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For travellers to Goa,
the visit is not complete unless they take back a souvenir of their
memorable sojourn in this magnificent paradise. Naturally, shopping
should be a priority on the itinerary of every tourist, along with the
sightseeing attractions.
The excellent local
handicrafts of Goa are easily the most popular souvenir items and
include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture,
bamboo work, papier-mache, etc. These are available in the Government
Emporia and also at shops and stalls near the popular tourist spots.
Another item which is
on the list of every traveller to Goa is a pack of the famed cashew
nuts. These are available practically everywhere. There are shops
specialising in selling only cashewnuts. The nuts are available in a
wide variety of tastes ranging from plain, salted and masala. The prices
vary based on the quality and flavour.
There are also many
fascinating options in the lifestyle and fashion shops which have come
up in recent times. Some of these are located in fabulous old Goan
houses which have been painstakingly restored. These shops make the best
selections in home styling and fashion available to the tourists at
quite reasonable prices.
It is also a
fascinating experience to go around and shop in the traditional markets
of the Goan towns and villages. These markets are a mirror of Goa's
ethnic culture and provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing
business.
Two
of the most famous such market areas are Mapusa and Anjuna. The Friday
Market at Mapusa, where stalls sell everything from curios and old coins
to dried fish and spices.
The Wednesday Market
at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an extremely lively
spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at
bargain prices.
Most deluxe hotels and
resorts also have good in-house shops, but the price ranges are usually
higher.
The charm of shopping
in Goa lies in bargaining to your heart's content in markets and shops
until you finally bring down the price and make the purchase a
worthwhile experience.

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