Darjeeling, West Bengal

Handmade Tibetan Carpets and Woolen Shawls

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre in Darjeeling trains local artisans to hand-knit woolen carpets, shawls, sweaters, scarves and socks, as well as carved wooden crafts, that are sold in the town and exported to dozens of countries. The pieces are woven on traditional hand looms with geometric Tibetan motifs, and the centre's items are sold at prices markedly lower than open-market rates. Shops such as the Self-Help Centre on Lebong Cart Road and knitters' outlets like Hayden Hall on Mall Road are the classic tourist stops. A buyer gets genuinely hand-made woolen goods, with part of the sale supporting the artisan community.

Typical price: ₹800-15000

Buying tip: Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre directly - its hand-knitted carpets, shawls and jackets are cheaper than street-market equivalents and every purchase supports the artisans. For gifts, a hand-knitted shawl or scarf is the easiest, most portable option.