The Best Places to Go Shopping for Local Handicrafts in Tirupati

Tirupati, located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is a city famous for its religious significance as well as for its local handicrafts. The city is home to several unique handicraft traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, and these crafts have become an integral part of the local economy. If you are planning a trip to Tirupati, here are some of the best places to go shopping for local handicrafts.

1. Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium: Located on the Tirupati-Bangalore highway, Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium is a government-run store that offers a wide range of local handicrafts. The store has an impressive collection of Kondapalli toys, Etikoppaka toys, Banjara embroidery, and Kalamkari fabrics. Kalamkari is a traditional hand-painted or block-printed cotton fabric that is popular in the southern regions of India. The store is also known for its collection of brass and bronze artifacts.
2. TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) Cottage Industries: TTD Cottage Industries is a store that sells a variety of handicrafts made by the local artisans. The store is located near the Tirupati bus stand and offers a range of products such as Kondapalli toys, Nirmal paintings, and brass and bronze artifacts. Nirmal paintings are a traditional style of painting that originated in the town of Nirmal in the neighboring state of Telangana. The paintings feature intricate designs and are made using natural dyes and pigments.
3. Sri Venkateswara Handicrafts: Sri Venkateswara Handicrafts is a store located near the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. The store offers a range of handicrafts such as brass lamps, stone carvings, and wooden toys. The store is known for its collection of intricate brass lamps that are used during religious ceremonies. The lamps come in various designs and sizes and are made using traditional techniques.
4. Chandana Ramesh Handlooms: Chandana Ramesh Handlooms is a store that specializes in handwoven sarees and fabrics. The store is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of fabrics such as Kalamkari, Mangalgiri cotton, and Venkatagiri silk. The store is known for its collection of Kalamkari fabrics, which are made using natural dyes and feature intricate designs inspired by mythology and nature.
5. Raghavaiah Silks and Handlooms: Raghavaiah Silks and Handlooms is a store that specializes in silk sarees and fabrics. The store is located in the main bazaar area of Tirupati and offers a range of fabrics such as Pochampally silk, Gadwal silk, and Kanchipuram silk. The store is known for its collection of Kanchipuram silk sarees, which are known for their intricate designs and fine quality.

In conclusion, Tirupati is a city that is rich in local handicrafts, and the above-mentioned places offer some of the best shopping experiences for tourists who are interested in exploring the local crafts. Whether you are looking for handwoven fabrics, intricate brass lamps, or wooden toys, these stores offer a range of options to suit every taste and budget.