A Shopper's Paradise; Wayanad's top local markets

At the core of Wayanad, Kerala, lies the Sulthan Bathery Market buzzing with life and trade. Deriving its name from the ruler Tipu Sultan, this vibrant market place exudes some of the most intricate details of Wayanadian culture and way of life. The market is known for fresh food, spices, and local handicrafts which are desired by the tourists who are looking to taste something original and buy some arts from the region. The stalls are filled with an assortment of locally grown vegetables, fruits and spices which is the agricultural wealth of Wayanad. Gifts and souvenirs include a variety of traditional handicraft products — from bamboo to pottery to textiles. Apart from being a shoppers paradise, the Sulthan Bathery market is also a cultural spot with locals and tourists are filled in the entire area giving it oodles of colour. The market's ambiance is not the only thing that evokes a sense of history, but as the Jain Temple and ancient Edakkal Caves are found near this region, it further contributes to the charm of this area. Sulthan Bathery Market is more than just a shopping expedition and rather it offers a taste of the authentic Wayanad heritage.

Pookode Lake Market is a wonderful place that reflects the shadowic beauty of it's tropical surroundings. It is close to the well-known Pookode Lake, which is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills. The market is one of the best places to go for anyone who wants to shop in a traditional atmosphere. This place provides you with a set of traditional handicraft items, spices and souvenirs that represents the cultural texture of Wayanad. The market has a line-up of products from bamboo artefacts, wooden crafts to local spices, making this place an ideal spot to collect a souvenir or two. Apart from shopping, Pookode Lake Market is also a foodies paradise for its variety of local savouries it offers, mainly the street foods. Tourists can enjoy authentic Kerala snacks with banana chips, jaggery chips and many more other local recipes as well. Because the market is located near the lake area, it gives an opportunity for tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenes surrounding them while savouring various local delights. Pookode Lake Market, therefore, combines the joy of shopping with tasty treats and nature, and for that reason it should be a part of every Wayanad tourist shopping itinerary.

The Kalpetta Market is an enigmatic site. The market boasts an array of fresh produce and local handicraft, and it is a place bustling with life and very much an important destination for locals as well as tourists. The market offers an insight into the traditional way of life with vendors hawking a variety of fresh and local produce such as fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices. Guests can get absorbed in the atmosphere, where spices such as cardamom and cloves ride on winds of trade or can just wander through shops selling arts, crafts, and souvenirs. The market is a fusion of different cultures and traditions, where people of all the communities sell their respective goods. The cultural diversity in terms of the products also reflects the age-old tradition and heritage of Wayanad. Located at the heart of the city, this market can be easily reached by locals and tourists alike, making it a must-visit for those looking to consummate themselves in Wayanad's beautiful culture.

The Meenmutty Heights Market provides you with one of a kind shopping experience which goes amidst the abundant greenery at Wayanad, Kerala. This market is situated very close to the beautiful Meenmutty Waterfalls — amongst some of Kerala's biggest waterfalls & they blend so nicely with the beauty of the local indigenous culture. It is famous for its variety of handcrafts, spices and souvenir stores catering to bargain-hunting (and wise tourists looking for something authentically local). The visitors can find many items like homemade crafts, aromatic spices and a unique set of souvenirs reflecting the rich heritage of Wayanad. Apart from shopping experience, Meenmutty Heights Market also serves a gastronomic journey with its home-made traditional delicacies and snacks. Apart from this, the visitors also have options of tasting traditional Kerala dishes such as appam, puttu, seafood specialities etc. which gives them a wholesome cultural experience. Its peaceful atmosphere along with its close proximity to the grand Meenmutty Waterfalls make it act like a magnet for tourists coming here. 

Thirunelli Market is a picturesque marketplace where you will enjoy shopping. This age-old market, which is located right on the other side of the Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad, Kerala, offers its visitors plenty of peace and inspiration. You will find different kinds of goods at this market including fruits, spices and the local handicrafts which makes it a perfect place for some trade. Tourists can walk around the stalls that sell everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts, souvenirs and traditional elements showcasing the vibrant culture of Wayanad. A busy market with locals and tourists alike which gives it a feel as though it is a significant meeting point for tourists as well as localities, as there are the wide range of products that reflect unique traditions and this is a point where the cultural diversity is embraced. 

The Bamboo and Cane Crafts Cooperative Society in Kalpetta, Wayanad, has been a torchbearer of sustainable craft practice and community empowerment. The society was set up with the intention of propagating traditional skills in bamboo and cane among local people ensuring preservation of local art forms besides providing employment to artisans. A variety of hand-crafted products like furniture, baskets, lampshades and decorative articles are produced at the cooperative society which have a market demand. These products not only demonstrate the incredible skill of the craftspeople but also celebrate bamboo and cane artefacts. A core feature of the cooperative society is its desire to ensure fair-trade and sustainability in their practices. They encourage the use of natural and biodegradable material, to maintain environmental and ethical consumerism. It is a wonderful place where you can buy one of a kind of these products and at the same time learn about the traditional techniques involved in creating them. The Bamboo and Cane Crafts Cooperative Society is also involved in workshops and demonstrations to give a better understanding of Wayanad’s sustainable contribution to the economy and environment.

To sum up, local markets and bazaars in Wayanad are something one should definitely experience as it is a great way to feel local spirit, get to know more about local goods, and buy spices, tea, coffee, homemade sweets, handicrafts, and traditional clothes for all the family members. Thus, you definitely should visit these markets the next time you come to Wayanad to buy a piece of its beauty home.