Shopping In Goa

For
travellers 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-mache, 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 traveller to Goa is a pack of the
famed cashew nuts. These are available practically everywhere. There are shops
specialising in selling only cashewnuts. The nuts are available in a wide variety
of tastes ranging from plain, salted and masala. The prices vary based on the
quality and flavour.
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.
The Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an extremely
lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at
bargain prices.
Most deluxe hotels and resorts also have good in-house shops, but the price
ranges are usually higher.
The charm of shopping in Goa lies in bargaining to your heart's content in markets
and shops until you finally bring down the price and make the purchase a worthwhile
experience.