Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places for Tribal Handicrafts in Port Blair
- Shopping Guide: What to Buy and Estimated Costs
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options
- Responsible Shopping, Customs Rules & Legalities
- Tips for Shopping in Port Blair
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is a wonderful place to explore island artistry rooted in bamboo, cane, coconut, and wood. While Andaman’s Indigenous communities are rightfully protected, the capital’s government emporiums and ethical craft stores showcase island-made handicrafts inspired by traditional techniques and materials. This guide focuses on where to shop tribal-style handicrafts in Port Blair, what to buy, prices to expect, and the do’s and don’ts so you can take home meaningful, legal, and responsible souvenirs.
Must-Visit Places for Tribal Handicrafts in Port Blair
Sagarika Government Emporium (multiple branches)
- The official Andaman & Nicobar Islands handicrafts outlet; best for fixed, fair prices and assured legality.
- Find bamboo and cane products, coconut-shell decor, wooden carvings, shell-inspired trinkets (only permitted varieties), coir items, and island spices.
- Main showrooms are typically in and around Aberdeen Bazaar; timings usually mid-morning to early evening.
Aberdeen Bazaar
- Port Blair’s central market area with several craft shops and stalls.
- Good for comparing designs and prices; quality varies—inspect workmanship and ask about sourcing.
Anthropological Museum Shop
- Small but insightful for books, postcards, and educational souvenirs that respect Indigenous histories.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum Shop
- Offers marine-themed memorabilia and educational items. Avoid coral and protected shells; buy only permitted products with bills.
Chatham Saw Mill Museum Shop (Chatham Island)
- Historic saw mill with a museum; the shop sometimes stocks wooden curios. Ensure wood is plantation-sourced and properly certified.
Note: Shop names and hours can change; confirm locally for current locations and timings.
Shopping Guide: What to Buy and Estimated Costs
Popular, Ethical Purchases
- Bamboo and cane crafts: baskets, trays, lampshades, placemats (approx. INR 200–1,500).
- Coconut-shell decor: bowls, candle holders, ladles, ornamental pieces (approx. INR 150–900).
- Wooden carvings and curios: fish, birds, island motifs; small masks and wall hangings (approx. INR 700–5,000+ depending on size and wood).
- Coir (coconut fiber) items: doormats, coasters, utility baskets (approx. INR 250–1,200).
- Pandanus (“Nicobari”) style mats and weaves: limited availability; buy only through government outlets (approx. INR 1,000–4,000+).
- Spices & flavors: cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, coconut products (approx. INR 120–400 per pack).
- Textiles and island-print apparel: light cottons with marine or palm motifs (approx. INR 500–2,000).
Budget Planning for Shoppers
- Souvenir budget (per person): INR 1,500–4,000 for small gifts and home decor.
- Curated craft haul: INR 5,000–12,000 for mixed pieces (bamboo set, one wood carving, textiles).
- Cane/wood furniture or large items: INR 8,000–25,000+ (check shipping costs and fumigation certificates).
Payment & Shipping
- Cards and UPI are common in emporiums; carry some cash as networks can be patchy.
- Use India Post or reputable couriers. Request bubble-wrap/crate packing, invoices, and any required treatment certificates for wood.
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair blends island life with pan-Indian influences. You’ll see Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian communities alongside Nicobari and other Indigenous cultures, whose reserves and traditions are legally protected. Museums provide context on heritage without intruding on tribal lives.
What to Eat Nearby
- Seafood curries: coconut-based fish curry, grilled reef fish, prawns.
- Nicobari-style flavors: look for coconut, smoked or roasted meats at select restaurants.
- Quick bites: samosas, sweets, and fresh tender coconut around Aberdeen Bazaar.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): heritage ruins and sea views; short boat ride.
- North Bay Island: snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Chidiya Tapu: sunset point and birding; combine with craft shopping earlier in the day.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: nature and beaches (permits as required).
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) & Shaheed Dweep (Neil): island hops for beaches; shop on return to Port Blair for easier packing.
How to Reach Port Blair
By Air
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi (seasonal/operational schedules vary).
- Typical flight time: 2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; 4–5 hours from Delhi.
By Sea
- Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Journeys take ~60–70 hours and are infrequent; book well in advance.
Local Transport
- Airport prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, local buses. No mainstream app cabs; two-wheeler rentals are popular.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500/night): guesthouses and basic hotels in Aberdeen Bazaar and Phoenix Bay areas.
- Mid-range (INR 2,500–6,000/night): boutique stays and business hotels across city center and seafront.
- Premium (INR 7,000–15,000+/night): resorts and sea-view properties; check for in-house shops or tie-ups with emporiums.
Book early for Nov–Apr (peak season). Ask hotels about proximity to Sagarika and Aberdeen Bazaar to plan shopping runs.
Responsible Shopping, Customs Rules & Legalities
- Protected items (do not buy): coral, sea fans, starfish, turtle shell, black coral, and products made from any endangered species.
- Shells: Loose beach-collected shells are often screened at the airport. Buy only permitted shell crafts from licensed stores with a bill; when in doubt, avoid.
- Tribal respect: Visiting tribal reserves or photographing Indigenous people is illegal and unethical. Support livelihoods via government emporiums and verified cooperatives instead.
- Invoices & labels: Keep purchase bills; ask for material/source details. For wooden goods, request fumigation/ISPM-15 certificates if shipping.
- Airport checks: All baggage is scanned; prohibited items may be confiscated and penalties may apply.
Tips for Shopping in Port Blair
Best Time to Visit for Shopping
- November to April: Dry, pleasant, best for market walks.
- May to September (monsoon): Heavy rain and choppy seas; shops open but carry rain protection.
Money, Timing & Bargaining
- Emporiums have fixed prices; private shops may allow modest bargaining (5–15%).
- Typical shop hours: late morning to early evening; some close mid-day or on Sundays/public holidays—check locally.
- Carry some cash; connectivity can be patchy for digital payments.
Packing for Purchases
- Bring an extra foldable bag, zip pouches for spices, and clothing to cushion wood/coconut items.
- For larger pieces, prefer store shipping over DIY to avoid damage.
Safety & Respect
- Buy legally, avoid pushy touts, and prioritize government or reputed outlets.
- Never enter restricted areas or attempt “tribal tours.” Museums are the right place to learn about Indigenous cultures.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose morning shopping runs to avoid heat and crowds; combine with museum visits for educational context.
- Pick lightweight, unbreakable souvenirs like coir mats, bamboo coasters, and island-print tees.
Honeymooners
- Curate a home set: matching bamboo trays, coconut-shell candle holders, and a single statement wood carving.
- Ship bulky items; keep just a symbolic keepsake in luggage.
Friends/Groups
- Pool purchases for better rates on sets (placemats, spice packs).
- Assign one person to check bills and shipping paperwork to keep everything organized.
FAQs
Q: Where is the best place to buy authentic tribal-style handicrafts in Port Blair?
A: Start at Sagarika Government Emporium (branches around Aberdeen Bazaar) for fair pricing and assured legality. Then compare designs in reputable shops across Aberdeen Bazaar.
Q: Can I take seashells and coral back home?
A: Coral and many marine specimens are prohibited. Only buy permitted shell crafts from licensed stores and keep the bill. Loose beach shells often get confiscated; when unsure, avoid.
Q: What are typical prices for bamboo, coconut, and wooden crafts?
A: Bamboo/cane items: INR 200–1,500; coconut-shell decor: INR 150–900; small wooden carvings: INR 700–5,000+, depending on size and wood.
Q: Are shops open on Sundays?
A: Some are, some aren’t. Government emporium hours vary on Sundays and public holidays. Private stores in Aberdeen Bazaar may open shorter hours. Check locally on arrival.
Q: Is bargaining acceptable?
A: Government emporiums have fixed rates. In private shops, polite bargaining of about 5–15% is usually acceptable if quality and make justify it.
Conclusion
Port Blair is a rewarding place to shop island-made handicrafts—bamboo and cane work, coconut-shell decor, coir utility pieces, and tasteful wooden carvings. Focus on government emporiums and trusted stores, keep invoices, and avoid protected marine products. With thoughtful choices, your souvenirs will carry authentic island character while respecting the Andamans’ unique environment and Indigenous communities.
