10 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Mumbai | Mumbai Tourism | 10 Tips

Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is famously known as the ‘city of dreams’. So if you are dreaming of things to buy in Mumbai as souvenirs to remember your trip then continue reading!  There is a plethora of variety for you to choose from, all of which you can collect as souvenirs during your Mumbai tourism excursion, and trust us you will be spoilt for choice. Things are dirt cheap in places like Chor Bazaar which is one of the largest flea markets in India. While your excitement is understandable you must remember to strike a bargain for more or less every souvenir you buy because the sellers can differentiate you from a local. To make your search easier we have provided a list of our favourite Mumbai souvenirs, most of which were available near my hotel in Mumbai:

1. Spices

Spices are available all over India. Almost all Indian dishes require some amount of spices to get that special taste of fine Indian cooking. So you might want to consider taking local spices back home to try your hand at some Marathi dishes made with a list of spices namely dried coconut flakes, nutmeg, copra to name a few. Most of the dishes are either vegetarian or vegan. They are made with freshly ground spice which you can collect from famous spice markets in Mumbai like Lalbaug Spice Market, Mirchi Galli and Damji Manji.

 

2. Decor Items From The Bombay Store

For all things that shout “Aamchi Mumbai,” you will find it at The Bombay Store. It is the ultimate destination to collect Mumbai souvenirs. Founded in 1906 with an idea to promote Indian-made goods during the Swadeshi Movement, this store has a historical significance too. Their mission is to let customers “Discover New India”. And they truly do so with the wide range of artistic products they have to offer, thus completing your experience of Mumbai tourism.

 

3. Marathi Jewelry From Colaba Causeway

If you are visiting Mumbai you have got to take a trip to Colaba Causeway where you will find some of the traditional Marathi jewellery, among other items, like the Nath which is a nose pin but with a Marathi twist. The Nath is the most famous jewellery piece from Maharashtra. Others include Kohlapuri Saaj, the Laxmi Haar, Ambada, to name a few. If you are not looking for Marathi jewellery then you can just visit the place to grab traditional Indian pieces of jewellery made from oxidised silver. Colaba Causeway is open all throughout the week from 9:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Here you will get the cheapest jewellery in all of Mumbai, thus giving you a fabulous experience of shopping in Mumbai.

 

4. Incense and Perfumes

When it comes to perfumes one would usually think of France but don’t underestimate India’s traditional perfume oils. Fragrance and perfumes have been an integral part of the Indian culture for as long as one can remember. In Indian perfumes, you will find a variety of fragrances, all made of native flowers and herbs such as jasmine, camphor, sandalwood, etc. You can also buy them on any online retailer or you can get some at Colaba Causeway, which is usually one of the most important places to visit in Mumbai for any tourist. 

 

5. Sarees or Clothing

Mumbai is the country’s de facto fashion capital. People in Mumbai are broad-minded as compared to the rest of the country. Women can try wearing the Nauvari/Kashta Saree in silk or you can just wear whatever you are comfortable with. Wear it like you own it!

 

6. Traditional Embroidery Work

The unique and exotic Marathi style is visible in the embroidery work that you will find on the traditional clothes and other gift items made by native artisans. The vibrant style of the city is depicted through these embroidery works.

 

7. Vintage Bollywood Posters

When it comes to Bollywood, it is undoubtedly synonymous with the City of Mumbai. In fact for most South Indians Mumbai resonates with Bollywood. So what better way than to commemorate your trip with a vintage Bollywood poster? You will find graffiti on walls of Bollywood posters, yes, that’s the craze!

 

8. Gateway Of India Postcards and Photographs 

The Gateway of India is one of the most famous and picturesque landmarks of Mumbai. It is customary for tourists to get a photograph on that spot, next to the historical monument, and you will find photographers aplenty for that. It is one of the essential components of Mumbai Tourism. They do so in exchange for a little fee. Yes, selfies are a trend and have been for the past decade, but some things are meant to be kept in a way that may not be traditional but definitely nostalgic. As for postcards of this great monument, you will find many of them in nearby vendor’s stalls.

 

9. Lampshades

 Traditional Indian lampshades are very distinguished in design with vibrant hues. They are made by artisans who are very skilled at their work and have been doing so for generations. With these lampshades as souvenirs, you can give your room a nice touch. You will find many lampshades of different varieties in the numerous markets in and around Mumbai. These are surely one of the most unique gift ideas.

10. Wood Carvings and Antiques

The Marathi architecture and its significant style are very much visible in their wooden carvings and the various antiques that are on display in the local shops in Mumbai. They have a unique design with very intricate details. Make sure to grab one piece for yourself as a souvenir. 

We hope you had a good read getting to know the wonderful souvenirs you could get on your Mumbai tourism venture. We would suggest you also have a look at souvenirs you can buy in Andaman and Nicobar.

Suggested Reading: Bus service from London to Kolkata!

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