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The Zonal Anthropological Museum is one of the most popular museums in Port Blair. This place showcases the historical, traditional and cultural roots of the island through its exhibits and artefacts. At this museum, you can focus on the lives of the four major Andamanese tribes namely Onges, Sentinalese, Jarawas and Great Andamanese. The Zonal Anthropological Museum provides a sneak peek into the lifestyle of these tribes that used to live on the island and those that continue to reside there.
Quick Details About Zonal Anthropological Museum
Location: Thomas Colony, Junglighat, Port Blair
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Port: Port Blair Port
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Zonal Anthropological Museum Ticket Price: ₹10 for adults, Free for children
Zonal Anthropological Museum Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Mondays Closed)
About Zonal Anthropological Museum Port Blair
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Zonal Anthropological Museum is one of the most visited museums of Port Blair for tourists looking to get better acquainted with the palaeolithic islanders’ lives and lifestyles. Some of the major exhibits of the museum include shamanic sculptures and a Jarawa chest guard. For history buffs, the place is a treasure trove of knowledge related to the primordial eras of the Andaman and Nicobar tribes. The museum is home to handicrafts, implements, photographs and clothing of these communities.
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How To Reach Zonal Anthropological Museum
Photo: Jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
From Port Blair: The Anthropological Museum is at a distance of just 7.3 km from Port Blair. Hail a taxi, cab or bus to the museum for a drive that takes about 15-20 minutes.
From Havelock Island: If you are starting from Havelock Island, then your trip to the Zonal Anthropological Museum will take around 2.5-3 hours. The journey can be done via bus, car or taxi.
Places To Visit Around Zonal Anthropological Museum
After experiencing the tribal ambience and vibrant culture of this museum, here are some other attractions that you can explore nearby.
1. Samudrika Naval Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Samudrika Naval Museum was built for the promotion and preservation of the island’s marine life and is run by the Indian Navy. Also called the Fisheries Museum, this tourist hotspot has a large collection of colourful corals, fishes, seashells and species of sea animals. The exhibits are displayed in five main sections: Andaman history, marine archaeology, marine life, Andaman tribes and geographical information. At this museum, you can view a skeleton of a majestic blue whale that was washed ashore on the island.
Location: Airport Authority Colony, Haddo, Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM (Mondays Closed)
Entry Fees: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children
Suggested Read: Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
2. Fisheries Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
The Fisheries Museum is near the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex and has a broad collection of corals and fishes. This museum also houses marine creatures, plants and other marine life species that are endemic to the Andaman Islands. At this tourist destination in Port Blair, you can spot varieties of marine creatures like Mollusca, ichthyofauna, reef fishes, butterflyfish, rabbitfish, mangrove crabs, leatherbacks, hawksbills, clownfish, and green turtles. Besides this, you can also view the collection of large and small-sized seashells here.
Location: Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 4:45 PM (Mondays Closed)
Entry Fees: ₹5 for adults, ₹3 for children
3. Cellular Jail Museum
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
This is a famous colonial jail museum in Port Blair that is a reminder of one of the darkest freedom struggle chapters of India. Every room of the Cellular Jail Museum brings to life the tales of sacrifice and bravery of the Indian freedom fighters. In addition, there is a photo gallery as well as a library that further displays the struggle and journey of the jail inmates. Also called Kala Paani, the jail rooms of this museum signify the sacrifice and bravery of the prisoners.
Location: GB Pant Road, Atlanta Point, Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM (Mondays Closed)
Entry Fees: ₹30 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Port Blair
4. Forest Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for its decorative pieces and artefacts designed from satinwood, oak, padauk, timber gurjan and sandalwood, the museum collection reflects the rich flora and fauna of Andaman forests. The Forest Museum is located inside the Chatham Saw Mill and presents the history of the island through the eyes of artists and skilled labourers. Tourists can also visit the miniature zoo and the zoological garden that is located inside the premises of the museum. Also, purchase wooden artefacts from the museum as souvenirs.
Location: Near Haddo Zoo, Chatham Island, Foreshore Rd, Port Blair
Timings: 8 AM – 12 PM, 2:30 PM – 5 PM (Sundays Closed)
Entry Fees: ₹2 per person
Where To Stay
Photo: William Warby / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Whether you are looking for luxury resorts or budget stays, there are many accommodation options available near the Zonal Anthropological Museum address. Some popular choices include Hotel Sentinel, Hotel De Marina, Hotel Blue Marlin, GKM Grand Hotel, and Hotel Hari International. Each of these hotels is well-furnished and equipped with the major amenities.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are several eateries near the Anthropological Museum that can satiate the hunger pangs of tourists. Some of the top-rated ones include The Andaman Kitchen, The Love Garden, Annapurna, Ananda Restaurant and The Lighthouse Residency.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels/ Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Make sure you have your identity cards with you at all times as you will need them during security checks.
- It is advisable not to touch the museum exhibits.
- Do not take any Zonal Anthropological Museum photos.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as per the season
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The Zonal Anthropological Museum is a tourist destination in Port Blair that throws light on the indigenous tribal communities of the island. From shamanic sculptures to Jarawa chest guards, you can get a quick glimpse into the life of the Andaman and Nicobar tribal people. If you are looking to add this museum to your next Andaman trip, contact TripXL for a customised itinerary.
Cover Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
