Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 places for discount and tax-free shopping in Kollam, Kerala. Kollam offers a range of shopping options, from traditional Kerala handicrafts and textiles to modern malls and local markets. Visitors looking for great deals on souvenirs, clothing, and other products will find these destinations perfect for shopping.
1. Kottarakkara Market
- Location: Kottarakkara, Kollam
- What to Expect: Kottarakkara is a famous market area known for offering a wide range of items at low prices. The market has an assortment of local goods, including spices, handicrafts, and jewelry. Bargaining is common here, making it an ideal spot for discount shopping.
- Discounts: Bargaining is a common practice, so you can get discounts on most products.
- Best For: Spices, coir products, and traditional Kerala jewelry.
2. Kollam Beach Road
- Location: Kollam Beach Road
- What to Expect: This is one of the most scenic shopping locations in Kollam, with several small shops selling souvenirs and Kerala handicrafts. You’ll find local stores offering products such as coconut shell items, wooden sculptures, and Kerala spices.
- Discounts: Most vendors offer competitive prices, and tourists can often find good discounts on handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Best For: Kerala handicrafts, souvenirs, and beachwear.
3. Zam Zam Shopping Complex
- Location: Near Kollam Junction, Kollam
- What to Expect: Zam Zam Shopping Complex is a popular spot for shoppers in Kollam. This complex has a variety of shops that sell clothing, accessories, and electronic gadgets. While it’s not a traditional market, it offers discounts on branded items and seasonal sales.
- Discounts: Periodic discounts and sales on clothing and accessories.
- Best For: Affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories.
4. Lulu Mall Kollam
- Location: Near Kollam Bypass, Kollam
- What to Expect: Lulu Mall is one of the most modern shopping destinations in Kollam. It offers a wide variety of branded products at discounted prices, especially during festival sales and clearance events. The mall has both international and local brands offering clothing, electronics, and home goods.
- Discounts: Seasonal sales, clearance offers, and festival discounts.
- Best For: Branded clothing, electronics, and home goods at discounted prices.
5. Sree Krishnaswamy Silks
- Location: Near Municipal Bus Stand, Kollam
- What to Expect: Sree Krishnaswamy Silks is a famous store in Kollam that specializes in high-quality silk sarees, including the famous Kasavu saree. Although silk products are typically expensive, this store often offers discounts during seasonal sales and festivals.
- Discounts: Discounts on silk sarees during festivals and special occasions.
- Best For: Traditional Kerala silk sarees and festive attire.
6. Kollam Municipal Market
- Location: Chinnakada, Kollam
- What to Expect: Kollam Municipal Market is a bustling local market where you can find a variety of products at affordable prices, including fresh produce, spices, textiles, and local handicrafts. It is an ideal place for tourists looking to buy souvenirs, traditional Kerala items, and fresh goods at discounted prices.
- Discounts: Local handicrafts and textiles are often sold at discounted prices compared to larger stores. Bargaining is common.
- Best For: Souvenirs like coir products, spices, wooden carvings, and Kerala textiles.
7. Jolly & Sons
- Location: Chinnakada, Kollam
- What to Expect: Jolly & Sons is an established shop in Kollam known for offering discounted prices on textiles and clothing. The store has a wide selection of local and branded clothing, as well as accessories. During the festival season, discounts are offered across most items.
- Discounts: Festival and seasonal discounts, especially on clothing and textiles.
- Best For: Clothing, accessories, and textiles at affordable prices.
8. Sree Visakh Silks
- Location: Near Chinnakada, Kollam
- What to Expect: Known for its silk sarees and traditional Kerala clothing, Sree Visakh Silks offers quality products at reasonable prices. During major festivals like Onam and Vishu, they offer attractive discounts on silk sarees, making it an ideal time for shoppers.
- Discounts: Special discounts during festive seasons like Onam and Vishu.
- Best For: Silk sarees, Kerala-style clothing, and traditional garments.
9. Vasco’s Shopping Center
- Location: Kollam Beach Road
- What to Expect: Vasco’s Shopping Center offers a mix of local products and branded goods. It’s a popular shopping destination for those looking to buy clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. The shop frequently offers sales on seasonal items and popular products.
- Discounts: Discounts on seasonal items and branded clothing.
- Best For: Souvenirs, casual clothing, and accessories.
10. Punalur Market
- Location: Punalur, Kollam District
- What to Expect: Located in the town of Punalur, this market is known for offering products at affordable rates. The market has a variety of items, including fresh produce, spices, textiles, and local handicrafts. It’s a great place to buy items for your home or gifts at a good discount.
- Discounts: Local handicrafts and produce are sold at discounted prices.
- Best For: Local handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce.
These shopping spots in Kollam offer a range of discounts on various products, from local handicrafts to branded clothing. Visitors can explore traditional Kerala goods like silk sarees, spices, and coir products, while also finding modern shopping destinations like malls offering seasonal discounts on global brands. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothing, or fresh local goods, these places are perfect for budget-friendly shopping with great deals.