Located right opposite the East fort entrance, this is a major wholesale market in the city. Chalai Market is where you can buy a wide range of interesting items such as goods in brass, coir and other handicrafts as well as flowers, jewellery, vegetables etc. It is very crowded most of the time. 

In general, there are many shops in the city where you can buy dress materials, electronic goods, gift items etc. 

The main shops for dress materials and ready to wear dresses are Ayyappa's (Ph: 2462827), Wills Lifestyle, Czarina etc. Karalkada is famous for the traditional wear - Kerala Saree, Mundum Neriathum and Dhotis. (Karalkada,  Trivandrum - 24. Ph: +91-471-2474520, 2570191, Fax: +91-471-2472932, Email : Contact now).