In Matheran, you can expect to find a range of local shops that cater to both tourists and residents. Here are some types of shops you might come across:

Souvenir Shops:

These offer a variety of items such as postcards, keychains, magnets, and small decorative items that are perfect for remembering your trip.
Clothing and Accessories Shops You can find traditional Indian clothing, such as sarees and Kurtis, as well as casual wear, hats, and accessories.

Handicraft Shops:

These shops offer a selection of handmade crafts and artwork that showcase the local culture and skills of artisans.

Spices and Local Products:

Look for shops that sell local spices, jams, chikki (a traditional sweet), and other edible products that are unique to the region.

Jewelry Shops:

Some shops offer handmade jewelry, often incorporating semi-precious stones and traditional designs.

Toy Shops:

If you’re traveling with kids, you might find small toy shops with traditional Indian toys and games.

Antique Shops:

These shops might have vintage items, curios, and artifacts that could be of interest to collectors.

Tea and Snack Shops:

Along the way, you might encounter small stalls selling tea, snacks, and refreshments.

Local Art Galleries:

Some shops might also double as art galleries, showcasing the works of local artists.

In Matheran, you might find a handful of shops that offer footwear and handbags. These shops could have a selection of locally crafted products as well as items sourced from nearby towns. While the range of choices might not be as extensive as in larger cities, you can still explore these shops to find unique and handcrafted pieces. Whether you’re looking for sandals, traditional footwear, casual shoes, or handbags, you might discover something that catches your eye. Just remember that due to the hill station’s smaller scale, the variety of options might be more limited compared to urban shopping destinations.

Chikki Shops:

Chikki shops are quite popular in Matheran and offer a delightful treat for visitors. Chikki is a traditional Indian sweet made from jaggery (unrefined sugar) and nuts like peanuts, almonds, or cashews. These shops specialize in various flavors of chikki, often wrapped and packed for you to take home. You can expect to find an array of choices, from classic peanut chikki to more innovative varieties like chocolate or sesame chikki. Exploring these chikki shops is a must-do in Matheran if you have a sweet tooth or want to bring back some tasty souvenirs.

Leather Goods:

Remember that Matheran is known for its eco-friendly and local-centric approach, so many of the items you’ll find in the shops might be locally sourced or crafted. Bargaining is often a part of the shopping experience, so feel free to negotiate prices with respect and a friendly attitude. Enjoy your shopping adventure in Matheran!

Matheran shopping

Exploring local shops in Matheran can be a delightful experience. You’ll likely find a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local products to choose from. Remember to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers for the best deals. Keep in mind that Matheran is a vehicle-free hill station, so you’ll have to explore the shops on foot.