For travelers to Goa, the visit is not complete
unless they take back a souvenir of their memorable sojourn in this
magnificent paradise. Naturally, shopping should be a priority on the
itinerary of every tourist, along with the sightseeing attractions.
The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are easily the most popular
souvenir items and include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet,
carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mâché, etc. These are
available in the Government Emporia and also at shops and stalls near
the popular tourist spots.
Another item which is on the list of every traveler to Goa is a pack of
the famed cashew nuts. These are available practically everywhere. There
are shops specializing in selling only cashew nuts. The nuts are
available in a wide variety of tastes ranging from plain, salted and
masala. The prices vary based on the quality and flavor.
There are also many fascinating options in the lifestyle and fashion
shops which have come up in recent times. Some of these are located in
fabulous old Goan houses which have been painstakingly restored. These
shops make the best selections in home styling and fashion available to
the tourists at quite reasonable prices.
It is also a fascinating experience to go around and shop in the
traditional markets of the Goan towns and villages. These markets are a
mirror of Goa's ethnic culture and provide a glimpse of the typical Goan
way of doing business. Two of the most famous such market areas are
Mapusa and Anjuna. The Friday Market at Mapusa, where stalls sell
everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices.
