- Open
- 09:00 – 18:00; closed Sundays and government holidays
- Where
- Middle Point, near Secretariat, Port Blair
- Pricing
- Fixed price, no bargaining, card accepted
- Best buys
- Padauk woodwork, palm mats, coconut-shell craft, spices
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Shipping
- Packing available for large wood pieces
What is actually worth buying
- Andaman padauk (red wood) bowls, trays and carved pieces — the signature local craft
- Palm-leaf and cane mats, baskets and lampshades
- Coconut-shell and bamboo craft, cheap and genuinely local
- Nicobari mats and wooden models, if in stock
- Local spices, honey and coconut oil — better value than the airport shops
Shell and coral — the rule that catches people out
Taking shells, coral, sand or any protected marine product out of the islands is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, and bags are screened at Port Blair airport. Anything Sagarika sells is legal to carry; anything sold to you on a beach very likely is not.
Where else to shop in Port Blair
- Aberdeen Bazaar — the main market for clothing, everyday goods and cheaper souvenirs
- Cottage Industries Emporium nearby, similar stock and also government-run
- Junglighat fish market for atmosphere rather than shopping
- Airport shops: convenient, roughly 30–40% more expensive
Frequently asked questions
What are Sagarika Emporium timings?
Typically 09:00 to 18:00, closed on Sundays and government holidays. Allow around 45 minutes.
Is Sagarika Emporium expensive?
It is fixed-price and government-run, so slightly above bazaar rates for identical items but with no bargaining and no risk of illegally sourced stock. For padauk woodwork it is the safest place to buy.
Can I take shells or coral home from the Andamans?
No. Shells, coral and sand are protected and bags are screened at Port Blair airport. Buy only from licensed emporiums, which stock legal alternatives.
Free download
Printable Andaman ferry & logistics cheat sheet
One page with every ferry class and fare, cab rates, activity prices, convoy timings and the rules that catch people out. Print it or keep it on your phone — the islands have patchy data.
Want it checked against your actual dates? Leave your details and our Port Blair desk sends a dated version with live ferry availability.
Ask our Port Blair desk about Sagarika Emporium shopping
Timings and fares shift with the season. Tell us your dates and we'll confirm what is actually running — no obligation, no call centre.