If you’re planning a holiday in India, then you must explore the Andaman Islands, particularly the lovely city of Port Blair. A stunning area in the mesmerizing Bay of Bengal, this capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a true gem. If you want to dig deep into the region’s rich history, a must-see attraction is the Zonal Anthropological Museum. Founded in 1975, the museum uncovers treasures of Andaman’s local culture and ethnic diversity. This ethnographic museum focuses on spreading awareness about the indigenous tribes of the island, specifically their customs and habits. Zonal Anthropological Museum is the go-to place to learn some fantastic facts about the Andaman Islands and its native people. Scroll down to take a look at our guide to Zonal Anthropological Museum, Port Blair.
Things to do / Highlights
Zonal Anthropological Museum is an engaging and phenomenal place to understand the history of the island’s alluring tribes. These tribes are believed to be one of the earliest ones on the planet and have maintained limited contact with the outside world; so not much is known about them. This makes Zonal Anthropological Museum an even more powerful tourist attraction to visit since it offers answers to questions via interesting exhibits.
Admire the carefully crafted models of tribals
Visitors to the museum can get a glimpse of indigenous tribal communities living on the islands via thought-provoking models made from hay and clay. Everyday utensils and equipment used by the tribes are also on display here. Colorful ornaments worn by the tribals can be viewed here as well. Other displays include ancient and fierce tribal weapons, basic geometric patterns etched onto a beautiful Jarawa chest guard, a skull left near a primitive lean-to, an intriguing Andamanese shell-waist girdle, and shamanic sculptures representative of totemic spirits.
Learn about ancient island life at Paleolithic Islanders exhibit
Make it a point to view the Paleolithic Islanders exhibit where you can learn about the intriguing life of people inhabiting the islands during the Paleolithic Age. Detailed models of huts, houses, and other dwellings along with traditional clothing and photographs provide an extensive look at tribal life during those times.
See interesting documentaries and short films
Captivating documentaries and interesting short films give a glimpse into the lives of the region’s tribes, their unique social customs and compelling culture. Such documentaries and short films are occasionally screened at the museum for the benefit of visitors.
Travelers tips
Wheelchair-accessibility
This museum offers a wide and sturdy entry ramp for those visitors who are wheelchair-bound.
Lunch break
Visitors should note that the museum shuts down from 1pm - 1:30pm for lunch, so plan accordingly.
Pack provisions
Make sure you carry a supply of high-protein snacks and replenishing water to keep you going until you can sit down for a proper meal. A tour of the museum takes about one - two hours but that can seem like an unbearable eternity for parents with cranky little ones in tow.
Monsoon season
Light rainfall occurs throughout the year in Port Blair. However, the period from mid-May to June brings the monsoon season to the islands and can quickly put a damper on any outdoor activities. So keep this in mind before planning your visit to the museum.
Photography
Be mindful of the fact that photography is not allowed at this attraction.
Souvenir shop
A tour of the museum is incomplete without a stop at its charming souvenir shop. Tourists can buy some of the most affordable mementos in the city here. Located adjacent to the museum, the delightful souvenir shop offers a selection of informative and inspirational journals, books, and the usual trinkets reflective of the museum’s exhibits. One recommendation is an interesting government publication on indigenous tribes that costs less than 1 USD.
Busy days
The museum’s busiest days tend to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday and the most foot traffic is from 2pm - 3pm. If you hate crowds, opt for a Thursday, Friday or Sunday.
How to get there
Private vehicle
Travelers who plan to rent a car and drive should note that Zonal Anthropological Museum is located in Phoenix Bay, MG Road, Port Blair, South Andaman Island, 744101, India.
Public transport
Zonal Anthropological Museum is located along the main thoroughfare in Port Blair, MG Road. Because of its convenient location in the city, tourists can catch any city bus and chances are that it will pass by the museum. Mohanpura Central bus stand located at Mohanpura, Port Blair, 744104, India is one of the city’s central transportation hubs and is about 0.68 miles (1.1 kilometers) away from the museum.
Auto-rickshaw
Port Blair’s answer to the traditional taxi, auto-rickshaw, is a fun, easy, and affordable way to get to the museum. You can hail one off the street or hire one to explore the city on your own. If you choose to rely on Google maps, be aware that mobile connectivity is extremely limited in the area.
Plane
To reach Port Blair from other parts of India, you can take a flight from Kolkata or Chennai.
Ferries
If you plan to arrive by water, then passenger ferries are available from cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to take you to Port Blair.
How to get tickets
Unfortunately, Zonal Anthropological Museum does not offer the convenience of buying tickets online. So, you must purchase tickets at the on-site ticket office on the day of the visit itself. Tickets generally cost less than 1 USD, but different prices may apply for Indian nationals and foreign visitors.
Zonal Anthropological Museum information
Address: Phoenix Bay, MG Road, Port Blair, South Andaman Island, 744101, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 1pm, 1:30pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 0.41 USD onwards
Department of tourism: Andaman Tourism
History
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