennai without buying at least a pack or two of filter coffee powder

as souvenirs for friends.

27 Leo (leocoffee.co.in) is a premier retailer of not just filter coffee, but espresso beans, chicory powder, and filter coffee equipment as well.

Handcrafted Souvenirs

With branches in Besant Nagar and Nungambakkam, 28 Naturally Auroville (auroville.com) stocks products handmade in the spiritual commune of Auroville in Puducherry. Expect earthy, soulful items such as scented candles, ceramic cups, kokum butter soap bars, gluten-free vegan cookies and much more. Run by the Isha Foundation, 29 Isha Life (ishashoppe.com) is another such boutique store in Mylapore that sells a range of body care products, home decor and fragrances, yoga wear, as well as copperware bottles, jugs, and tumbler sets.