Explore Mahabalipuram
Shopping in Mahabalipuram
Malls, markets, and retail spots in Mahabalipuram
Handicrafts Emporium
One of the most visited shopping stops in Mahabalipuram, the Handicrafts Emporium is a well-maintained destination with a good and neatly organised selection of local craft products. It offers a broad mix of the town's signature items under one roof, making it convenient for travellers who want to cover multiple categories without walking the full length of the market. A practical choice for those short on time who still want to bring home something representative of the region's craft traditions.
Little Art Gallery Street
Little Art Gallery is a street running around the monuments of Mahabalipuram, lined with shops selling handicrafts, lanterns, wall hangings, artificial jewellery, and showpieces. Several shops along the path to the beach also carry genuine leather items, seashell products, and curios at prices that respond well to bargaining. The range stretches from small inexpensive souvenirs to large stone sculptures costing thousands of dollars, with many pieces commissioned and shipped worldwide. Think of it less as a single shop and more as a curated shopping walk through the heart of town.
Mount Road
The best place to look for handicrafts and sculpture artifacts in Mahabalipuram, Mount Road is lined with shops selling granite and wooden statues, soapstone carvings, and seashell items. Government-run emporiums here offer fixed-price shopping, making it a reliable option for authentic South Indian crafts without bargaining. You can also watch stone carvers at work and try your hand at chipping with a chisel in the workshops that dot the street. A good first stop for anyone looking to take home a piece of Mahabalipuram's sculpture tradition.
Poompuhar (Government Emporium)
Established in 1973 as the retail arm of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, Poompuhar is named after the ancient port city of Kaveripattinam and was set up to preserve the state's traditional crafts while supporting local artisans. Poompuhar has its own stone sculpture manufacturing centre at Mahabalipuram, in addition to production units at Swamimalai for bronze icons and Kallakuruchi for sandalwood carving. The emporium stocks Kanjivaram silk sarees, Tanjore paintings, brass lamps, bronze deities, rosewood carvings, and temple jewellery at fixed prices.
Sky Blue Handicrafts
Sky Blue Handicrafts carries an eclectic range including silver jewellery with and without precious stones, real Pashmina shawls, cotton and silk shawls, brass statues, wall hangings, singing bowls, bed covers, table covers, cushion covers, and bags. The store is particularly noted for its walnut wood products, where the softness of the wood makes it ideal for producing finely detailed handicraft items fabricated locally. A well-reviewed stop for visitors looking to pick up textiles and tribal art alongside the usual stone-based crafts.
Southern Arts and Crafts
Southern Arts and Crafts is known for beautiful curios sourced from local homes, on the pricier side but worth a visit for those looking for something genuinely distinctive. Located on East Raja Street in the Fisherman Colony, the store specializes in wooden carved products and locally made antiques. It is a good option for travellers who want to move beyond the standard souvenir stalls and find pieces with more character and provenance, though budget-conscious shoppers may find the pricing steep.
Street Market
The street market running around Mahabalipuram's monument zone is a lively stretch of stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, traditional garments, and intricate jewelry, with vendors eager to share the stories behind their work. Shops near the lighthouse area range from small inexpensive souvenirs to large commissioned stone sculptures that ship worldwide. Bargaining is expected and prices can drop significantly with some back and forth. Evenings bring a more vibrant atmosphere with cooler temperatures and food stalls serving local snacks alongside the shopping.