Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Markets and Shopping Places
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways
- How to Reach and Get Around
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Shopping Budget
- Local Experiences: Shopping, Food, Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the laid-back capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, hides a lively shopping scene behind its palm-fringed shores. From the bustling aisles of Aberdeen Bazaar to government emporiums brimming with island crafts, shopping here blends island culture with practical souvenirs you can actually use. This guide spotlights the best local markets in Port Blair, what to buy, how to bargain, and the logistics you need to plan a smooth, value-packed shopping day.
Must-Visit Markets and Shopping Places
1) Aberdeen Bazaar (Central Market Hub)
The heartbeat of Port Blair’s retail, spread around the Clock Tower and MG Road. Expect a maze of general stores, handicraft stalls, spice vendors, apparel outlets, and quick-bite eateries.
- What to buy: Andaman spices (pepper, cinnamon), shell-inspired decor (only from licensed sellers), cotton clothing, island-themed t-shirts, basic travel gear.
- Price cues: Small souvenirs INR 100–500; tees INR 250–600; spice packets (100 g) INR 150–400.
- Timing: Most shops 9:30 am–8 pm; some close mid-day or on select Sundays/public holidays.
- Bargaining: Moderate; check multiple stalls before deciding.
2) Sagarika Government Emporium
The official government-run store network supporting local artisans. Quality is consistent and pricing is transparent.
- What to buy: Cane and bamboo crafts, coconut-shell art, wooden sculptures, embroidered items, island motifs.
- Why go: Fixed rates, authenticity, and receipts for hassle-free airport checks.
- Tip: Ideal for gifts if you’re short on time or wary of bargaining.
3) MG Road/Clock Tower Market Lanes
Spill-over lanes from Aberdeen Bazaar filled with footwear, bags, electronics accessories, and daily-use items.
- What to buy: Travel adapters, phone accessories, bags, flip-flops, light rain gear.
- Bargaining: Light to moderate; compare quality across 2–3 shops.
4) Delanipur Market (Produce & Everyday Finds)
A local neighbourhood market known for fresh produce and condiments with a few stalls selling regional spices and household wares.
- What to buy: Fresh spices, pickles, tea, basic kitchenware.
- Best time: Morning and early evening for freshest stock.
5) Junglighat Fish Market (For Culinary Enthusiasts)
A lively waterfront fish market showcasing the island’s seafood abundance. More a cultural stop than a souvenir run—great for cooks and photographers.
- What to buy: If you have kitchen access—fresh tuna, snapper, prawns (carry chilled storage). Not a typical tourist souvenir stop.
- Best time: Early morning (6–9 am) for peak action and best catch.
6) Khadi & Village Industries/Andaman Handicrafts Stores
Smaller government-affiliated outlets that often carry khadi clothing, natural soaps, honey, and locally crafted goods.
- What to buy: Khadi apparel, herbal products, island honey (seasonal), eco-friendly gifts.
- Why go: Ethical sourcing and fair pricing.
Responsible Shopping Notes
- It’s illegal to buy or carry corals, sea fans, or products from protected species. Choose only licensed, eco-friendly souvenirs.
- Avoid items claiming tribal origin; respect the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) regulations.
- Keep receipts; airport authorities may check marine-origin products.
Local Culture and Food
Culture You’ll Notice While Shopping
- Melting pot of influences—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, and North Indian—reflected in languages and shop signboards.
- Craft heritage—cane, bamboo, coconut-shell, and woodwork—thrives via government-emporium support.
- Island pace—markets are friendly and unhurried; polite bargaining goes a long way.
What and Where to Eat Near Markets
- Seafood plates: Fish curry meals, grilled catch of the day near Aberdeen Bazaar and Marina Park area.
- Quick bites: Samosas, pakoras, egg rolls, fresh coconuts—great between shop hops.
- Sweets and tea: Jalebi, rasgulla (Bengali influence), and strong chai at market-side halwai shops.
- Tip: Choose busy stalls, ask for freshly cooked items, and carry a reusable water bottle.
Nearby Getaways
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: For history and the evening Light & Sound show; combine with a stroll at Marina Park.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins draped in banyan roots; short boat ride from Water Sports Complex.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling and glass-bottom boats; half-day trip.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding; 45–60 minutes by road.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Mangroves and beaches; good for day trips.
How to Reach and Get Around
Reaching Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi (direct or via mainland hubs). Flight time from Chennai/Kolkata: ~2–2.5 hours.
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited schedules). Best reserved for slow travel.
Getting Around the Markets
- Auto-rickshaw: Convenient for hops between Aberdeen Bazaar, MG Road, and Delanipur; negotiate or ask for meter.
- App/call taxis and local cabs: Good for airport transfers and longer hops (e.g., to Chidiya Tapu).
- Two-wheeler rental: Popular for flexibility; carry license, helmet, and rain cover.
- On foot: Most central markets are walkable; carry light day packs.
Accommodation Options
- Stay near Aberdeen Bazaar/Goal Ghar: Easiest access to markets, ATMs, eateries.
- Marine Hill/Phoenix Bay: Calmer vibe, short rides to shopping areas, some sea views.
- Budget: INR 1,500–3,000 per night—guesthouses and simple hotels close to MG Road.
- Mid-range: INR 3,500–7,000—comfortable stays with breakfast and Wi-Fi.
- Boutique/Upper mid: INR 7,000–15,000—larger rooms, better views, in-house dining.
Typical check-in 12–2 pm; confirm early check-in if arriving on morning flights.
Estimated Costs and Shopping Budget
- Local transport (day of market-hopping): INR 300–800 (autos/taxis, depending on distance and bargaining).
- Meals near markets: INR 200–500 per person for snacks/quick plates; INR 500–1,200 for seafood meals.
- Souvenirs:
- Shell/coconut crafts (licensed): INR 150–800+
- Wood/cane decor: INR 800–3,000+
- Spices (100 g): INR 150–400
- T-shirts/caps: INR 200–600
- Handmade soaps/candles: INR 100–350
- Courier/Shipping: India Post and private couriers available; rates vary by weight and destination. Pack breakables well.
- Payments: ATMs available around Aberdeen Bazaar; UPI and cards accepted in many shops. Keep small cash for stalls.
Local Experiences: Shopping, Food, Culture
Shopping Highlights
- Combine Sagarika for premium crafts with Aberdeen lanes for bargains in a single afternoon.
- Pop into khadi/village industry stores for eco-friendly, useful gifts like soaps and cotton wear.
- Time your spree early morning or after 5 pm to beat heat and catch more open shutters.
Food Crawls Near the Bazaars
- Create a mini food trail: chai + snacks at MG Road, seafood thali near Marina Park, dessert back by the Clock Tower.
- Hydrate often; it’s humid year-round. Coconut water is the island’s best “sports drink.”
Cultural Touchpoints
- Evening Light & Sound at Cellular Jail pairs well with a post-show stroll and late shopping for light items.
- Festive seasons bring extra pop-up stalls and discounts—expect crowds and longer shop hours.
Tips for Different Travelers
General Shopping Tips
- Best season: November–March for pleasant weather; monsoon (May–September) brings showers—carry a foldable raincoat.
- Check quality: Inspect stitching, wood finishing, and fittings; ask for care instructions for cane/wood items.
- Receipts matter: Keep bills for government emporium purchases and any marine-themed items.
- Packing: Bubble-wrap fragile goods; use hard-case luggage or request sturdy packaging from shops.
- Sustainability: Skip corals, sea fans, and suspicious shell products; buy certified, eco-friendly crafts instead.
For Families
- Stroller-friendly: Main Aberdeen streets are walkable but busy—use child carriers in peak hours.
- Snacks and breaks: Plan a mid-spree snack stop; carry wet wipes and refillable bottles.
- Souvenirs kids love: Island tees, magnets, small wooden puzzles.
For Couples/Honeymooners
- Pick keepsakes: Matching tees, handcrafted photo frames, or a wood carving as a trip memento.
- Golden hour: Shop late afternoon, then catch sunset at Marina Park or Chidiya Tapu.
For Friends/Groups
- Bundle buy: Ask for group discounts on multiple tees or crafts.
- Divide and conquer: Split lanes and share price intel over tea; reconvene to purchase.
- Evening eats: Celebrate finds with a seafood platter near the waterfront.
FAQs
Q: What are the best places for authentic Andaman handicrafts in Port Blair?
A: Start with Sagarika Government Emporium and other government-affiliated handicraft/khadi stores for assured quality and fair pricing. Then browse Aberdeen Bazaar for variety and deals.
Q: Are corals and shells legal to buy?
A: Wild corals, sea fans, and many marine-life products are illegal to collect or carry. Only consider items from licensed sellers with receipts, and when in doubt, avoid marine-origin souvenirs.
Q: What are typical market hours?
A: Most central shops open around 9:30 am and close by 8 pm, with partial closures on some Sundays and public holidays. Government emporiums keep standard daytime hours.
Q: Is bargaining acceptable?
A: Yes, in private stalls at Aberdeen/MG Road moderate bargaining is normal. Government emporiums have fixed prices.
Q: What should I budget for a day of shopping and meals?
A: Around INR 1,500–3,000 covers local transport, snacks, and a couple of modest souvenirs. Larger crafts or multiple gifts may raise the total to INR 4,000–6,000.
Conclusion
Port Blair’s shopping revolves around the energy of Aberdeen Bazaar, the reliability of Sagarika’s government-run counters, and the everyday charm of neighbourhood markets. With an eye for quality, a light hand at bargaining, and sustainable choices, you’ll bring home meaningful island-made keepsakes—plus a taste of the Andamans’ blended culture and cuisine.
