Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Souvenirs to Buy in Port Blair
- Must-Visit Markets and Shops
- Local Culture and Food (Edible Souvenirs)
- Nearby Getaways for Unique Finds
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Where to Stay for Easy Shopping
- Estimated Costs and Money-Saving Tips
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Responsible Shopping and Legal Notes
- General Shopping Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the breezy capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is more than a gateway to pristine beaches and blue lagoons—it’s a delightful place to pick up island-inspired souvenirs. From eco-friendly coconut crafts to sea-inspired jewelry and flavorful island condiments, you’ll find gifts that carry the spirit of the archipelago home with you.
Top Souvenirs to Buy in Port Blair
Shop smart and sustainably with these locally loved picks. Always choose certified, legal items and avoid anything made from coral or protected shells.
- Coconut Shell Crafts: Bowls, ladles, candle holders, and decorative pieces carved from coconut shells—lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly.
- Cane & Bamboo Weaves: Baskets, trays, coasters, and lamp shades crafted by local artisans—great for tropical home decor.
- Wood Carvings & Driftwood Art: Island motifs, fish, turtles, and boats carved in local woods; driftwood pieces add coastal charm. Buy only from reputable stores.
- Shell-inspired Jewelry (No Coral): Earrings, pendants, and bracelets using ethically sourced, permitted shells or beach glass. Avoid coral, turtle shell, and giant clam products.
- Island Apparel & Keepsakes: Andaman-themed T-shirts, cotton scarves, caps, postcards, and fridge magnets featuring tropical designs.
- Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Products: Cold-pressed oil, soaps, body butters, and hair care—popular for natural skincare.
- Spices & Condiments: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon (often stocked from mainland but widely sold), and local spice blends. Check freshness and packaging.
- Seafood Pickles & Snacks: Prawn or tuna pickles, banana chips, and masala nuts from trusted brands—perfect edible gifts.
- Handmade Stationery: Coconut-fiber or recycled-paper notebooks and bookmarks with island motifs.
- Books & Maps: Island history books, marine-life guides, and illustrated maps from museum stores—great for meaningful souvenirs.
Must-Visit Markets and Shops
Aberdeen Bazaar (City Center)
The heart of Port Blair’s shopping scene. Lanes brim with handicrafts, apparel, and knick-knacks.
- What to buy: Budget-friendly shell-inspired trinkets (avoid coral), magnets, island T-shirts, bamboo items.
- Good to know: Bargain politely at private stalls; quality varies—inspect items carefully.
Sagarika Government Emporium (Multiple Branches)
The most reliable spot for authentic, fairly priced Andaman handicrafts with transparency on sourcing.
- What to buy: Coconut crafts, cane/bamboo weaves, wood carvings, VCO products, approved shell crafts.
- Why go: Fixed prices, better quality control, receipts useful for airport checks.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum Shops
Small but curated souvenir corners attached to two of Port Blair’s must-see museums.
- What to buy: Books on the islands, marine-life posters, postcards, small crafts.
- Why go: Educational context and ethically curated items.
Marina Park & Seaside Stalls
Evening stalls along the promenade for casual browsing.
- What to buy: Budget souvenirs, snacks; check quality before purchase.
- Timing: Best after sunset when the promenade comes alive.
Local Culture and Food (Edible Souvenirs)
Andaman culture is a blend of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari influences, reflected in its food and festivals.
What to Taste—and Take Home
- Seafood pickles: Spicy prawn/tuna pickles—packaged, travel-friendly.
- Coconut treats: Coconut laddoos, coconut jaggery sweets, and VCO-based snacks.
- Spice blends: Fish masala and pepper blends sold at reputable stores.
- Tea & coffee: Not native but easily found; pair with island snacks for a gift hamper.
Nearby Getaways for Unique Finds
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island): Boutique beachwear, casual island jewelry, eco-friendly accessories from small craft stores near Govind Nagar Market.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): Simpler craft stalls for bamboo items, postcards, and handmade soaps near Ram Nagar/Bharatpur areas.
- Wandoor & Chidiya Tapu (Day Trips): Limited shopping; best for nature. Occasional driftwood art at small stalls—verify legality.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi (often via Chennai/Kolkata). Flight time from Chennai/Kolkata: ~2–2.5 hours.
- By Sea: Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (subject to schedules). Travel time: ~60–70 hours, basic amenities, limited frequency—confirm current schedules well in advance.
Where to Stay for Easy Shopping
- Near Aberdeen Bazaar (Convenient): Walkable access to markets, eateries, and ferries. Ideal for short stays focused on shopping.
- Marine Hill & Phoenix Bay (Mid-Range): Central, quieter than the market core; quick auto ride to Sagarika and museums.
- Sea-Facing Stays (Luxury): Chatham Island/Marine Park vicinity for views; shop by day, unwind by the water later.
Approximate nightly budget (double occupancy):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range hotels: INR 3,000–7,000
- Upscale resorts: INR 8,000–18,000+
Estimated Costs and Money-Saving Tips
Typical Souvenir Price Range (Guide)
- Shell-inspired trinkets (legal): INR 100–300
- Coconut shell bowls/ladles: INR 200–1,200
- Cane/bamboo baskets and trays: INR 300–1,500
- Wood carvings (small–large): INR 800–5,000+
- Virgin coconut oil (200–300 ml): INR 150–400
- Spices (per 100 g): INR 120–400 (depends on type/brand)
- T-shirts and island apparel: INR 300–800
- Books/posters/maps: INR 150–700
Money-Saving Tips
- For quality without haggling, use Sagarika Government Emporium; for deals, compare prices across Aberdeen Bazaar stalls.
- Buy bundles (e.g., multiple coasters/baskets) to negotiate better at private shops.
- Carry some cash—UPI/cards work in the city but signal can be patchy.
- Shipping: India Post and couriers operate in Port Blair; ask shops about packing. Fragile items may cost more to ship than to buy—plan accordingly.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Pick lightweight, unbreakable items (magnets, T-shirts, bamboo crafts).
- Keep kids engaged at museum shops with books and marine-life posters.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Choose matching shell-inspired jewelry (legal materials only) and home decor that reminds you of the islands.
- Create a gift hamper with VCO skincare, spices, and a romantic island map.
Friends & Backpackers
- Set a group budget and buy bundles for better bargains in Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Opt for packable souvenirs like scarves, postcards, and small bamboo items.
Packing & Safety
- Use bubble wrap or clothing to cushion fragile crafts; keep receipts handy for airport checks.
- Avoid prohibited items—airport security is strict about corals, turtle shells, and large raw shells.
Responsible Shopping and Legal Notes
- Strictly avoid: Coral, turtle shell, giant clam shell, and black coral products—buying/possessing them is illegal.
- Don’t collect raw shells from beaches or reefs; many are protected and removing them harms ecosystems.
- Prefer government emporiums or reputable stores that provide receipts and assurance of legality.
- Respect Indigenous communities—avoid any items that claim to be “tribal artifacts” unless they’re certified replicas sold via official channels.
General Shopping Tips
- Best time to shop: Late morning or early evening; many shops open ~9:30 am–8:00 pm. Some may close midday or on Sundays.
- Inspect quality: Check finishes on wood/coconut crafts; avoid items with cracks or sharp edges.
- Payments: UPI and cards common in town; carry small change for market stalls.
- Eco-note: Andaman discourages single-use plastics—carry a reusable tote for your buys.
FAQs
Q: What are the best places to buy authentic souvenirs in Port Blair?
A: Start with Sagarika Government Emporium for quality and legal assurance. For variety and bargains, explore Aberdeen Bazaar, then check museum shops (Samudrika, Anthropological) for books and curated items.
Q: Is it legal to buy shells and corals?
A: Coral, turtle shell, giant clam, and black coral items are illegal to buy or carry. Only purchase permitted shell crafts from reputable stores and keep receipts. Do not collect raw shells from beaches.
Q: Can I ship souvenirs home from Port Blair?
A: Yes. India Post and private couriers operate in the city. Ask shops to pack securely; fragile wood or coconut crafts may need extra cushioning. Keep invoices for customs/airport checks.
Q: Are prices fixed or negotiable?
A: Government emporiums have fixed prices. Private shops and market stalls often allow polite bargaining, especially if you’re buying multiple items.
Q: What’s a good edible souvenir to bring back?
A: Try packaged prawn or tuna pickles, coconut-based sweets, and virgin coconut oil products. Ensure factory-sealed packaging and check best-before dates.
Conclusion
Souvenir shopping in Port Blair is a breezy blend of culture and coast—think coconut and bamboo crafts, tasteful shell-inspired jewelry, VCO wellness, and flavorful island condiments. Focus on reputable stores like Sagarika for authenticity, explore Aberdeen Bazaar for variety, and shop responsibly to protect the archipelago’s fragile marine ecosystems. With a little planning, you’ll return with meaningful, packable mementos that echo the Andamans long after your trip.
