Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation

An undertaking of the Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation, or KSIC as it is known, opened its outlet in Hyderabad in 1991. KSIC's industries, though, date back to 1932 when the first silk industry was set up in India by the Maharaja of Mysore. It is the only silk-producing body that engages in the entire spectrum of silk production - from rearing silkworms to coloring the finished fabric.

Located next to Cherma's, the shop sells pure Mysore silk saris with pure gold borders. In fact, KSIC certifies each zari sari with an embroidered bar code that is unique. It is a guarantee of the quality of the zari that will never begrime or look old. The store also houses dress material for those who prefer something other than a sari, yet something traditional.

Shopping here, though, might not be very soothing to your thermal sensors in the sense that there is an air-conditioner that works just as good as the government. But for the quality you get at the price you pay, that is a discomfort you would gladly put yourself through. The others can try Versace.