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The Andaman Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, located off the east coast of India. The Islands are known for their scenic beauty which has breathtaking beaches, lush forests, and diverse marine life. Some popular tourist attractions are the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, which was used by the British to imprison Indian political prisoners, and Ross Island, which was the British administrative headquarters in the Andaman Islands.
The Andaman Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, including the Jarawas, Onge, and Sentinelese. While visits to their territories are restricted to protect their way of life, visitors can learn about their culture and traditions through various museums and cultural centres.
Andaman and Nicobar stores also offer an amazing shopping experience apart from tourist attractions and grand views. Let’s check out some places and markets where you can go shopping in Andaman.
All you need to explore when shopping in Andaman
1. Sagarika Emporium
Sagarika Emporium is a government-run store offering a wide range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and local produce, making it a great place to buy authentic Andamanese items.
Some of the popular things to buy in Andaman from here are hand-woven shawls, seashell jewellery, wooden carvings, and other traditional handicrafts made by local artisans. You can shop for local products like spices, tea, and honey.
One of the advantages of shopping at Sagarika Emporium is that all items sold here are authentic and certified by the government, ensuring that visitors get high-quality products at reasonable prices. Additionally, the store has a fixed price policy, so visitors do not have to haggle with vendors. Also, this place is ideal for clothes shopping in Andaman and the opportunity to buy handicrafts, under one roof.
2. Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair
Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair is a bustling commercial hub and popular market for shopping in Andaman. The bazaar offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and other establishments. This area is named after Lord Aberdeen, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1830 to 1834.
This Port Blair market is a great place to shop for souvenirs. Apart from shopping, Aberdeen Bazaar is a great place to try out the local cuisine. Visitors can find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Andamanese dishes as well as Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisine.
The market is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Clock Tower, which was built in 1906 and served as the main timekeeper for the city, and the Fish Market, where visitors can see the catch of the day being sold by local fishermen.
3. MG Road
If you want to go clothes shopping in Andaman and Nicobar stores, MG Road is the place to go. Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road has shops selling items like clothes, footwear, jewellery, electronics, and handicrafts. You can also visit the historic Gurdwara Sahib on MG Road, the largest Sikh temple in the Andaman Islands.
4. Queen Sea Covering Craft
Queen Sea Covering Craft specialises in a unique type of handicraft called 'sea covering,' which involves using seashells and other marine items. At Queen Sea Covering Craft, visitors can find handcrafted items made using this technique, including jewellery, photo frames, keychains, and other decorative items. Each item is unique and reflects the beauty of the Andamanese Sea and its natural resources.
The store also has a workshop where visitors can watch the artisans at work, creating beautiful pieces using seashells, pearls, and other marine materials. While shopping in the Andamans, visitors can even try making their sea-covering items with the help of expert artisans.
5. Electrical Plaza
Electrical Plaza specialises in electrical and electronic products, making it a one-stop shop for all your electrical needs. You can find a variety of electrical appliances and gadgets, including home appliances, kitchen appliances, mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. The store offers products from popular brands, making it a reliable and trustworthy source for electronic products.
The store also has a team of knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance and advice on choosing the right product based on your needs and budget. Expect a high level of customer service and support at Electrical Plaza.
6. Beach Markets
Beach markets are outdoor markets located near beaches or other popular tourist destinations. They are often open-air markets where vendors sell souvenirs, crafts, clothing, jewellery, artwork, and food.
Beach markets are popular among tourists because they offer a unique shopping experience that allows them to find locally made unique items that are not found in regular stores. Many beach markets also feature live music, street performers, and other entertainment, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
In the Andamans, Havelock Island has one of these markets where you can explore Market No. 3, which has all kinds of seashell jewellery, swimwear, beach-related items, and designer goods to buy.
7. Sunday Market
Sunday markets are outdoor markets that take place on Sundays. They are held in public spaces such as parks, squares, or streets that are closed to any sort of vehicular traffic for the duration of the market. If you happen to go shopping in Port Blair or any other part of Andaman around Sundays, these markets are a great option.
These markets start around 5 am and wind up around 3 pm. Sunday markets offer a unique shopping experience, with vendors selling a range of products such as fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts, antiques, vintage items, clothing, and jewellery.
In addition to shopping, Sunday markets often feature live music, street performers, and other entertainment, making them a fun destination for families and groups of friends.
8. Auraa Store
Auraa Store is a retail store located in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Another great option if you are looking to buy some assorted and artisanal pieces for your home or for gifting.
9. Ratnam Market
Ratnam Market is a bustling marketplace that offers a variety of products, including local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, and electronics. In Ratnam Market, visitors can find a range of goods, from traditional woven textiles and handmade jewellery to local spices and snacks. The market is also known for its collection of seashell handicrafts, which make for unique souvenirs.
One of the highlights of Ratnam Market is its seafood section, where vendors sell fresh fish, crabs, prawns, and lobsters. Visitors can choose their seafood and have it cooked on the spot at nearby stalls. Another popular attraction in Ratnam Market is its fruit section, where vendors sell tropical fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, and papayas.
10. Anup Eco Arts
Anup Eco Arts is a handicraft store located in Port Blair. The store specialises in creating handmade products using eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper, coconut shells, and bamboo. With these unique and creative materials, it makes items like home decor items, jewellery, bags, and accessories. The store also offers workshops and training sessions to promote eco-friendly practices and encourage local artisans to create sustainable products.
Since the Andamans is home to many local tribes and indigenous people, you can also explore the tribal markets. Various tribal markets are spread across the Andamans, where visitors can purchase local and traditional indigenous handicrafts and textiles from local tribes. This could be a way to help these ancient and dwindling tribes to sustain themselves economically.
The Islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and white sand. The best beaches in Andaman to visit are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Corbyn Cove.
Another thing to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is water sports. The Island is very famous for scuba diving spots in India. There are other sports like snorkelling, all of which gives you a chance to explore the vibrant coral reefs and underwater wildlife.
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