Chatham Saw Mill, located on Chatham Island near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is Asia’s oldest and largest sawmill, established in 1883 to meet the local timber demand. It is operated under the supervision of the Forest Department and is connected to Port Blair by a 100 metre long bridge. The mill allows visitors to witness the entire process of timber production from raw timber to finished products, making it a unique experience for tourists. There is a museum showcasing the history of timber, a World War II Japanese bunker and wooden handicrafts, as well as a souvenir shop. An entry fee of ₹10 and camera charges are applicable separately. It is open six days a week from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM (closed on Sundays and public holidays). Located just 4.5 km from Port Blair Airport, this place is ideal for a visit between October and March. Chatham Saw Mill is a must-see on your itinerary to get a touch of history and nature.
As soon as you enter the Chatham Saw Mill, you will enter a unique world of history, nature and woodworking. The first thing to visit here is the main sawmill operation, where every step from collecting raw wood to cutting, drying and processing can be seen directly. Then there is the Forest Museum located in the mill premises, where various species of wood, the history of forestry and local woodworking are displayed, which is both educational and spectacular. On one side of the mill is the Japanese Bunker, a historical structure built during World War II, which carries the memory of the war. There is also a souvenir corner, where you can collect show pieces, handicrafts and souvenirs made of local wood. All in all, Chatham Saw Mill is not just a sawmill, it is an educational, historical and art-based tourist attraction, which brings a special experience to your Andaman trip.
The best time to visit Chatham Saw Mill is from October to May, as the weather in Andaman is cool, clear and rain-free. This allows you to explore the mill’s interior, museum and surrounding areas at your leisure. The wood processing operations are also in full swing during this winter season, so you can see the full operation of the mill live, which is often limited during the monsoon season. Also, since this is the tourist season, other attractions, restaurants, and guide services are also easily available. Photography is also popular during this time due to the good light. All in all, this is not only a relaxing time, but also a complete experience.
Reaching Chatham Saw Mill is very easy and convenient, as it is located just 4–5 km from the center of Port Blair. If you want, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw and reach the mill gate directly in a very short time. For those who want to use public transport, local buses and shared auto-rickshaws are also easily available, especially from Aberdeen Bazaar and major points in the city. Although the mill is located on Chatham Island, it is connected to the main city by a narrow bridge, so there is no need for a ferry. You can reach the mill itself in a short drive. The route is as easy as it is time-saving, so any tourist visiting Port Blair can easily visit Chatham Saw Mill.
Chatham Saw Mill, located near Port Blair, is not just a sawmill, it is a historical and nature-based tourist attraction. Here, you can see how raw wood is processed with the help of modern machinery and transformed into planks and wood products. There is a forest museum on the mill premises, where local wood samples, the history of forest conservation and wooden handicrafts are displayed. In addition, a Japanese bunker built during World War II further enhances the historical importance of the mill. There is also a souvenir shop, from where you can collect show-pieces or gifts made of local wood. If you want to get a touch of history, art and nature together, a trip to Chatham Saw Mill is definitely worth putting on your list.
Where is Chatham Saw Mill located?
Answer: It is located on Chatham Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, very close to Port Blair. It is connected to the main city by a narrow bridge.
When is the best time to visit in Chatham Saw Mill?
Answer: The best time to visit Chatham Saw Mill is from October to March. The weather is pleasant and dry during this time.
How to reach Chatham Saw Mill?
Answer: You can easily reach it by taxi, auto rickshaw or local bus. The mill is just 4–5 km away from the Port Blair city center.
What is the entry fee?
Answer: The entry fee is ₹10 per person. If you want to enter with a camera, there is a separate charge of ₹50 (still) and ₹100 (video).
When is Chatham Saw Mill open?
Answer: It is open every weekday from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
What is there to see inside the mill?
Answer: Wood processing operations, forest museum, World War II Japanese bunker, and a souvenir shop.
How long does it take to tour the entire mill?
Answer: 1.5 to 2 hours is usually enough to tour the entire area.
Is it suitable for visiting with children?
Answer: Yes, it is an educational and safe place, so it is suitable for visiting with children.
Is there a cafeteria or dining area in Chatham Saw Mill?
Answer: There is no dining facility on the Chatham Saw Mill premises. However, there are many restaurants and cafes in the nearby city of Port Blair.
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