Shopping in Tirupati | Best Markets and places to shop in Tirupati

City Shopping, Tirupati Overview

Tirupati may not be an ideal paradise for a shopaholic. However, it is one for a devout worshipper. The place evokes such a spiritual vibe among tourists that even the non-believers are compelled to take a few souvenirs back home. Outside the Venkateshwara Temple, one can find numerous shops and stalls lined with figurines of the deity and holy prasadam or laddoos. CDs filled with religious shlokas are also a standard product of interest.

Tirupati is home to some of the most skilled craftsmen and hence one can find beautiful handicrafts and paintings here. Especially wood carved toys, pottery items, traditional Tanjore style gold leaf paintings and Kalamkari fabric and artworks are proud assets of the holy city.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam also publishes religious catalogue books and periodicals. Vedas, Sankirtans and Pravachanams in audio and video cassettes are also produced by them. Gift items such as photo frames, jewellery and idols made of copper and brass are also available.

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About Tanjore paintings

Tanjore or Thanjavur style of painting is practised at the Mandanapalli town near Tirupati. It is a classical form of South Indian art whose origins can be traced back to the 1600 AD. Dominant features of these paintings are rich, vibrant colours, glittering gold foils with glass beads and precious gems. The central theme is always based on mythological characters or epics. They are mostly done on wooden planks and hence referred to as palagai padam in the local language. These works of art often find their ways to walls of art-lovers and religion enthusiasts.

Places to Shop At

The Bazaar Street in Chandragiri contains several shops like the Mohan General Stores, Shri Lakshmi General Stores and Omkar Stores. Handicraft and Kalamkari lovers can head to the very famous Lepakshi Emporium near TTD Central Reception Office and APCO Handloom House on Old Huzur Office Road. CDs make excellent gifts for the elderly and can be found at Sri Ganesh Sounds in Beri Streets, Priya Musicals & CD Store in A.K. Palli Road.

Sri Yoga Book Centre on Prakasham Road is a value for money bookstore worth checking out. Pasuparthy Super Market and Suresh Super Bazaar are other places that will satisfy everyday needs. There are quite a few modern shopping centres like the Chandan Ramesh and TMC Shopping Malls for luxury shopping as well.