If you visit Kolhapur — a city rich in culture, crafts and cuisine — there are several souvenirs and local specialties that make for perfect gifts or mementos. Here are Top 10 souvenirs to buy in Kolhapur, with full details and why they’re worth picking up.
1. Kolhapuri Chappal
- These are the iconic handcrafted leather sandals native to Kolhapur — open-toed, T‑strap sandals made typically from cow or buffalo leather. Their craftsmanship is often all‑handmade: hand‑stitched, hand‑punched and free from allergy‑causing chemicals.
- They come in different finishes (natural, oiled, polished), and are available for men, women and children.
- Because of their heritage and craftsmanship, Kolhapuri Chappals are among the must‑buy souvenirs — you simply shouldn’t leave Kolhapur without at least one pair.
2. Kolhapuri Saaj & Traditional Jewellery
- Kolhapuri Saaj is a unique, traditional necklace from Kolhapur — originally designed with multiple pendants (“leaves”) but modern versions often have 10–12.
- Besides Saaj, you’ll find other local jewellery items (necklaces, chokers like “Thushi,” traditional beads, imitation and silver‑ware) — these make excellent gifts, especially for family or friends who appreciate ethnic jewellery.
- Best places to shop traditional jewellery include markets around Rajarampuri, Mahadwar Road, Shivaji Road — these areas usually carry authentic hand‑crafted jewellery.
3. Kolhapur Jaggery (Gudd) & Kakvi
- The jaggery made in Kolhapur — known locally as “Kolhapuri Gudd” — is a non‑centrifugal sugar, traditionally prepared from fresh sugarcane juice using age‑old methods.
- It has a distinct flavour and natural sweetness, and is often used in households for cooking, sweets, or traditional festive dishes.
- A by‑product called “Kakvi” — a liquid syrup — is also sold locally; many people buy this as a natural sweetener or health tonic.
- Buying a packet (or two) of genuine local jaggery or Kakvi is a lovely edible souvenir — ideal for friends or family who enjoy traditional sweets or natural products.
4. Kolhapuri Masala
- Kolhapuri Masala is a local spice mix — a blend of chillies, garlic, onions and regional spices — used in many traditional Kolhapuri dishes (like “Misal,” meat or veg curries).
- If you or your friends enjoy spicy cooking, a packet of authentic Kolhapuri masala can be a wonderful souvenir — giving a taste of Kolhapur in your kitchen no matter where you are.
5. Ethnic / Traditional Clothing & Sarees
- Besides footwear and food items, Kolhapur also offers traditional clothing and sarees reflecting local styles — many shops near major markets stock weaves, ethnic wear, and fabrics that make great souvenirs.
- These make nice gifts for someone back home, especially if they appreciate traditional clothing or want a piece of Kolhapur’s cultural identity.
6. Leather Goods — Bags, Wallets, Belts
- Since Kolhapuri chappals are leather‑based, many local artisans also produce other leather goods — such as wallets, belts, bags — often with that same handcrafted aesthetic.
- If you want souvenirs that are practical and usable (not just decorative), these leather goods are good value — and often more affordable than similar leather items elsewhere.
7. Handmade Crafts, Wooden/Pottery Items & Local Artifacts
- While less famous than chappals, local markets around tourist zones (like near Panhala Fort) often have hand‑crafted wooden items, pottery, small artefacts and decorative crafts — great for home decor or as unique souvenirs.
- These souvenirs support local artisans and help preserve traditional crafts — and they often have a rustic charm that makes them stand out from mass‑produced items.
8. Cultural & Small-Mementos
- For a light, budget‑friendly and easy‑to‑carry souvenir — especially if you travel by air or have luggage constraints — small keepsakes like fridge magnets, postcards or decorative tokens with Kolhapur motifs or temple images are ideal.
- These don’t take space but still serve as a memory of your trip — good as a gift for friends, or as a subtle souvenir for yourself.
9. Local Edibles & Spices Beyond Masala
- While not all food items keep well, local snacks or food specialties from Kolhapur — if properly packaged — can make good edible souvenirs or gifts, especially for loved ones who enjoy regional cuisine.
- The jaggery or local masala (mentioned above) fall in this category. Also, prepared or packaged snacks (but check quality & expiry) can be thoughtful picks.
10. Decorative & Gift Items
- In local gift & specialty shops, you can find small decorative items — brass figurines, showpieces, traditional trinkets — which serve as nice budget‑friendly souvenirs or gifts.
- These are especially useful if you want small keepsakes for many friends and family members.
Tips for Shopping in Kolhapur
- The best markets for shopping souvenirs are areas like Mahadwar Road, Shivaji Road, Rajarampuri Main Market, Shahu Market and near tourist spots / temples.
- Bargaining is common — especially with leather goods, jewellery, crafts — so it helps to compare a few shops before buying.
- For edible items (jaggery, masala), ensure they are properly packed and sealed before buying — especially if you’re travelling far.
- If you want genuine and high‑quality versions (e.g. of jewellery, traditional leather items), avoid overly flashy imitation or cheap plastic versions — ask for “authentic/local handcrafted” tags.