What To Buy And Where To Buy In Andaman

Shopping is something that everyone loves to do. Traveling and shopping through the land of unseeing adventures and the epitome of refreshment and happiness. The phrase completely compliments the heavenly paradise, the Andaman. Every aisle is flourished with sparkling commodities which are truly a visual treat for eyes. Port Blair is considered as one of the most renowned shopaholic paradises in Andaman. Some of the exhilarating and varied local Bazaars, vendors and beachside markets can be found in Port Blair. Among them, Aberdeen Bazaar is the most popular one among tourists.

Aberdeen Bazaar

1. Aberdeen Bazaar
Aberdeen Bazaar is one of the most popular Bazaar in Andaman nestled in Port Blair. It is a 24/7 active market which brimful with emporium for jewelry, stationaries, spices, and other essentials. Aberdeen Bazaar is also popular for its authentic Andaman cuisines. There are so many local vendors throughout the street from where one can explore the local delicacy.

Interesting things to buy from Aberdeen Bazaar

  • Nicobari Mats
    The impeccable skills of artisans can be witnessed in every Nicobari Mats. Due to the abundance of coconut, artifacts made of coconut and Nicobari Mats are one such important factor in Andaman revenue. The tribal patterns and color combinations of these mats are unique features about it and it can be used as a classic home decor which available at the best prices. Nicobari mats are usually made from coconut and pandanus leaves. And for making serpentine patterns and designs they also used an amalgamation of light and dark leaves.
  • Clothes and Accessories
    Shopping in Andaman is incomplete if you don’t purchase the local clothing and famous tribal jewelry. The Burmese tribal jewelry is famous among them. From the multipurpose jute bags to tribal design clothing one can explore a lot many things among the  Burmese tribe stores. And if you’re a brand diva, then Andaman offers a vibrant collection of branded things from Raymond,  FabIndia and so on.
  • Coconut Handicrafts
    Since Coconut cultivation is a major source of income in Andaman, utensils made of Coconut are an incredible part of Andaman tourism. The gargets like finger bowls, table lamps, wind chimes, vases, home decors and much more. Basketry and mat-weaving are some of the conventional crafts of the Nicorbarese and commonly done by women during their recreation time. Along with these dashing handicrafts, spices are the next best item to purchase from Aberdeen Bazaar. Fresh and aromatic spices like black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom can be easily purchased from here.

 

Apart from Aberdeen Bazaar, Sagarika Emporium, Delanipur and Prem Nagar are the eminent places for a kick-ass shopping in Andaman.

sagarika emporium

2. Sagarika Emporium
Sagarika Emporium is one of the main attractions in Andaman established by the government and a great platform for self-employed people to promote their labor. It is the best place for a ceaseless orgy of shopping. Nestled in Port Blair with a wide range of arts and handicrafts at the best prices. Your bargaining skills are really helpful here to purchase some dashing gadgets at cheap prices. To explore all these amazing things you need the finest details about nook and corner of Andaman. So it is also recommended to hire a guide for the purpose and nowadays most of the travel companies are providing multi-lingual travel guide through your journey. Andaman Tour Travel is one of them. It stands out for its distinguishable tour packages and amazing offers.

3. Electric Plaza
The name Electric plaza is due to the availability of a huge amount of electric equipment in this market and a major shopping spot in Port Blair. The main pros of this place are its abundance of a wide range of electric utensils at cheap prices. Mobile and laptop chargers and headphones are the most demanded commodities in Electric Plaza. This place is a lifesaver if you forget to bring your charger and power backs on a vacation.

4. M.G Road
Here one can visualize the great Indian culture throughout the aisle. The place is named after Mahatma Gandhi and a must visited place in Andaman for purchasing home decor to wooden jewelry. From 8 AM to 9 PM you can wander along through this market and can purchase anything which suits your vibe. Even if you’re in a budget-friendly pacakge you can always find anything up to your budget from here. Another interesting fact about M.G road is the availability of authentic Andaman cuisine and cafeteria with multi-cuisine dining.

electric plaza

Interesting things to add in your shopping list from M.G road

  •  Shells
    Since it is coastal area shells and corals are perfectly embedded in every part of Andaman. But in some areas of Andaman collecting shells from the seashore is banned too. For such cases, it is always good to purchase shells artifacts and jewelry from the vendors. Every shop in the whole market in M.G road, we can find lampshades, ornaments, accessories, ashtrays, key-chains, and vases which are handcrafts with shells. And if you’re buying any shell products from Andaman then don’t forget to ask for the receipt to avoid any issues in the airport.
  •  Sarongs and Hats
    Andaman is a tropical island and due to the harsh climate during sunny seasons, hats or Sarongs are a necessary part of while traveling through Andaman. And also it is an ideal thing to complete your beach look and flaunt like a fashionista. You can buy any color and different shaped handcrafted with Jute from M.G road.

Queen Sea Covering Craft

5. Queen Sea Covering Craft
Bamboo crafts and coconut shell lamps are the specialties of Queen Sea Covering Craft center near to Aberdeen Bazaar. Like every other market in Port Blair here also one can find an amazing collection of gold and silver oxide Jumkas, Bangles, chokers, and footwear which are heaped throughout the shops. Shopping in Andaman is an exciting activity that every tourist is eagerly involved in. Add all these fascinating spots on your next holidays trip to Andaman.

A Surprise Wedding Gift for My Brother and Sister-in-law

Usually, everybody wakes up either by hearing the alarm or by tweeting of birds. But for me, it was something strange I opened my eyes early morning by hearing a quarrel from my newly married brother’s room. As everybody knew it is very awkward to peep into some other’s personal life especially when it is our sibling. Therefore I did not interfere in his personal business. To be very frank I was hearing quarrel for the last night but it was not as serious as it is now. Slowly I got from my bed and got refreshed and moved to the kitchen to start my household duties. After an hour my sister-in-law joined in the kitchen and with her my mom. Usually early morning she used to be very talkative. She used to talk on several issues. But on that, she did not utter a single word. Her face was turned like a pumpkin. My mom wanted to inquire about the matter but she did not do it as she wants to protect her image. Even though she wanted to know the fact she controlled her emotions. In the next 30 minutes, my brother came to the kitchen and demanded a cup of tea. Usually, his wife used to give him, the moment he wakes from his bed. But today as they were not in good terms I had to take the initiative. He was very angry and he shouted at her and told her “you decide the place, I will not” and left the kitchen. She busted into tears. We both females consoled her and called him and inquired about the matter.

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It was nothing like a major problem. For the past few days, they were discussing their honeymoon trip and till now they were not able to finalize any place. “Are you all crazy to quarrel for such silly things?” I asked them. Like every life partner, they both had different choices for each and everything. As my brother is an adventure lover he liked adventure places such as hill stations, scary mountains and so on. His wife did not like adventures but love to spend precious time with plants and animals. I smiled and told them I have a perfect solution for your cumbersome problem. They looked at me. Their expression exactly reflected their curiosity to learn the solution. They were eagerly waiting for me to utter the answer. I did not test their patient anymore and revealed the name of the destination- Alleppey, and Kumarakom. The places were not new to them. Both these places have played a significant role in the formation of new Kerala. They were happy now and started to smile. But he told me, “even though the names of the places are familiar but he does not have any idea about the tourist destinations over there”. “I have a solution for that also”, I told them. “What is that?” my sister-in-law asked. They can purchase the honeymoon tour packages to Kerala from the famous travel operator called Dream Holidays. It is one of the prominent travel planners in Kerala and curates the packages by inculcating airfare too. “Wow! That sounds good”, my brother replied. Also, I added that I and my husband will arrange all the necessary arrangement for your trip, the only thing what you have to do is to pack good dresses for your most awaited honeymoon trip. They were surprised and had no idea how to express their joy and excitement. Within a couple of hours, we availed of the packages. They thanked us for the surprise gift.

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Within a week they boarded a flight to Cochin International Airport in Kerala. As they ascended towards the gate they met their tour representative. He greeted them and guided them to the cab. They told that cab was well–maintained. The interiors and exteriors were fascinating.  After travelling for 3 hours they reached the ‘Venice of East’- popularly known as Alleppey. The soothing climate and calm ambience lured their hearts. After completing the formalities they moved to rooms in the resort and unwind for a while. By the evening they started exploring the district. First, they visited the famous Krishnapuram Palace. The palace is famous for the mural painting of Gajendra Moksham. They clicked many lovely images of the antiques and artefacts seen in the palace. They were fascinated by seeing the spectacular architecture of the royal mansion. After spending a few hours they moved to the coir industry, for which the district is famous and understood how coir products are formed.

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By the evening they entered the most famous traditional cruises of Kerala known as houseboats. These houseboats were once used for business purposes, now being used to enhance the tourism sector. Hundreds of travellers flock to the district to spend memorable moments in the houseboat cruises by availing of tour packages at a reasonable price. The moment they entered the houseboat they felt like they stepped into a five-star hotel. The houseboat carried all the modern amenities. There were lured by seeing the infrastructures and that moment itself they called me and thanked me and my hubby for such a wonderful gift. In the evening three were entertained by the classical dances performances of the dancers and savoured scrumptious Non- vegetarian meals prepared in traditional Kerala style. The next morning they landed to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is famous for bird’s sanctuary with a scenic view. They stepped out from the boat and enjoyed the melodious chirp of lovely birds in the forest. They captured lovely pictures of birds in the sanctuary. That night they spend in the treehouse. After returning from the trip they once told me that spending a night in the treehouse was one of the memorable moments in their life. From Alleppey and Kumarakom they bought some homemade chocolates and also antique for me.

They once again thanked us for formulating such a wonderful itinerary. By reading my brother’s honeymoon story don’t you feel to accompany your life partner to ‘god’s own country’ then what are waiting for? Avail of the package as soon as possible.

7 Hangout Places in Dubai where You Could Feel Like a Local

There are not many natural wonders to astonish you while visiting the Arab Emirate of Dubai, unlike when you are vacationing at either Maldives or the USA. Yet, you could find thousands of tourists thronging to the place every year. Actually, these numbers are increasing each passing year. Henceforth, there would obviously be something new and recent, that are attracting them to visit. Some of them would be wishing to spend their vacation in the most luxuriant ways they could whereas some others would love to travel like a local in this global city. Well, this short description is meant for the second lot. After reading and hanging out accordingly could make you feel like an Emirati inhabiting in Dubai.

Given below are the hangout places in Dubai where you could feel like a local.

La Mer

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Beachfront locations are quite many in the city of skyscrapers, yet the one at La Mer has got its reasons to be included in this list. It is from this particular location that the locals shop for most of their daily requirements. So on the streets of La Mer, just dress like an Emirati and stroll. At any intervals and drop into any of the shops. Furthermore, you must never skip spending at least a night of your tour on the beachside street of La Mer, as it is one among the happening locations in Dubai.

Al Serkal Avenue

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Many tourists would love to collect antiques or any sort of souvenirs when they are visiting any foreign countries whether if it through tour packages or otherwise. To them, Al Serkal Avenue is to their rescue. Situated quite accessibly amid the industrial area of Al Quoz, the Avenue does comprise of numerous independent galleries that display diverse artworks. Such an arrangement would resemble the streets of Hyderabad that sell antiques. Moreover, while strolling across these lanes, there is every chance of getting lost.

XVA Art Hotel

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You may drop in at the XVA Art Hotel while visiting the ancient Al Fahidi district. And such an act is not going to make any regret in you, as you are going to satisfy both your heart and tummies by eating in the most ethnic ambiance. All you could find around are original Emirati, whether it is the motifs, the indoor plants grown, the basic architectural style of the building and whatnot. The original Arab eatery had been recognized globally, as it was also awarded for its services.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

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Not many people would ever imagine a green space set just beside the beach in a dry region like that of Dubai. But there do exist. And the locals do visit this beach park at Al Mamzar quite often. They even plan for a day out at this green space and change them as a picnic spot. So when you are sightseeing Dubai, you may also head to the Al Mamzar Beach Park and relax for some time at the beautifully laid beachside. You may watch the kids of the Arab families who had come there at their leisure time, running past by your side.

Gold Souk

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Being one of the most popular market places in the city, you could the people around you venting out their shopping spree. While strolling through the old paths of Gold Souk and another souk, which had been shopping for various continuous decades, you will find numerous small shops. However, among which your ‘must-do’ activity may include the Gold Souk, as such a sight has seen there would be rare. You may rush into the tourists who had come to sight the one the largest ever shopping places in the world and obviously the locals who had even visited for buying the daily requirements like that of groceries.

The Coffee Museum

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Emiratis place their love for Coffee at some level, as they are one of the most common hot beverages that they consume on a daily basis. If you too are wishing to emulate their concern for the drink by sipping them in the very same Arab ambiance, drop into the Al Fahidi district to visit this glorious Coffee Museum located in Bur Dubai. You find the artifacts and other ancient antiques that are well connected to their Coffee-drinking culture. Apart from that, you may also catch a glimpse of the old books stacked in their literature room. Locals do stopover to sip in the freshly-brewed coffee served at the museum –cum-shop. So you too may visit this museum shop and purchase these exciting real Emirati things.

Now that you have got enough tourist places in Dubai where you could hang out just like a local, you are definitely going to feel just like the Emirati way. So why waiting for more, you may book your tour packages by once contacting the reputed travel firm of Dubai Tour Trawell based in the city. Moreover, their travel deals to cover all those significant tourist centers like that of the Burj Khalifa Underwater Zoo and Museum, Dubai Creek, Miracle Garden, Water themed Parks, Dubai Mall and many more. On these tours they never make it skip those amazing experiences that are acquired from your vacationing here. Tour packages are made available from all the major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Coimbatore, and Ahmedabad. The tour company targets travelers to Dubai who are on honeymoon, family tour, group tour and even on solo trips. Most importantly, you could avail of their efficient services at the most affordable prices.

Everything You Need to Know About the Mangrove Creeks of Andaman

Most of the pictures that you get to see of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be of the white sandy beaches pampered by the pristine turquoise blue sea waters, that would be lined by a couple of exotic tall trees. Moreover, they could make the perfect ingredients for that stereotypical scenery that are usually hung in the walls of those cramped living rooms. Well, the entire archipelago of the Andaman Islands is a lot more that these clichéd features. The next most notable ecological feature will be the long creek covered with thick mangroves in the inland of Andaman that are resistant to even salt-water. Furthermore, while passing through the creeks lined by them, you would inevitably feel that you are at the same place where the famous movie Anaconda was shot.

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Given below are a few of the interesting facts on the Mangroves of Andaman that makes them stand out.

Where are the mangroves found in Andaman?

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In the archipelago, the natural vegetation of mangroves is concentrated on the Islands of Baratang, Rangath and Ross Island. If you had already been to the islands and visited the Limestone Caves at the place, you might have either crossed them or seen them. They are naturally grown in the inland waterways, through which the water flowing in the long green creeks that are at most of the places are deep green-hued and on other places they are brackish. When talking about the area covered by their vegetation, it constitutes up to 612 sq. km in Andaman itself.

How do the mangroves of Andaman look like?

 Basically, there are around 15 species of Mangroves grown naturally in various parts of the Island. They would be seen to be dipped in the marshy water with its roots fixed strongly in the ground. Most often, it is said that they are strong enough to withstand high tides and even cyclones and Tsunamis. Nonetheless, during low tides, the tangled and arching roots get exposed to the viewers.

What could the most appropriate climatic conditions to the growth of Mangroves in the Andaman Islands?

You cannot find on the sandy beaches of Andaman, instead, they need to have muddy soil of different consistencies for their growth. And some of their species will be washed off by the marshy waters too often, yet others are not required so. The short dry season, heavy rainfall and humid climate are the two most required things for the preferable growth of Mangrove. Fortunately, all of these climatic conditions are easily available in the islands of Andaman. Apart from that, the frequent fluctuations in the behaviour of tides are too consequential in such a larger cover of its vegetation.

Do you know that a large flock of migratory birds visit the mangrove in the season?

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As expected, the dense forest covers of Mangroves in Andaman are visited by diverse varieties of migratory birds. Quite surprisingly, these flying friends come to the rich biodiversity all through the year. Moreover, the species that are spotted by the ornithologist are numerous, as they would comprise of very small birds to the obvious larger ones. They make the living space here amid the mangrove reliant by catching and consuming the large varieties of fishes found in the swampy waters.

What could be the other major species for which the thick mangroves are a home?       

As mentioned before the Mangrove Creek of Andaman is home to a large group of animals. When saying the specific numbers, it would extend to around 253 fish species, 410 arthropods, 8 mammal species, 3 amphibians and 7 reptiles. This collection also comprises of some dangerous salt-water crocodiles and poisonous snakes. So the boat safaris to those specific regions that are prone to their attacks are deliberately avoided.     

Which season could be the best to make a visit to the Mangrove creek of Andaman?

Months from December to May, or plainly the drier months are perfect for sighting these Mangrove vegetations of Andaman Islands. So you may schedule on your tour accordingly in those times of the year. You just need to stroll across the walkway set in Dhani Nallah in Ranghat Island. Or, if you are particular about witnessing them in close encounters, you may opt for boat safari after including them in your tour packages. Lately, the Tourism Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands had deemed them as a coastal heritage site with respect to the crucial role they had played in maintaining the ecological balance of the islands. Similarly, the mangrove covers of the major city like that of Mumbai that is under threat are also needed to be given some recognition.

As cited earlier, the experiences that you could gain when you are vacationing in Andaman is quite varied. Take a boat safari across the Mangrove creeks made available in different regions of the Islands to feel them in real and analyse what they really are. So when you are planning your next vacation to the Islands, you may contact Andaman Tour Travel by over the phone or online. The reputed tour operator based in Port Blair had curated various diverse tour packages that could fulfil your dreams of exploring these places of your own. So you may visit them as honeymooners, in group, family or even alone on a solo trip. The most crowd-pulling factor of their travel deal is that you could avail them at most affordable prices.

What is Unique about the Ananthapura Lake Temple of Kasargod in Kerala? Explained with 9 Amazing Facts

Even from a small picture of the Ananthapura Lake Temple of Kasargod, will say so much about the uniqueness of this spiritual centre located at Kumbla village. The foremost thing that you note here would be of the surrounding green marshy waters on all its sides. Such a structure built in the 9th century is still the only of its kind in Kerala. Moreover, the idol worshipped in the ancient temple is a replica of the same sort like that of Anadhapadmanadha temple down the south in Thiruvanthapuram and so the name. The following characteristics of the Ananthapura Temple of Kasargod are what make it unique.

The only lake temple dedicated to Lord Anandhapadmanabha in Kerala

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As the name implies, this ancient shrine located in the northernmost district of  Kerala does worship deity Anadhapadmanabha who can be seen here in the sitting positing just above a serpent unlike the reclining pose as in the temple of Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. So when you are tour to these parts, you may try to give a visit to the spiritual centre if they are readily included in your packages.

Major sanctum of the temple is protected by a ‘Vegetarian crocodile’

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Although this may sound scary, you have to admit that you are taking some risk by deliberately moving to the temple either for praying or sightseeing, as a crocodile named ‘Babia’ lives in the lake waters surrounding the temple. However, you do not have to get panicked of the crocodile that was spotted in urban spaces of Hyderabad soon after the deluges of 2019. It can be said so, as the reptile is so used to the things from staying here for quite some time and most surprisingly, it consumes only vegetarian food offered by the priests.

Bridges across the rectangle lake to reach the deity

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As the unique shrine is surrounded by water on all its sides by a rectangular lake that never alters its water level, different spots of the temple have to be reached by small bridges inside the premises itself. Like, for example, say, you may have to cross them just above the deep green waters of the lake to reach the Sreekovil from Gopuram. By standing on the bridges, you may feed Babia with Jaggery and sweet rice.

The temple walls are beautifully adorned with mural paintings

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When you are visiting this unique Ananthapura Lake Temple, you may adore the beauty of the Mural painting done on the external walls of the Sreekovil. Each of these magnificent works is done based on various Hindu epics. It becomes quite mandatory that the lustres of these intricate paintings would be affected over years of passing time. Therefore, the temple authorities had built a wall to conserve them for the posterity.

Idols of the temple were initially made with leaves were changed to metallic

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It is believed that, in the ancient periods, it was set by some unique combination of herbal plants just before sculpting the idols of deities here. Even now, during the scheduled rituals, they are decorated with ornaments and sandalwood pastes. Apart from that, you may find the same Sri Krishna Temple that was once believed to have been revered by the popular Vilvamangalathu Swamy.

Numerous myths associated with the construction of the temple

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There are quite many myths popular based on each of the idols, spots and the rituals followed in the temple. One among them is that the deity Anathapadmanabha, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu was settled himself at this spot and was appeared in front of a devotee in the form of a boy. Later, the lad was believed to be run into the nearby cave, as he was shooed off by a meditating sage at this particular spot.

The rare material is chosen for making the present idol

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In the textures and colour, although it may resemble an ordinary metal, in reality, they are not so. They are actually made of a rare material called ‘Kadu Sarkara Yogam,’ which is a combination of around 108 materials. It would be really astonishing to realize that they are not stone and metal as seen in usual idols of deities.

A cave with the perennial flow of sacred water

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At one of the corners of this never drying up the lake, no matter what the climate is, you could find a cave. Moreover from this cave, you could sight a perennial flow of water that is consumed as a ’Theertham’ by the believers coming here. Besides, various myths are connected with the origin of such a source of pure water amid the lake waters of the temple.

Being situated in a scenic location

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Even the path leading to the temple is rich in its own biodiversity, as the temple can be sighted after witnessing rows of high verdant hills. So your visit to the temple can also be considered as a tour of all the nearby beautiful locations. They could be as beautiful as the regions surrounding Arulmigu Maruthamalai Murugan Temple in Coimbatore. Once you arrive at the premises of the temple, you are going to avail that beautiful ambience of serene tranquillity.

Just like the ancient temple elaborated here, there are several other unique pilgrimage centres spread all across the state of Kerala. So if you are planning to visit these spiritual centres most profoundly, you may get in contact with Lelagoon Holidays who are one of the most popular tour companies of Kerala. They had curated varied tour packages that would fulfil the demands of any sorts of travellers who are on a group tour or solo trip or even whether they are honeymooners or family. You could make use of their best travel deals when you are planning of any sort holidaying in the happening state of Kerala. Above all that, their packages are set in such a way that they can be availed by wanderlust who are on a budget or wishing for a luxurious vacationing.