It is said that the best shoppers' items one can bring home from one's travels are the quintessential goods that reflect the destination's culture, art and cuisine. Although hobnobbing for bargains in branded stores may be some shopaholics' idea of the ultimate shopping experience, seasoned travellers know what local specialties make for a collector's item or the ideal souvenir that captures the soul of the holiday location. And if it's an authentic shopping experience in India one's after, there's no better place to hit the local markets than the sun kissed state of Kerala.
Renowned as a venue of choice for all that is traditional, the major shopping districts of Kerala are concentrated in Trivandrum and Kochi. A popular locale for all that shines, gold and ivory are much sought after items in the region while antiques are virtually available in every street corner. Jew Street in Kochi is one such hotspot that sells everything from Malayalam collectibles to Chinese ceramics while the metal mirrors of Aranmula are also popular items among travellers. Kairali and other government run emporiums are ideal for souvenirs such as Kathakali masks and other local crafts while wall mats, bags, natural fibre furnishings and carpets are all the rage in the Alappuzha and Kuttanad markets. Sandalwood figures, teak urus and rosewood snake boats are also staples in any Kerala shopping list while coconut shell, wood and coir creations are equally famous. Handicrafts made from buffalo horns are also prized items in addition to handlooms and Kasavu Mundu and Neryathu which are traditional garbs of Keralites.
Famed as the land of spices, Kerala is also the place to pick up those treasured condiments that form the basis of Indian and Asian cuisine. Whether it's aromatic cardamoms, ginger, arecanuts, spicy peppers or medicinal turmeric all that is needed for a well-stocked spice rack are available at the numerous spice markets in the state.
For those with a hankering for a steaming Kerala cuppa, look no further than the tea capitals of Idukki district and Munnar where real Indian tea is up for grabs. Caffeine fanatics on the other hand can head down to Kalpetta or Wayanad district to experience the state's coffee culture although there are a myriad of tea and coffee vendors approved by the Tea Board and Coffee Board scattered across Kerala.
Visitors in search of first class hotels in Kovalam will be more than satisfied with the stylish rest that is The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala. Ideally situated within close range of the Trivandrum International Airport, it is also one of the most conveniently located Kovalam hotels in all of Kerala.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pushpitha_Wijesinghe
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Wooden Handicrafts - An Important Business Option
Wooden Handicraft:- "Handicraft", as the name suggests, is the traditional art of creating useful and decorative items entirely by hand. Thus, wooden handicraft is a craft where skilled labor is employed to decorate or carve wood to create items with bare minimum tools. India takes the pride of superlative craftsmanship which reflects the right shades of traditional beauty and style. Important to mention here is the fact that goods involving mass production or machinery are not considered as "Handicraft".
Types:- Now moving on, we find that wooden handicrafts can be segregated under the following categories. They are:
* Antique Woodcraft
* Wooden furniture
* Wooden Gift Items
* Wooden Kitchen accessories
* Wooden Toys and Games
* Wooden Statues
* Wooden blinds for corporate as well as domestic purposes
The Industry:- India is one of the chief exporters of wooden handicrafts in the global market. The factors that have added to the benefit of this industry from India's perspective are:
* A low capital investment and other resources
* Scope of employment for about six million artisans (becoming the second largest employment provider after agriculture)
* Scope of earning for the women folk, who, constitute a large section of the handicrafts industry
Wooden Handicraft Suppliers:-
Each state mentioned have a unique workmanship which add to the value of that product from that region. The Indian states which contribute to the growth of this sector are:
* Uttar Pradesh
* Arunachal Pradesh
* Rajasthan
* Gujarat
* Madhya Pradesh
* West Bengal
* Karnataka
* Andhra Pradesh
* Tamil Nadu
* Kashmir
Apart from these states and the related business centre, many B2B market places have emerged to eradicate the gap between demand and supply. At the very click of the mouse, an array of suppliers and manufacturers line up to satisfy every individual need.
Right from antique handicrafts, wooden furniture designs to kitchen accessories and gift items, these market places have the solution to every problem.
Conclusion:- The Indian craftsmen of each state create these handicrafts using wood that is available locally. Some of the the most common varieties used to make Indian handicrafts are:
* Teak,
* Sheesham,
* Sal,
* Oak,
* Mango,
* Ebony and
* Mahogany
Worth mentioning here is the fact that Sandalwood, rosewood and walnut are the exotic varieties and are highly expensive raw materials. Hence, they are used in producing very niche and high end furniture and decorative items.
Although, Decentralization of this sector, perennial Deforestation, Lack of Infrastructure and Working Capital, and above all Poor Marketing Strategies have been a major concern in the growth and development of this sector, one cannot deny the following landmarks too:
* Indian Wooden Handicrafts has emerged as one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for India
* Considered to be an important export commodity for India
* India's handicraft exports show a consistent increase of sixteen per cent every year
Author has wide knowledge of B2B Marketplace and Business industries. For latest updates, business opportunities on wooden handicrafts products and available trade leads, visit Trade.indiaMART.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vaiv_Jais
Types:- Now moving on, we find that wooden handicrafts can be segregated under the following categories. They are:
* Antique Woodcraft
* Wooden furniture
* Wooden Gift Items
* Wooden Kitchen accessories
* Wooden Toys and Games
* Wooden Statues
* Wooden blinds for corporate as well as domestic purposes
The Industry:- India is one of the chief exporters of wooden handicrafts in the global market. The factors that have added to the benefit of this industry from India's perspective are:
* A low capital investment and other resources
* Scope of employment for about six million artisans (becoming the second largest employment provider after agriculture)
* Scope of earning for the women folk, who, constitute a large section of the handicrafts industry
Wooden Handicraft Suppliers:-
Each state mentioned have a unique workmanship which add to the value of that product from that region. The Indian states which contribute to the growth of this sector are:
* Uttar Pradesh
* Arunachal Pradesh
* Rajasthan
* Gujarat
* Madhya Pradesh
* West Bengal
* Karnataka
* Andhra Pradesh
* Tamil Nadu
* Kashmir
Apart from these states and the related business centre, many B2B market places have emerged to eradicate the gap between demand and supply. At the very click of the mouse, an array of suppliers and manufacturers line up to satisfy every individual need.
Right from antique handicrafts, wooden furniture designs to kitchen accessories and gift items, these market places have the solution to every problem.
Conclusion:- The Indian craftsmen of each state create these handicrafts using wood that is available locally. Some of the the most common varieties used to make Indian handicrafts are:
* Teak,
* Sheesham,
* Sal,
* Oak,
* Mango,
* Ebony and
* Mahogany
Worth mentioning here is the fact that Sandalwood, rosewood and walnut are the exotic varieties and are highly expensive raw materials. Hence, they are used in producing very niche and high end furniture and decorative items.
Although, Decentralization of this sector, perennial Deforestation, Lack of Infrastructure and Working Capital, and above all Poor Marketing Strategies have been a major concern in the growth and development of this sector, one cannot deny the following landmarks too:
* Indian Wooden Handicrafts has emerged as one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for India
* Considered to be an important export commodity for India
* India's handicraft exports show a consistent increase of sixteen per cent every year
Author has wide knowledge of B2B Marketplace and Business industries. For latest updates, business opportunities on wooden handicrafts products and available trade leads, visit Trade.indiaMART.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vaiv_Jais
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Indian Pottery Craft - A Vibrant Handicraft Tradition
Making pots was the earliest vocation of Indians. Many civilizations are named after the type of pottery found. They were made in various colors and material. The primary colors used were red, black, ochre and white. Similarly the designs used were also different and significant. On the basis of clay found in the region of manufacturing they had their own variations.
Pottery was first made by man for utilitarian purpose but in later course when savage mankind transformed into civilized one, this became one of the most sought after vocation. Invention of potter's wheel was a revolutionary development which provided the much needed boost to pottery making.
When the utilitarian purpose of pottery was fully explored, the artistic creativity deviated towards the decorative aspect. Pottery has been used as decorative item for a very long time. The design of the pottery and the impressions made on it reflects the view and disposition of the society of the time. Shape and color of a piece of pottery gives a visual message. This art is most sensual and elegant of all arts. In has to be handled very carefully to make it long lasting.
The glory and chic of the Indian pottery is not diminished at all even today. Different regions of India boast of making different but yet unique pieces of pottery. The same flower pot can be found in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and designs depending upon the place of its creation. The diverse nature if Indian handicrafts can be evidently seen in its pottery traditions. Every Indian state is special in its own traditions of pottery be it Bengal and terra cotta, Rajasthan and blue pottery, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and other Indian states and their traditions.
Rajneesh Dubey is Content Coordinator for http://www.india-crafts.com This is a website covering all kinds of art and craft forms of India. Here, you will come to know about jewelry, dresses, sculptures, religions, paintings and various other topics on India. You can see here the lists of the manufacturers, exporters and suppliers of an array of handicrafts too.
To know more about Indian pottery, please visit Pottery tradition of India [http://www.india-crafts.com/pottery/index.html/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rajneesh_Dubey
Pottery was first made by man for utilitarian purpose but in later course when savage mankind transformed into civilized one, this became one of the most sought after vocation. Invention of potter's wheel was a revolutionary development which provided the much needed boost to pottery making.
When the utilitarian purpose of pottery was fully explored, the artistic creativity deviated towards the decorative aspect. Pottery has been used as decorative item for a very long time. The design of the pottery and the impressions made on it reflects the view and disposition of the society of the time. Shape and color of a piece of pottery gives a visual message. This art is most sensual and elegant of all arts. In has to be handled very carefully to make it long lasting.
The glory and chic of the Indian pottery is not diminished at all even today. Different regions of India boast of making different but yet unique pieces of pottery. The same flower pot can be found in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and designs depending upon the place of its creation. The diverse nature if Indian handicrafts can be evidently seen in its pottery traditions. Every Indian state is special in its own traditions of pottery be it Bengal and terra cotta, Rajasthan and blue pottery, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and other Indian states and their traditions.
Rajneesh Dubey is Content Coordinator for http://www.india-crafts.com This is a website covering all kinds of art and craft forms of India. Here, you will come to know about jewelry, dresses, sculptures, religions, paintings and various other topics on India. You can see here the lists of the manufacturers, exporters and suppliers of an array of handicrafts too.
To know more about Indian pottery, please visit Pottery tradition of India [http://www.india-crafts.com/pottery/index.html/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rajneesh_Dubey
Monday, 10 May 2010
Visit Kuta Bali - Buy Handicraft
Talking end for end Bali, there is many beautiful and interesting places that you can visit, for a month you going around at Bali, I think, it is not enough to exploring that graceful Deities lovely Island.
First if you visit Bali, please let ask your tour guide that you have to endure to Kuta, and I guaranty that you will get some experience that in no degree same with your other visit.
Interesting place around Kuta.
Kuta Beach.
Kuta Beach is very famous. You can remark the beautiful sunset at this beach everyday. In that place is many hotels, restaurant and other places you can stay or pure relaxing by enjoying the beautiful sunset. The International hotels/places like Mercure Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel etc, or any other restaurants just a few step from the sands. You do not believe how imaginary it is, until you come and be delighted with it. You may go around to other place, however do not remember to go favor to Kuta beach about 04.00 PM o clock to enjoy the sunset. If you like to surfing or just want to learn about surfing, you know that Kuta is the right place for it. There are many tourists from Europe, USA or Australia or other countries come to Kuta for one thing, surfing and surfing.
Bali Water Boom.
Of course you can find the best water boom in Indonesia at Kuta. There is clean, many foliage with a scarcely any leaves and safety. Here the place to swimming, sunning, and you could do the water sliding as high as 30 meters heights. This place is located at Kartika Plaza Road (about 3 kilometers from Kuta Beach). There are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes through the Kartika Plaza Road. You can buy the handicraft souvenirs at this place.
Legian.
Through that street, you testament find many souvenir shops and cafe/restaurant. Like at Kuta beach, the nightlife in Legian is very attractive to. I recommend to you to make a photograph at Bali Bomb II Monument at Legian.
Kuta Square - Kartika Plaza.
Kuta Square at Kartika Plaza is the center of sales the exported handicrafts. At Kartika Plaza there is a shopping mall named Discovery Mall, there is a cafe at behind mall that you can relaxing and enjoy the beach at there. And you can buy the handicraft at this mall moreover. Near the Discovery Mall there is various famous places probable Kuta Centro, Musro, Cabaret Cabaret, There is many luxurious hotels through the Kartika Plaza Road.
Visit to Indonesia? Do not slight to endure to Bali, If you visit to Bali, do not forget to stay at Kuta, and in imitation of all you will find the beautiful and interesting really hand made handicraft, souvenir and gift.
Risno Lamin is the owner of Bali Indonesia Handicraft, an online Bali Indonesia handicraft, gift, souvenir, antique, art, collectibles, statue,etc. and live in Indonesia. He make also http://www.balidoll.com, an online Indonesia handicraft store special for Indonesian only.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Risno_Lamin
First if you visit Bali, please let ask your tour guide that you have to endure to Kuta, and I guaranty that you will get some experience that in no degree same with your other visit.
Interesting place around Kuta.
Kuta Beach.
Kuta Beach is very famous. You can remark the beautiful sunset at this beach everyday. In that place is many hotels, restaurant and other places you can stay or pure relaxing by enjoying the beautiful sunset. The International hotels/places like Mercure Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel etc, or any other restaurants just a few step from the sands. You do not believe how imaginary it is, until you come and be delighted with it. You may go around to other place, however do not remember to go favor to Kuta beach about 04.00 PM o clock to enjoy the sunset. If you like to surfing or just want to learn about surfing, you know that Kuta is the right place for it. There are many tourists from Europe, USA or Australia or other countries come to Kuta for one thing, surfing and surfing.
Bali Water Boom.
Of course you can find the best water boom in Indonesia at Kuta. There is clean, many foliage with a scarcely any leaves and safety. Here the place to swimming, sunning, and you could do the water sliding as high as 30 meters heights. This place is located at Kartika Plaza Road (about 3 kilometers from Kuta Beach). There are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes through the Kartika Plaza Road. You can buy the handicraft souvenirs at this place.
Legian.
Through that street, you testament find many souvenir shops and cafe/restaurant. Like at Kuta beach, the nightlife in Legian is very attractive to. I recommend to you to make a photograph at Bali Bomb II Monument at Legian.
Kuta Square - Kartika Plaza.
Kuta Square at Kartika Plaza is the center of sales the exported handicrafts. At Kartika Plaza there is a shopping mall named Discovery Mall, there is a cafe at behind mall that you can relaxing and enjoy the beach at there. And you can buy the handicraft at this mall moreover. Near the Discovery Mall there is various famous places probable Kuta Centro, Musro, Cabaret Cabaret, There is many luxurious hotels through the Kartika Plaza Road.
Visit to Indonesia? Do not slight to endure to Bali, If you visit to Bali, do not forget to stay at Kuta, and in imitation of all you will find the beautiful and interesting really hand made handicraft, souvenir and gift.
Risno Lamin is the owner of Bali Indonesia Handicraft, an online Bali Indonesia handicraft, gift, souvenir, antique, art, collectibles, statue,etc. and live in Indonesia. He make also http://www.balidoll.com, an online Indonesia handicraft store special for Indonesian only.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Risno_Lamin
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Why Ethnic Gifts Are Preferred by Many
Many people have a special fascination for art and handicrafts. These items carry cultural and traditional values and represent an era. With hard labor and dedication the craftsmen design these items and cater to the world of art lovers. They can be called as the product of toil and artistic sense blended with traditional and cultural touch. Skill, creativity and artistic mind are the major factors on which the art pieces and handicrafts depends. A handicraft is actually an item of artistic excellence crafted beautifully and brought in use for different decorative and other purposes. Art and art craft can be seen in the clothes embroiled beautifully to represent the rich culture and tradition of an era. Jewelry and furniture items are also designed by the craftsmen with their dedication and sense of art. They can also be included in the world of handicraft as they are designed by human beings and not by any machine. Their excellence lies in the fact that they are neatly designed by hand with toil and a rare sense of art and beauty. With the help of special tools and equipments, art is crafted and designed on a piece of wood or fabric.
There are a special place for handicrafts and art pieces in the hearts of the people, especially the art lovers. They not only carry cultural and traditional importance but also show the artistic sense of the craftsmen who are genius in their own right. Handicraft and art has been enamored as a tough and respectable work that is executed by the persons who have this skill in their blood. These rare and unique items can also serve as great gifts due to their beautiful and traditional appearances. The handicraft industry is flourishing as a result of the growing inclination of people for the traditional and ethnic designs and patterns in handicrafts. There is a huge demand for ethnic gifts among the people who are charmed by the beauty and glory of these items.
Sculptured statues, embroidered costumes, wooden handicrafts, designed lamps etc. have attracted many people towards this beautiful facet of craft and art. India is the country to nurture handicraft and art crafts. This beautiful country is known for its diverse tradition and culture. Each state is renowned for its unique and individual handicrafts and art pieces. Whether it is north-eastern states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam or northern states like Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan or southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra etc. each place has its own individual and unique style of art and handicrafts. Due to this individuality, the handicrafts designed by the people of these regions are not only unique but above par excellence.
Cultural Elements (culturalelements.com) is the storehouse of different types of art pieces and handicrafts. They offer varieties of ethnic gifts, including decorative boxes, decorative trays, jewelries, embroidered clothes and furniture with traditional touch. As far as authenticity is concerned, this store has gained much popularity in offering original items brought from different parts of the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ima_Johnson
There are a special place for handicrafts and art pieces in the hearts of the people, especially the art lovers. They not only carry cultural and traditional importance but also show the artistic sense of the craftsmen who are genius in their own right. Handicraft and art has been enamored as a tough and respectable work that is executed by the persons who have this skill in their blood. These rare and unique items can also serve as great gifts due to their beautiful and traditional appearances. The handicraft industry is flourishing as a result of the growing inclination of people for the traditional and ethnic designs and patterns in handicrafts. There is a huge demand for ethnic gifts among the people who are charmed by the beauty and glory of these items.
Sculptured statues, embroidered costumes, wooden handicrafts, designed lamps etc. have attracted many people towards this beautiful facet of craft and art. India is the country to nurture handicraft and art crafts. This beautiful country is known for its diverse tradition and culture. Each state is renowned for its unique and individual handicrafts and art pieces. Whether it is north-eastern states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam or northern states like Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan or southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra etc. each place has its own individual and unique style of art and handicrafts. Due to this individuality, the handicrafts designed by the people of these regions are not only unique but above par excellence.
Cultural Elements (culturalelements.com) is the storehouse of different types of art pieces and handicrafts. They offer varieties of ethnic gifts, including decorative boxes, decorative trays, jewelries, embroidered clothes and furniture with traditional touch. As far as authenticity is concerned, this store has gained much popularity in offering original items brought from different parts of the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ima_Johnson
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