Chatham Government Saw Mill, Port Blair: Complete Travel Guide

The Chatham Government Saw Mill on Chatham Island is one of the most important industrial and heritage attractions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Established in 1883, the historic sawmill played an important role in processing timber used for construction and development in the islands.

Today, Chatham Island offers visitors a combination of industrial heritage, forestry history, World War II history and scenic island surroundings. The complex also houses the Forest Museum, which showcases wooden artefacts, carvings, forest products and information about the rich forest resources of the Andaman Islands.

About Chatham Government Saw Mill

Chatham Saw Mill was established by the British in 1883 and is recognised by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism as Asia's oldest functioning sawmill. It was important in supplying timber for construction in Port Blair and other parts of the islands.

The mill remains an important part of the island's forestry heritage. Visitors can learn about traditional timber processing and see old machinery and equipment associated with the sawmill's history.

Chatham Island itself is located close to Sri Vijaya Puram and is connected to the mainland by a motorable bridge, making it easy to include in a city sightseeing itinerary.

What Makes Chatham Saw Mill Special?

The attraction is more than just an old sawmill. It combines several aspects of Andaman's history:

• 🌳 Forestry and timber heritage
• 🏭 Historic sawmill machinery
• 🪵 Traditional timber processing
• 🏛️ Forest Museum
• ⚔️ World War II history
• 🌿 Forest and biodiversity displays
• 🌊 Scenic views around Chatham Island
• 🌉 Historic Chatham Bridge

The official tourism department also identifies World War II bombing marks as one of the historical features of Chatham Island. Japanese forces attacked the island during the 1942 air raids, leaving reminders of this period.

Chatham Saw Mill and the Timber Processing Story

One of the interesting aspects of visiting the mill is understanding how timber was historically handled and processed.

The timber-processing journey involved several stages, including:

1. Bringing timber to the mill
2. Sorting and preparing logs
3. Cutting the timber
4. Processing and storing the wood
5. Preparing timber products for use

The old machinery and mill structures provide visitors with a glimpse into the industrial history of the islands.

Forest Museum at Chatham Saw Mill

The Forest Museum is located within the Chatham Saw Mill complex and is managed by the Forest Department.

The museum focuses on the forest wealth, biodiversity and timber heritage of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It contains wooden artefacts, carvings, forest products, miniature models and other displays connected with the islands' forests.

What Can You See at the Forest Museum?

The exhibits include:

• 🪵 Wooden artefacts
• 🗿 Decorative wood carvings
• 🌳 Displays of different timber varieties
• 🪑 Wooden furniture and products
• 🏞️ Miniature forest models
• 🐊 Wildlife-related displays
• 📚 Information about forest resources
• ⚙️ Old tools and machinery connected with the sawmill

Wood varieties such as Padauk, Gurjan and Satinwood are represented in the museum's displays and crafts.

World War II History

Chatham Island also has an important connection with World War II.

The island was attacked during Japanese air raids in 1942, and remnants of the bombing can still be found around the area. These historical remains provide a reminder of the difficult period the Andaman Islands experienced during the war.

For visitors interested in history, this adds another dimension to a visit to Chatham Saw Mill.

Chatham Bridge

Chatham Island is connected to Sri Vijaya Puram by a motorable bridge.

The bridge makes the sawmill particularly convenient to visit as part of a Port Blair city tour. The island is only a few kilometres from the city centre, and the official tourism website describes the journey as approximately 10–15 minutes from Sri Vijaya Puram, depending on traffic and starting point.

How to Reach Chatham Government Saw Mill

Chatham Saw Mill is approximately 4 km from the city centre and is easily accessible by road.

You can reach the island by:

• 🚕 Taxi
• 🛺 Auto-rickshaw
• 🚌 Local bus
• 🛵 Rental two-wheeler
• 🚗 Private vehicle

There are also local ferry connections in the surrounding Chatham/Bamboo Flat area, although road travel is generally convenient for visitors staying in Sri Vijaya Puram.

Chatham Saw Mill Timings

The current Andaman & Nicobar Tourism information lists:

8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Open: Monday to Saturday
Closed: Sundays and government holidays.

Forest Museum Timings

The Forest Museum page currently lists:

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Sundays and public holidays.

Important: Timings can change due to administrative requirements, maintenance or holidays. Check the latest local information before visiting.

Forest Museum Entry Fee

The current A&N Tourism listing gives the following charges:

 

Fees and access arrangements may be revised, so visitors should confirm the latest charges locally.

Best Time to Visit

Chatham Saw Mill and the Forest Museum can be visited throughout the main tourist season.

For comfortable sightseeing around Andaman, October to May is generally a popular period, while November to February is particularly pleasant for combining heritage attractions with beaches and outdoor activities.

Try to visit earlier in the day so that you have enough time to explore both the sawmill and Forest Museum.

How Much Time Do You Need?

For a relaxed visit, plan approximately:

⏱️ 1–2 hours

This gives you enough time to explore the sawmill area, Forest Museum and surrounding heritage features.

If you are particularly interested in forestry, history or photography, you may want to allow additional time.

Things to See and Do

1. Explore the Historic Saw Mill

See the old mill structures and machinery and learn about the history of timber processing in the islands.

2. Visit the Forest Museum

Explore wooden artefacts, carvings, forest displays and miniature models.

3. Learn About Andaman's Forest Resources

The museum provides an introduction to the importance of forests and timber resources in the islands.

4. See World War II Remains

Look for the historical remnants associated with the Japanese bombing of Chatham Island in 1942.

5. Photography

The mill, bridge, old machinery, wooden displays and greenery provide interesting photography opportunities, subject to local photography rules.

Places to Visit Near Chatham Saw Mill

Chatham Saw Mill is included by A&N Tourism in its suggested Sri Vijaya Puram city sightseeing itinerary, together with several museums and attractions.

You can combine your visit with:

• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
• Anthropological Museum
• Fisheries Aquarium
• Science Centre
• Sagarika Government Emporium
• Cellular Jail
• Corbyn's Cove Beach

A well-planned city sightseeing day can cover several of these attractions without unnecessary travelling.

Suggested Port Blair Sightseeing Route

For visitors interested in history and culture, you could plan:

Chatham Saw Mill
↓
Forest Museum
↓
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
↓
Anthropological Museum
↓
Fisheries Aquarium
↓
Cellular Jail
↓
Light & Sound Show

The exact sequence should be adjusted according to each attraction's current opening hours.

Is Chatham Government Saw Mill Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially for travellers interested in history, forestry and industrial heritage.

While it is very different from the beaches and water activities for which Andaman is famous, Chatham Saw Mill offers a fascinating look at another side of the islands.

The combination of the 1883 sawmill, Forest Museum, timber heritage and World War II history makes Chatham Island a worthwhile addition to a Port Blair sightseeing itinerary.

Chatham Saw Mill – Quick Information

Timings and fees are subject to change. Verify the latest information before visiting.