The talented artists of Bekal have earned a reputation for their brilliant craftsmanship and skill of carving out idols of various gods and goddesses from granite. This centuries-old craft has been admired by tourists from far and wide. The Karumadikuttan idol of Lord Buddha in Alappuzha is a fine example of the creative excellence of the sculptors of the state. Dating back to the 11th century, this idol is made of solid black granite.

The art of making these idols is passed down generations and the time taken to complete a sculpture depends upon its size. The raw material is generally brought from quarries in Tamil Nadu, Ambasamudram and then carved out. You can shop for a variety of intricately carved granite sculptures at various handicraft shops in the area.