Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Souvenirs to Buy in Andaman
- Where to Shop: Markets and Government Emporiums
- Top Cities and Places for Shoppers
- Tourist Circuits for Shoppers
- Activities That Pair Well With Shopping
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Itineraries (Shopping-Focused)
- How to Reach Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
- Local Experiences: Food and Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman’s emerald waters, lush rainforests, and laid-back island culture inspire beautiful crafts and keepsakes. From polished padauk-wood art to coconut-shell lamps and ocean-themed trinkets, shopping here can be as memorable as your beach days. This guide simplifies what to buy, where to find authentic items (without overpaying), and how to shop responsibly and legally in the islands.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Andaman
1) Shell and Sea-Themed Crafts (Legal, Ethical Options)
- What to look for: Decor pieces, fridge magnets, jewellery made from permitted shells and sea motifs, resin art, and printed ocean postcards.
- Price range: INR 100–1,000 for small items; premium decor INR 1,000–3,000.
- Where to buy: Sagarika Government Emporium (Port Blair), Samudrika Museum shop, approved craft stalls in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
- Important: Do not buy coral, black coral, sea fans, turtle shell, or giant clam products—these are illegal. Avoid collecting shells from beaches; purchase only from authorized shops and keep receipts.
2) Andaman Padauk Wood & Teak Crafts
- What to look for: Bowls, trays, coasters, key holders, masks, miniature boats, wall art, and carved nameplates—often made from sustainably sourced padauk.
- Price range: Coasters INR 200–500; bowls/trays INR 800–1,800; carved art INR 2,000–6,000+ depending on size and detail.
- Where to buy: Chatham Saw Mill Museum shop (Port Blair), Sagarika Government Emporium.
- Tip: Real padauk has a rich reddish tone; expect natural grain variations. Ask for a bill indicating wood type.
3) Coconut-Shell & Coir Handicrafts
- What to look for: Coconut-shell lamps, bowls, vases, keychains, and coir mats/planters.
- Price range: Keychains INR 80–200; lamps/bowls INR 300–1,200; coir mats INR 300–900.
- Where to buy: Government emporiums, Aberdeen Bazaar, local island markets.
4) Pearls and Ocean-Inspired Jewellery
- What to look for: Simple pearl studs, bracelets, and silver jewellery with ocean motifs.
- Price range: Faux/shell pearls INR 300–1,000; cultured pearls INR 800–5,000+ (verify authenticity).
- Where to buy: Reputed jewellers in Port Blair; museum/government shops for safer buys.
- Tip: Many pearls sold in Andaman are sourced from the mainland—ask for a certificate and bill.
5) Spices, Natural Oils, and Wellness Picks
- What to look for: Cinnamon, cloves, pepper, nutmeg (often sourced regionally), plus citronella/lemongrass oils, handmade soaps, and natural balms.
- Price range: Spices INR 80–300 per pack; essential oils INR 150–500; soaps INR 80–200.
- Where to buy: Government emporiums, select grocery outlets in Port Blair.
- Note: Fresh produce can have carriage restrictions; check airline rules for liquids in cabin baggage.
6) Edible Souvenirs
- What to look for: Fish/seafood pickles, banana or tapioca chips, coconut candy, jaggery-based sweets, dehydrated fruit.
- Price range: Pickles INR 180–400/jar; chips INR 80–200; candies INR 100–250.
- Where to buy: Local supermarkets in Port Blair, Aberdeen Bazaar, island stores.
- Tip: Pack jars in checked luggage; double-bag to avoid leaks.
7) Textiles & Beachwear
- What to look for: Breezy cotton tees with island prints, sarongs/pareos, sunhats, and handmade totes.
- Price range: T-shirts INR 250–600; sarongs INR 300–800; totes INR 250–700.
- Where to buy: Beach markets in Havelock (Beach No. 2 area), Neil jetty market, Aberdeen Bazaar.
8) Art, Stationery & Collectibles
- What to look for: Watercolour seascapes by local artists, postcards, marine-life posters, stamps, and magnets.
- Price range: Postcards INR 10–30; posters INR 150–400; art prints vary widely.
- Where to buy: Samudrika Naval Marine Museum shop, Anthropological Museum shop (Port Blair), independent galleries.
What Not to Buy (Legal & Ethical)
- Coral (red/black), sea fans, turtle shell, giant clam shells—illegal under Indian law.
- Items claimed to be from protected tribes—unethical and illegal. Nicobar tribal crafts are not for sale.
- Beach-collected shells without proof of purchase; airport checks are strict. Keep receipts.
Where to Shop: Markets and Government Emporiums
- Sagarika Government Emporium (Port Blair): Best for fixed, fair prices and authentic padauk/coconut crafts. Usually open ~10:00–18:00; Sundays/holidays may vary.
- Chatham Saw Mill Museum Shop (Port Blair): Good for woodcrafts; combine with a mill tour.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum Shop (Port Blair): Ocean-themed souvenirs and educational gifts.
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): The main market hub with multiple lanes of souvenir stores, clothing, and snacks. Bargain politely at private shops.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Govind Nagar Market and stalls near Beach No. 2 for beachwear, trinkets, and coconut crafts.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Stalls around Bharatpur/Ramnagar beaches and near the jetty.
- North & Middle Andaman: Rangat and Diglipur main bazaars; small craft stalls near popular beaches (Kalipur, Ross & Smith jetty areas).
Payments: UPI and cards are common in Port Blair; carry cash for outer islands. Keep all purchase receipts for airport checks.
Top Cities and Places for Shoppers
- Port Blair: Maximum variety; best for woodcrafts, museum shops, and government emporiums.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachwear, shell-inspired decor, relaxed browsing after dives and beach time.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Smaller selection; good for casual gifts and sarongs.
- Rangat & Baratang: Road-trip stops with small stalls near attractions (e.g., Limestone Caves area).
- Diglipur: Limited but local; pick up simple wood/coconut crafts and snacks before/after Ross & Smith Islands.
Tourist Circuits for Shoppers
- Classic 4–5 Days: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair. Shop at Sagarika on Day 1 or final day; pick beachwear in Havelock, quick mementos in Neil.
- Nature & North 7–9 Days: Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Diglipur. Save major shopping for Port Blair; buy snacks or small crafts up-island.
- Dive & Relax 6–7 Days: Base in Havelock with a night in Neil. Focus on lightweight souvenirs and ship heavier items from Port Blair at trip end.
Activities That Pair Well With Shopping
- Chatham Saw Mill tour: Understand wood history, then pick quality padauk items at the museum shop.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: Learn about marine life and choose ocean-themed souvenirs with context.
- Evening market strolls: Combine sunset at Corbyn’s Cove or Havelock’s Beach No. 2 with nearby stalls.
- Workshops: Occasional craft demonstrations happen at emporiums or private studios; availability varies by season.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, typically Jan/Feb): Cultural shows, food stalls, and handicraft kiosks.
- Seasonal Beach Fests: Periodic beachside events bring pop-up souvenir stalls; dates vary—check local listings or your hotel.
Note: Festival dates and formats can change; confirm with Andaman Tourism or your accommodation.
Sample Itineraries (Shopping-Focused)
3 Days: First-Timer Essentials
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Cellular Jail & Sound & Light Show → Shop at Sagarika.
- Day 2: Havelock day trip/overnight → Beach No. 2 & Radhanagar → Beachwear and souvenirs at local stalls.
- Day 3: Samudrika Museum → Chatham Saw Mill shop → Final buys in Aberdeen Bazaar → Depart.
5 Days: Balanced Beach & Buys
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sights + core shopping (woodcrafts, museum shop).
- Day 3–4: Havelock stay; pick lightweight mementos.
- Day 5: Neil quick tour + jetty market → Return to Port Blair for last-minute purchases and packing.
8 Days: North Andaman Loop
- Days 1–2: Port Blair (major shopping early to gauge baggage space).
- Day 3: Baratang (Limestone Caves) → small stalls.
- Days 4–6: Rangat/Diglipur (Ross & Smith) → local snacks/crafts.
- Days 7–8: Back to Port Blair for museum shops and curated buys.
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (direct/connecting).
- By Sea: Government passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (roughly 3–4 days). Limited schedules; basic facilities.
- Inter-Island: Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair with Havelock, Neil, and North & Middle Andaman. Book popular routes in advance.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,000–2,500/night): Guesthouses in Aberdeen (Port Blair), basic huts in Havelock/Neil.
- Mid-range (INR 2,500–6,000/night): Boutique hotels in Port Blair; cottages near Havelock’s Beach No. 5; comfortable stays in Neil.
- Premium (INR 6,000–15,000+/night): Beach resorts in Havelock and upscale hotels in Port Blair.
Tip: For shopping convenience, stay near Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair and Govind Nagar in Havelock.
Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
Estimated Shopping Costs
- Small mementos (magnets, postcards): INR 100–300
- Beachwear (tees, sarongs): INR 250–800
- Edibles (pickles/snacks): INR 150–400 per item
- Coconut/coir crafts: INR 200–1,200
- Woodcrafts: INR 800–6,000+
- Jewellery (shell/cultured pearls): INR 300–5,000+
Budget Tips
- Buy heavy/fragile items in Port Blair near the end of your trip for easier packing.
- Prefer government emporiums for fair prices and legality; bargain respectfully in private markets.
- Keep all bills; airport security may ask for proof of purchase for shell/wood items.
- Shipping: India Post and couriers operate in Port Blair; costs vary by weight and service. Ask shops about packing/crating for wood items.
- Carry a foldable duffel and bubble wrap; check airline baggage limits.
Local Experiences: Food and Culture
- Seafood to try: Grilled fish, crab, prawns, lobster (seasonal). Pair with coastal curries and rice.
- Everyday eats: South Indian breakfasts, Bengali-style thalis, island-style snacks.
- Culture notes: Respect eco-rules, avoid littering beaches, and do not enter tribal reserves. Nicobar District and tribal areas are off-limits to tourists.
- Shopping etiquette: Fixed price at government emporiums; gentle bargaining at bazaars; inspect wood finish and lamp wiring before buying.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Shop earlier in the trip to avoid last-day rush; let kids pick postcards or small crafts.
- Choose lightweight, non-breakable souvenirs; avoid glass bottles in carry-on.
For Honeymooners
- Look for matching shell/pearl accessories, custom wood nameplates, or art prints of your favorite beach.
- Plan a relaxed evening market stroll after sunset beach time.
For Friends/Groups
- Buy in bundles (tees, magnets) for better pricing; split checked-bag space for heavier wood items.
- Use UPI where possible; keep some cash for outer-island stalls.
FAQs
Q: What are the best places to buy authentic souvenirs in Andaman?
A: Start with Sagarika Government Emporium and museum shops (Samudrika, Chatham Saw Mill) in Port Blair for quality and fair pricing. For beachwear and casual gifts, try Havelock’s Govind Nagar Market and Neil’s jetty stalls.
Q: Is it legal to carry shells and coral from Andaman?
A: Collecting shells from beaches and buying coral, sea fans, turtle shell, or giant clam products is illegal. Only purchase permissible shell crafts from authorized shops and keep receipts for airport checks.
Q: Are pearls sold in Andaman genuine?
A: Many are mainland-sourced. Buy from reputable stores, ask for certification, and be cautious of deals that seem too cheap. Government shops are safer for transparent pricing.
Q: How much should I budget for souvenirs?
A: For a balanced haul (a few crafts, beachwear, edibles), plan INR 2,000–6,000 per person. Wood art or premium jewellery will increase the budget.
Q: Can I ship my purchases home?
A: Yes. India Post and courier services are available in Port Blair. Costs depend on weight, dimensions, and service speed. Request secure packing, especially for wood and glass items.
Conclusion
Souvenir shopping in Andaman is best done with intention: choose durable, ethically sourced crafts, shop at credible outlets, and keep your baggage and budget in mind. Between padauk-wood art, coconut crafts, ocean-inspired trinkets, and local edibles, you can bring home a tasteful slice of island life—responsibly and within reach.
