Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
Bursting with clothing of every conceivable kind and colour, Saratha's claims to be (and might well be) the 'largest textile showroom in India'.
Must-see shopping in Tamil Nadu
Chennai (Madras)
Attractively contemporary, village-made clothes and crafts from an eco-conscious nationwide chain; this is a small but decently stocked branch.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Expensive but beautiful furniture, paintings, sculpture and carvings acquired from local homes, along with new quality sculpture.
Shantimalai Handicrafts Development Society
Tiruvannamalai
Beautiful bedspreads, bags, incense, candles, oils, bangles, scarves and cards, all made by local village women.
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Good collection of India-related and other English-language books (including Lonely Planet guides).
Thanjavur (Tanjore)
For fixed prices on souvenirs and trinkets, try government-run Poompuhar.
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Perfect for pretty locally made mugs, bowls, plates and other pottery.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Good collection of books in several languages, to sell and swap.
Chennai (Madras)
Although it's less shiny than Chennai's newer shopping malls, Citi Centre has plenty of major international and Indian brands, as well as a cinema.
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
A curious assortment of antique telephones, radios and clocks, along with shawls, jewellery and warm clothes.
