Travel to Kodaikanal evokes many images... fairy-tale mountain vistas, beautiful Kurinji flowers, spectacular waterfalls, temples and colonial architecture. However, no visit to Kodaikanal is complete without visiting its lively markets. This hill station in Tamil Nadu is one of the best places to shop for handicrafts, home-made chocolates and medicinal oils. So you should consider setting aside a considerable amount of time in Kodaikanal at the end of your trip just to browse for souvenirs.

Kodaikanal beckons with an amazing variety of spectacular scenery. Situated at an altitude of 7,200 feet in the Dindigul district, the hill station holds great appeal for those with an appreciative eye for exquisite beauty.

Known for its exceptional natural beauty, Kodaikanal has several stores worth checking out. There are around 3,000 shops in the town including 600 shops around Kodaikanal Lake. Don't miss the Kashmir Handicrafts Center at Anna Salai for unique woolen shawls, leather products, bone and walnut wood articles and brass jewelry.

You can drop in at Spices Corner, a one-stop shop stocking all the varieties of species like cardamom, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and white pepper. The store has a large collection of diabetic powder, dry fruits, aloevera products, chocolates, herbal creams and natural oils. Another worthwhile stop is Eco Nut for high-quality health products - look out for energy food, molasses, herbal drinks, natural perfumes, organic brown rice, sugarless fruit juices and homemade bread. If you're interested in souvenirs, be sure to visit the Corsack, where you can buy handicrafts and chocolates.