Gifts from the Andamans that come with a heartbeat
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands aren’t built for speed. They ask you to slow down, to pause long enough to hear the rustle of palm fronds, the hush of mangroves, the chatter of market stalls. That’s where the real souvenirs live. Not on airport stands or duty-free shelves, but in the hands of artisans, in backyards shaded by coconut trees, and in traditions passed quietly down generations.
Skip the fridge magnets. Here’s what to take home instead.
Nicobari Mats: Woven With Memory
Before there were floors, there were mats, and Nicobarese mats are nothing short of art you can sit on. Called Chatrai-hileuoi, these mats are handwoven from pandanus leaves and coconut stems, soft, strong, and dyed with patience, not chemicals. They’re not just household items; they’re heirlooms. Each pattern carries cultural code, and each finished mat is a nod to Nicobari identity, quiet resilience, and design genius that predates Pinterest.
Ask for the meaning behind the pattern. Some motifs carry the weight of oral history.
Coconut Handicrafts: The Island’s Original Upcycle
Where others see waste, island artisans see wonder. Coconut shells here are carved, polished, and reborn as lamps, bowls, toys, handbags, wind chimes, even wearable art. It’s raw, textured, and deeply intentional. You can tell a real coconut craft by the way it still smells faintly of sun-dried husk.
Perfect for: Eco-collectors, slow décor lovers, and anyone allergic to factory finishes.
Andaman Pearls: Modest Luxury from Quiet Waters
These aren’t your glitzy showroom pearls. Andaman pearls are smaller, subtler, and far more personal. Pulled from warm island waters, they shimmer softly in muted greys and off-whites, often paired with bits of coral or shell to echo the shoreline. Look out for locally strung earrings and minimal necklaces that sit light but speak volumes.
Tip: Pearls are best gifted to someone you love, or the version of you that survived the ferry.
Coral Jewelry: Beauty With Boundaries
Red coral. Pink coral. Mother-of-pearl accents. Local hands have been shaping coral into jewelry for decades, and now, with responsible sourcing and marine awareness on the rise, artisans are leading the shift to certified, sustainable coral crafting. Buy it because it’s beautiful, but wear it because it means something.
Check for eco-certification. Style shouldn’t come at the ocean’s expense.
Bamboo & Cane Crafts: Functional, Featherlight, Island-Born
From market baskets to lamp shades, bamboo and cane crafts are Andaman’s quiet design export. Lightweight, low-footprint, and shaped into timeless pieces, these are what you want to carry home if you’re looking for functional souvenirs with soul.
Easy to pack. Easier to fall in love with.
Nicobari Coconut Oil: The Real Island Elixir
Forget factory oils. This is the real deal, cold-pressed coconut oil made in small batches from sun-dried coconuts, with zero shortcuts. Use it on your face, in your hair, or on your food; it does it all. Locals swear by it, and once you try it, you’ll stop asking why your skin felt dry in the first place.
Buy from local labels to keep the island economy flowing straight from the source.
Where to Find These Stories
Sagarika Government Emporium is your safest first stop. Certified, island-made, and consistent, they carry a wide selection of the products mentioned above. But for those who want more than a transaction, head into local markets. Speak to artisans. Visit villages like Chouldari or Laxmi Nagar, where crafts aren’t for tourists, they’re for life.
Take Home Something That Doesn’t Expire
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not a checklist. They’re a rhythm. And if you listen carefully, each mat, each bowl, each bracelet hums in tune. Shopping here isn’t about things, it’s about touch, story, and legacy. So the next time you pack your bags, make room for more than keepsakes. Make room for what can’t be mass-produced, the real, the raw, the island-made.
