Table of Contents
- About Tribal Handicrafts in Andaman
- Top Cities and Places for Handicraft Lovers
- Tourist Circuits Focused on Crafts
- Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Cultural Calendar
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget and Cost Guide
- How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- Where to Stay
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping Etiquette
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Responsible Travel and Ethical Sourcing
- Nearby Attractions for a Break from Shopping
- FAQs
- Conclusion
About Tribal Handicrafts in Andaman
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to several Indigenous communities, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Nicobarese, and Shompen. While the everyday material culture of these tribes—like cane baskets, pandanus mats, wooden paddles, bows and arrows—has inspired the broader craft identity of the islands, direct purchase or photography of tribal communities and their artifacts is strictly prohibited to protect their rights and lifeways.
For travelers, the islands offer a legal, ethical craft scene shaped by:
- Government-run emporiums that retail certified, locally made items inspired by island motifs.
- Settler and mainland artisan communities working with bamboo, cane, coconut shell, seashell (regulated), and plantation-sourced woods.
- Museums that interpret tribal heritage responsibly through curated exhibits and replicas.
Think eco-friendly baskets, coconut-shell decor, lacquered bamboo, simple jewelry using sustainable materials, and textile souvenirs featuring tribal-inspired patterns—always sourced from licensed outlets.
Top Cities and Places for Handicraft Lovers
Port Blair
- Sagarika Government Emporium (multiple branches): Best for fixed-price, certified crafts (bamboo/cane, coconut-shell items, textiles).
- Aberdeen Bazaar: A lively market area; compare quality and avoid unverified coral or shell products.
- Anthropological Museum & Samudrika Marine Museum gift shops: Ethically curated souvenirs and books.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Govind Nagar & Beach No. 3 market strip: Small studios and stores with coconut, driftwood-inspired decor, and wearable art.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Neil Kendra Bazaar: Compact market with eco-crafts and fabric souvenirs; evenings are best.
Middle & North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Local melas and seasonal fairs occasionally showcase bamboo and cane work by community artisans. Availability is seasonal; check locally.
Tourist Circuits Focused on Crafts
1) Port Blair Heritage & Craft Loop
Anthropological Museum → Sagarika Emporium → Aberdeen Bazaar → Samudrika Marine Museum shop. Ideal for learning heritage and shopping ethically in one day.
2) Havelock & Neil Artisanal Shoreline
Beach time at Radhanagar/Elephant Beach or Bharatpur Beach, then browse local craft stores by late afternoon for handmade keepsakes.
3) Middle Andaman Green Craft Trail
Explore Rangat/Mayabunder for rural markets and sustainable bamboo work (when fairs are on). Confirm ferry/bus timings in advance.
4) Museums & Ethical Souvenir Circuit
Focus on learning and certified buys only: museums, government emporiums, and curated shops that clearly label materials and sources.
Activities and Experiences
- Museum visits: Understand tribal culture through exhibits and replicas in Port Blair.
- Shopping walks: Fixed-price browsing at Sagarika; compare designs at Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Photography of crafts: Capture market colors and displays—avoid photographing private individuals without consent.
- Seasonal craft demos: Occasionally part of Island Tourism Festival and local fairs. Availability varies by year.
Festivals and Cultural Calendar
- Island Tourism Festival (typically January): City-wide cultural events, food stalls, and craft kiosks in Port Blair.
- Beach festivals on Havelock/Neil: Music, food, and pop-up souvenir counters (dates vary).
- World Tourism Day (September): Smaller showcases at museums/empora.
- Note: Indigenous community festivals are not public events. Access is restricted to protect tribal privacy and rights.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days: Port Blair Craft & Culture
- Day 1: Anthropological Museum → Sagarika Emporium → Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Day 2: Samudrika Marine Museum → Cellular Jail (for history) → Evening market stroll.
4 Days: Port Blair + Havelock
- Days 1–2: Port Blair museums and ethical shopping.
- Days 3–4: Havelock beaches by day; browse craft stores near Govind Nagar in the evening.
6 Days: Port Blair + Havelock + Neil
- Days 1–2: Port Blair culture and shopping loop.
- Days 3–4: Havelock beach time; artisanal browsing late afternoon.
- Days 5–6: Neil Island—Bharatpur/Laxmanpur beaches and Neil Bazaar souvenir run.
Budget and Cost Guide
- Local crafts:
- Bamboo/cane baskets: INR 200–1,200
- Coconut-shell decor/jewelry: INR 150–1,000
- Textiles/prints with island motifs: INR 400–2,000
- Driftwood-inspired decor (small): INR 600–2,500
- Shipping: India Post Speed Post for small parcels; private couriers for larger items (estimate INR 350–1,500 depending on weight/zone).
- Daily travel costs: Local transport (INR 200–800), meals (INR 300–1,200), entry tickets (INR 20–150 per museum).
How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- By Air: Direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities (approx. 2–3 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; 4–5 hours with connections from other metros).
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam operate infrequently (2–3 days; basic cabins). Verify schedules well in advance.
- Permits and restrictions:
- Indian citizens: No special permit for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and other permitted zones.
- Foreign nationals: No RAP needed for key tourist islands currently, but only permitted areas are allowed. Some islands and all tribal reserves are strictly off-limits.
- Photography of tribal communities and entry to tribal reserves is illegal.
- Inter-island transport: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Port Blair–Havelock–Neil). Book ferries early in peak season.
Where to Stay
- Port Blair:
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500): Near Aberdeen Bazaar—easy market access.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–6,000): Sea-view hotels with quick rides to museums and emporiums.
- Boutique/Luxury (INR 7,000–15,000+): For comfort between shopping days.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep):
- Beachside stays near Govind Nagar for evening craft browsing; expect INR 3,500–15,000+ by category.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep):
- Small resorts/homestays around Neil Kendra (INR 2,000–8,000), walkable to the bazaar.
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping Etiquette
- Food to try: Fresh seafood thalis, fish tikka, prawn curry, and South Indian breakfasts in Port Blair; simple beachside grills on Havelock/Neil.
- Etiquette:
- Government emporiums are fixed price; private markets allow polite bargaining.
- Carry small change; digital payments are common in towns but can be spotty.
- Bring a reusable bag; many sellers avoid plastic.
- What not to buy:
- Coral, turtle shell, black coral, and many seashell species (protected under law).
- Any item claimed to be made by Jarawa/Onge/other protected tribes.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Plan museum visits in the morning; markets post-lunch.
- Pack snacks, water, and a foldable tote for purchases.
- Use ferries with assigned seating for comfort.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Time your shopping around sunsets at Corbyn’s Cove or Radhanagar, then browse evening markets.
- Buy compact, durable souvenirs (jewelry, textiles) for easy packing.
Friends/Backpackers
- Compare prices across a few stalls before buying.
- Travel light; consider shipping a small parcel home to keep backpacks manageable.
Packing and Safety
- Bubble wrap or clothes for fragile items; check airline weight limits.
- Sun protection and rain cover—weather shifts quickly.
- Respect no-photography signs and community privacy.
Responsible Travel and Ethical Sourcing
- Laws to know:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956: Strictly prohibits interaction/tourism in tribal reserves.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Prohibits trade in corals, turtle shell, certain shells, feathers, etc.
- Coastal and forest regulations restrict timber and marine life collection.
- Buy from:
- Government emporiums and licensed stores with clear labeling of materials and origin.
- Pop-up fairs organized by authorities during festivals.
- Materials to prefer: Bamboo, cane, responsibly sourced coconut shell, textiles. Avoid anything unlabelled or of suspicious origin.
- Photography ethics: Never photograph tribal communities or reserves; do not join or support “tribal safari” routes.
Nearby Attractions for a Break from Shopping
- Cellular Jail, Port Blair: Historic tours and evening light & sound show.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Ruins and deer; short boat ride from Port Blair.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding.
- Radhanagar Beach (Havelock) and Laxmanpur Sunset Point (Neil): Iconic beaches.
- Baratang Limestone Caves: If you go, transit is strictly controlled; no stops in Jarawa Reserve and no photography of people.
FAQs
Q: Can I buy authentic tribal handicrafts made by Jarawa, Onge, or Sentinelese communities?
A: No. Buying or possessing items made by protected Indigenous communities is illegal. Choose licensed emporiums selling ethically produced crafts inspired by island motifs.
Q: What are the safest places to shop for genuine Andaman crafts?
A: Sagarika Government Emporium outlets in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil, plus museum gift shops and clearly licensed stores that label materials and origin.
Q: Are seashell souvenirs legal?
A: Many are restricted under wildlife laws. Only purchase items clearly certified as legal and sustainably sourced. Avoid coral, turtle shell, black coral, and unlabelled shells.
Q: Do I need any permits to visit markets or museums?
A: No permits are required for markets and public museums in permitted tourist areas. Tribal reserves are completely off-limits to visitors.
Q: What’s the best time of day to shop?
A: Late afternoon to early evening works well after beach or museum visits. Government emporiums keep predictable hours; smaller markets can close early on rainy days.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands offer an enriching craft experience centered on sustainable materials, respectful storytelling, and certified outlets. Explore museums to understand Indigenous heritage, shop at government emporiums and licensed stores for quality souvenirs, and follow local laws to protect fragile ecosystems and communities. With thoughtful planning across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil, you can bring home meaningful, ethical keepsakes that reflect the islands’ unique cultural landscape.
