*Hand:**:

Handicrafts

As in every city this size, Madras has handicraft emporia representative of not only the local artefacts, but also those drawn from every other state in the country. Most of them are scattered around the Mount Road stretch, and range from the budget-type outlet to the likes of Victoria Technical Institute, which is strictly for the cash-flush. Also try :

*Books:**:

Books

*Silks:**:

Silks

While Kancheepuram, some 75 kms from Madras, is the headquarters of the silk-weaving industry, Madras has pretty much all you would ever want to buy. A shade more expensive than picking them up from the source, sure - but look at it this way, you avoid the hassle of going miles out of your way. And get the very latest, including stain-proof saris and dhotis.

For silks, the T Nagar area (also known as Mambalam) is the place to go. A posh location that glitters at night, this is a major shopping area too. For everything.

And shops in that locality such as Kumaran Silks (three full floors of silks, of every conceivable variety), Nallis' (room after room of silks) and half a dozen others stock every conceivable variety.

Also a place worth looking into is touted Roopini, to be the largest textile showroom in Asia. And while there, don't forget that Kanchi cottons, as they are known, are equally 'in'.

*Jewll:**:

Jewellery

Jewellery or ornaments, as the locals say, of the traditional variety, are another must-buy. And again, the best outlets are all scattered in the Mambalam area (also known as T Nagar). All shops are pretty much of a muchness, stocking both traditional and contemporary designs in gold, as also precious and semi-precious stones and silver jewellery. The traditional designs, mind, are what you should look out for.

*Carpet:**:

Carpets

There are lots of private shops selling Afghani, Kashmiri and Persian carpets.

*Sweet:**:

Sweets

Madras's residents do not have that much of a sweet tooth compared to north Indians. Still, they are some mouth watering delicacies on offer. Good buys are Mysore pak, jalebis, laddus, jangery.

*Toys:**:

Toys

*Child:**:

Children's clothes

A good selection of cotton kid stuff is available in Madras. Some of it delicately hand embroidered and very inexpensive.

*Furn:**:

Furniture

*Men:**:

Men's shirts

*Leather:**:

Leather goods

*Shoes:**:

Shoes

Stores all over Madras like Bata India, Carona Sahu, Liberty sell a wide range of machine-made footwear. Ethnic and hand-made footwear are available at Khadi Bhandar, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Khadi Kraft.

*Watches:**:

Watches

*Antiq:**:

Antiques

*Elec:**:

Electronics

*Incense:**:

Incense

*Spices:**:

Spices


*End:**: