13 Famous Things To Buy In Andaman In 2026

Pearls are the signature Andaman souvenir. The warm waters of the Bay of Bengal support both natural and cultured varieties, sold loose or set into rings, pendants and earrings. Quality jumps between a street stall and a certified jeweller, so check lustre, surface and shape before you pay, and ask for a quality certificate or stamped receipt on anything you would call an investment piece. Expect a wide price spread, from inexpensive shell-pearl trinkets to graded saltwater pearls (indicative – confirm current rates at the counter).

The islands grow excellent cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, betel and black pepper, and a small bag of island-grown spice is the easiest, most useful souvenir to pack. The government emporium and Aberdeen Bazaar both sell sealed, labelled spice packs – buy those rather than loose roadside mixes if you want consistent quality. Vacuum-sealed spice travels well in checked baggage and clears airport security without fuss.

Dolls, miniatures and decorative pieces hand-shaped from fish bone by local artisans are one of the more unusual island crafts. They are light, inexpensive and distinctly Andamanese, which makes them popular small gifts. Buy from a recognised craft outlet so you know the material is fish bone and not a restricted marine product (see the restrictions note further down).

Andaman’s skilled woodworkers turn local timber into home decor, toys, trays, ornaments and kitchen accessories with fine inlay and finishing. Padauk and other island hardwoods are prized, but be sure any wood item comes from a licensed seller with a receipt – protected timber species carry transport restrictions. Smaller carved pieces make the most practical buys.

Shell craft is everywhere in Andaman – lampshades, vases, ashtrays, wall hangings and a huge range of shell-and-pearl jewellery and accessories. It is attractive and cheap, and an easy way to take the coast home. Two cautions, though: keep your receipt for airport security, and never buy products made from turtle shell, coral or sea fans – these are protected marine species and selling or carrying them is illegal (covered in the restrictions section).

Jute is one of the islands’ most flourishing eco-friendly crafts. You will find sturdy jute bags, footwear, hats, simple jewellery and clothing – practical, biodegradable and very packable. Quality is consistently good, and a jute tote or beach hat doubles as something you will actually use on the trip.

Coconut shell is carved and polished into bowls, showpieces, vases, wind chimes, toys and figurines – among the most characteristic island home-decor buys. The work is detailed and the pieces are light, so they survive the journey well. Travellers consistently rate coconut handicrafts as the best-value decor souvenir on the islands.

Hand-woven mats and wall hangings made by the Nicobarese tribes are among the most culturally significant things you can buy here, reflecting an indigenous weaving tradition. Authentic pieces are best sourced through the government emporium or a recognised tribal-craft outlet, which also ensures the makers are paid fairly. Treat them as the heritage purchase of the trip rather than a cheap memento.

Light cotton and georgette sarongs in island prints, plus jute and cane sun hats, are sold across the beach markets and Aberdeen Bazaar in many styles and sizes. They are inexpensive, fold flat into a bag, and are genuinely useful for the rest of your island days. Bargaining is normal at the beach stalls, far less so in the fixed-price emporiums.

Cane and bamboo are worked into hats, baskets, bags, pitchers, vases, photo frames, keychains and even flutes. The craftsmanship is fine and the prices are low, which makes cane goods a reliable choice for small gifts to take back for family and friends. Look for tight, even weaving as a sign of a well-made piece.

Wild honey gathered from the islands’ forests is a genuine local specialty and a favourite edible souvenir, raw, unprocessed and sold in sealed jars at the emporium and select markets. A small jar is an indicative ₹250–₹400 for around 250 g (indicative — confirm at the counter). Because honey is a liquid, a jar over 100 ml must go in your checked baggage, not your cabin bag.

Pure, cold-pressed Andaman coconut oil for cooking, skin or hair is sought out by visitors and is distinct from the carved coconut-shell handicrafts. Buy sealed, labelled bottles from the emporium rather than unbranded refills; a 500 ml bottle runs an indicative ₹150–₹300 (indicative, confirm at the counter). As with honey, anything over 100 ml travels in checked baggage.

Beyond the Nicobari mats, the islands produce a wider range of tribal and Nicobarese artefacts, carved figures, ornaments and traditional craft pieces that carry real cultural value. Buy only from the government emporium or a licensed craft cooperative: it guarantees authenticity, supports the artisan communities directly, and keeps you clear of items that may be restricted for sale or export. Keep the receipt for any artefact you carry out.