The best shopping in Andaman is concentrated in Port Blair, where a handful of markets and government emporiums cover everything from authentic shell and bamboo handicrafts to pearls, spices and Nicobari mats. This guide lists the 7 best markets for shopping in Andaman — Aberdeen Bazaar, Sagarika Government Emporium, Ratnam Market and more — with what each is known for, opening hours, indicative prices and how to bargain. If you are more interested in WHAT to bring home than where to buy it, see our companion guide to the best things to buy in Andaman.
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7 Best Markets & Bazaars for Shopping in Andaman
All seven markets at a glance — where they are, what they are best for, when they open and what you might pay. (Most sit in or around Aberdeen Bazaar, the central market area of Port Blair.)
| # | Market / Emporium | Area (Port Blair) | Best for | Indicative timings | Indicative price band |
| 1 | Aberdeen Bazaar | Aberdeen Bazaar (central) | Main hub: textiles, pearls, bamboo & tribal crafts, daily needs | ~10:00–20:00 (varies) ⚠ | Budget–mid ⚠ |
| 2 | Sagarika Government Emporium | Near Port Blair (Govt-run) | Fixed-price authentic shell/bamboo/wood/coconut handicrafts | ~09:00–18:00, may close Sun/holidays ⚠ | Fixed price ⚠ |
| 3 | Ratnam Market | Aberdeen Bazaar area | Seashell crafts, spices, apparel, jewellery, electronics, groceries | ~10:00–20:00 ⚠ | Budget, bargain ⚠ |
| 4 | Andaman Handicraft Emporium | Port Blair (Govt-run) | Indigenous-artisan handicrafts: bamboo, seashell, coconut, wood | ~09:00–18:00 ⚠ | Fixed/mid ⚠ |
| 5 | Queen Sea Shell Craft | Port Blair | Shell jewellery & bangles (conch), lampshades, carved shell decor | ~10:00–19:00 ⚠ | Mid, bargain ⚠ |
| 6 | Aadim Market | Inside Aberdeen Bazaar | Affordable: fresh produce, spices, seafood + local handicrafts | ~early–evening (produce: mornings) ⚠ | Budget, bargain ⚠ |
| 7 | TRIFED (Tribal Co-op) | Port Blair (Govt of India) | Tribal handicrafts, textiles & paintings sourced from communities | ~10:00–18:00 ⚠ | Fixed price ⚠ |
7 Most Famous Places for Shopping In Andaman
From bustling bazaars to upscale malls in Port Blair, some of the most famous markets for shopping in Andaman that you can’t miss are as follows:
Explore Popular Destination In Andaman
Aberdeen Bazaar (The Hub)
Aberdeen Bazaar is a famous place for street shopping in Andaman. It houses various shops that offer everything from daily necessities to distinctive handcrafted mementoes. The market is renowned for its colourful textiles, exclusive pearl jewellery, bamboo crafts, and tribal masks.
It’s a fantastic spot to immerse oneself in the local culture and discover unique items at reasonable prices. The area is also dotted with numerous eateries, with the Lighthouse Restaurant standing out for its delectable seafood dishes like crab curry, prawn, and fish.
Area — central Aberdeen Bazaar, the heart of Port Blair shopping.
Best for — textiles, pearl jewellery, bamboo crafts, tribal masks and everyday needs in one walkable stretch; nearby MG Road and Electrical Plaza cover clothes and electronics (the closest Port Blair has to a shopping ‘mall’).
Timings — roughly 10:00–20:00, individual shops vary ⚠.
Bargaining — expected at the street stalls; less so in fixed-price showrooms.
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Sagarika Government Emporium
Sagarika Government Emporium is a delightful shopping destination offering a unique shopping experience in Andaman. This government-owned emporium offers exquisite handicraft products crafted from bamboo, seashells, coconut shells, and wood, showcasing the essence of shopping in Andaman.
While shopping in Andaman, this is the ideal location to get beautiful and original handcrafted crafts manufactured by locals promoting local and indigenous products. Whether travelling solo, with family, or with friends, a visit to Sagarika Government Emporium should be on your Andaman travel itinerary for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Area — government-run emporium in Port Blair. Best for — authentic, FIXED-PRICE handicrafts in shell, bamboo, coconut shell and wood, made by local artisans (no haggling needed — a safer bet for authenticity). Timings — government hours, roughly 09:00–18:00, often closed on Sundays/public holidays ⚠. Bargaining — not applicable; prices are fixed.
Best for — authentic, FIXED-PRICE handicrafts in shell, bamboo, coconut shell and wood, made by local artisans (no haggling needed — a safer bet for authenticity).
Timings — government hours, roughly 09:00–18:00, often closed on Sundays/public holidays ⚠.
Bargaining — not applicable; prices are fixed.
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Ratnam Market
Ratnam Market is a bustling marketplace, making it a prime destination for shopping in Port Blair. It offers various products, from local handicrafts and souvenirs to apparel, jewellery, and electronics. The market is especially renowned for its seashell crafts and aromatic spices.
It also features numerous small outlets selling groceries, making it a convenient spot for tourists and locals. The place for shopping in Andaman showcases various goods embodying the island’s rich heritage and customs. Whether you’re searching for memorable keepsakes or daily necessities, Ratnam Market caters to a wide range of shopping needs.
Area — Aberdeen Bazaar area.
Best for — a bustling mix of seashell crafts, aromatic spices, apparel, jewellery, electronics and groceries; good for picking up several gift types in one stop.
Timings — roughly 10:00–20:00 ⚠.
Bargaining — expected; compare two or three stalls before you buy.
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Andaman Handicraft Emporium
The Andaman Handicraft Emporium, operated by the local government, is one of the popular shopping places in Andaman. It showcases various exquisite handicraft products crafted by indigenous artisans. As you explore the emporium, you’ll find beautiful items made from bamboo, seashells, coconut shells, and wood. These handcrafted treasures are perfect souvenirs or thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.
The emporium plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of local self-employed individuals. It purchases products directly from these artisans, ensuring their talent and creativity receive recognition and financial support. The Andaman artefact Emporium jewellery is an authentic shopping experience from wooden artefacts to pearl jewellery.
Area: Port Blair (Govt-run)
Best for: Indigenous-artisan handicrafts: bamboo, seashell, coconut, wood
Timings: 09:00–18:00
Bargaining: Fixed/mid
Queen Sea Shell Craft
Queen Sea Shell Craft is a handicraft shop located in Port Blair. It specialises in beautiful items made from seashells and other ocean products. It is known for its jewellery and bangles crafted from sea conch shells.
This place for shopping in Andaman also offers a wider variety of shell handicrafts, including decorative lampshades, wooden trays with shell embellishments, and even carved objects. You can also find unique souvenirs or decorative pieces for your homes and workspace. Hence, if you love shell, you must shop at this place.
Area: Port Blair
Best for: Shell jewellery & bangles (conch), lampshades, carved shell decor
Timings: ~10:00–19:00
Bargaining: Mid, bargain
Aadim Market
Aadim Market, situated in Aberdeen Bazaar, is renowned for its affordable shopping. This place for shopping in Andaman is a treasure trove of fresh fruits, fragrant spices, and the freshest seafood sourced directly from the Andaman Sea. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and gastronomy.
Beyond the fresh produce and seafood, Aadim Market is also a hub for local handicrafts and souvenirs. The market is teeming with vendors offering diverse items, making it an ideal place to hunt for unique gifts and keepsakes.
Area: Inside Aberdeen Bazaar
Best for: Affordable: fresh produce, spices, seafood + local handicrafts
Timings: ~early–evening (produce: mornings)
Bargaining: Budget, bargain
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Of India (TRIFED)
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) is a national-level cooperative body established in 1987 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Its mission is to promote socio-economic development among tribal communities.
TRIFED sells tribal handicrafts, textiles, and paintings, many of which are sourced directly from tribal communities. Shopping at Tribes India is a great way to find unique souvenirs and support tribal communities. Their products are known for their high quality and craftsmanship, and you’ll find various items, including clothes, jewellery, home decor, and more. It is among the best shopping places in Andaman.
Area: Port Blair (Govt of India)
Best for: Tribal handicrafts, textiles & paintings sourced from communities
Timings: ~10:00–18:00
Bargaining: Fixed price
What to Buy — and What to Avoid — in Andaman’s Markets
What to buy: pearls and shell jewellery, bamboo and cane crafts, coconut-shell and wood handicrafts, Nicobari mats and cane hats, spices, and tribal handicrafts from the government emporiums and TRIFED — the fixed-price government outlets are your safest bet for genuine, ethically sourced pieces.
What to AVOID: do not buy products made from sea-turtle shell (‘tortoiseshell’), protected corals, or shells of protected mollusc species. These are protected under India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and buying, possessing or carrying them out of the islands — or out of the country — can be illegal and lead to seizure or prosecution. Genuine artisan shell craft uses permitted shells; if a seller cannot confirm a coral or shell item is legal, do not buy it. Buying from the government emporiums removes most of this risk.
How to Bargain in Andaman’s Markets (and When to Shop)
Bargaining is part of the experience at Port Blair’s street markets — Aberdeen Bazaar, Ratnam Market, Aadim Market and the smaller shell-craft shops — but NOT at the government emporiums (Sagarika, Andaman Handicraft Emporium, TRIFED), where prices are fixed. A few rules: start around 30–40% below the quoted price and meet in the middle; compare two or three stalls before committing; buy multiples from one seller for a better rate; and stay friendly — a smile gets a better price than a hard sell. Shop in the morning for the freshest produce at Aadim Market and the fullest stock everywhere; many shops wind down by early evening, and government emporiums keep shorter, weekday hours.
Indicative Prices in Andaman’s Markets
What things actually cost is the question rivals leave unanswered — and two of those queries (price of Nicobari mats p8.8, price of fishbone articles p8) are terms you already rank for. Add an indicative price table so the page owns them. Frame every figure as “from / indicative” and keep the ⚠ markers until verified.
| Item | Indicative price (from) | Where to buy |
| Nicobari mats (cane/grass) | ₹ ___ 🔒 VERIFY WITH DATA TEAM | Govt emporiums, TRIFED |
| Shell / fishbone articles & jewellery | ₹ ___ 🔒 VERIFY WITH DATA TEAM | Queen Sea Shell Craft, Ratnam Mkt |
| Pearls / pearl jewellery | ₹ ___ 🔒 VERIFY WITH DATA TEAM | Aberdeen Bazaar showrooms |
| Bamboo / cane / coconut-shell crafts | ₹ ___ 🔒 VERIFY WITH DATA TEAM | Sagarika, Andaman Handicraft Emp. |
| Spices (per 100g/250g) | ₹ ___ 🔒 VERIFY WITH DATA TEAM | Aadim Market, Ratnam Market |
Conclusion
Port Blair’s markets pack Andaman’s best shopping into a few walkable blocks — from fixed-price artisan crafts at Sagarika and TRIFED to pearls, shells and spices you can haggle for in Aberdeen Bazaar. Time it for the morning, buy genuine, and skip anything made from protected shell or coral. Planning the rest of your trip around Port Blair?
FAQs About Shopping in Andaman
The island is famous for its distinctive local crafts, products made from seashells, various spices, and pearls. You can also find a wide range of items such as pearls, spices, articles made from fishbone, crafts made from timber, shells, jute items, Nicobari mats, sarongs and hats, and goods made from cane.
Yes, there are definitely street markets to explore in Port Blair. Some of the famous ones include Aberdeen Bazaar, a one-stop shop for everything from groceries to souvenirs, and Sagarika Emporium, a government-run market showcasing local crafts.
Aberdeen Bazaar is the central market in Port Blair. It is filled with shops that sell souvenirs, including local handicrafts made from shells, wood, coconut, and bamboo.
While Port Blair doesn't have large shopping malls in the typical sense, it does have some shopping areas with concentrated shops like MG Road and Electrical Plaza. These areas are great for finding clothes, electronics, and everyday necessities.
Yes, pearls can be purchased in Andaman. They are among the finest items available on the islands.
Yes — bargaining is expected at Port Blair’s street markets such as Aberdeen Bazaar, Ratnam Market and Aadim Market, where you can often settle around 30–40% below the first quote. It is NOT done at the government emporiums (Sagarika, Andaman Handicraft Emporium, TRIFED), where prices are fixed. Compare a couple of stalls and buy multiples from one seller for the best rate.
Avoid anything made from sea-turtle shell, protected corals or protected sea-shell species — these are restricted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and buying or carrying them can be illegal. Stick to permitted shell, bamboo, cane and wood handicrafts, and buy from the government emporiums or TRIFED if you want a guarantee of authenticity and legality.
Most street markets in Port Blair, including Aberdeen Bazaar and Ratnam Market, run roughly from mid-morning to early evening (about 10:00 to 20:00), with the freshest produce at Aadim Market in the mornings. The government emporiums — Sagarika, the Andaman Handicraft Emporium and TRIFED — keep shorter, mainly weekday hours and may close on Sundays and public holidays.
