Chatham Saw Mill Port Blair
Step back in time at Asia's oldest functioning saw mill, a historic gem in Port Blair showcasing colonial engineering and tribal art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See machinery in action
Chatham Saw Mill Port Blair
Best Time
See machinery in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Asia's oldest functioning saw mill, a historic gem in Port Blair showcasing colonial engineering and tribal art.
"A glimpse into colonial-era engineering and Andaman's rich forest legacy."
🎯 Check Visiting Hours
Tourist access to the mill machinery is time-allotted. Confirm these hours to avoid missing out!
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't skip the on-site museum; it's filled with fascinating wooden art and tribal artifacts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Asia's Oldest Functioning Saw Mill
Chatham Island, Port Blair
Witness over a century of colonial-era engineering and Andaman's rich forest legacy at this historic mill.
Tribal Culture Museum
On-site at Chatham Saw Mill
Explore intricate wooden art and statues representing the diverse tribes of the Andaman Islands.
Serene Seaside Ambiance
Chatham Island
Enjoy the calm, quiet atmosphere and beautiful sea scenery surrounding the operational mill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smooth Visit
Beyond the Mill: A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Visiting Hours
Tourist access to the mill machinery is time-allotted. Confirm these hours to avoid missing out!
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't skip the on-site museum; it's filled with fascinating wooden art and tribal artifacts.
📸 Capture the Heritage
The historic machinery and wooden exhibits offer great photo opportunities.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the mill and museum, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Visiting Hours
Tourist access to the mill machinery is time-allotted. Confirm these hours to avoid missing out!
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't skip the on-site museum; it's filled with fascinating wooden art and tribal artifacts.
📸 Capture the Heritage
The historic machinery and wooden exhibits offer great photo opportunities.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the mill and museum, so comfortable footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Chatham Saw Mill to be a unique historical site, appreciating the chance to see Asia's oldest functioning saw mill and its museum. The serene seaside ambiance is also a highlight. However, some find the limited tourist access to operational machinery a bit restrictive.
"It's an open saw mill where there is time allotted for tourists to go around the mill and see the machines... Rest of the time, the machines are working so tourists are not allowed to avoid accidents! There is a museum too , decorated with wooden arts and statues, representing the various cultures and instrumentation available within different tribes of Andaman."
Manidipa Pan
"The dispensary is on the hill top of Chatham Saw Mill. It is for the treatment and medical aid of the employees of the Saw Mill. In case of any accident or any emergent treatment needed for the employees this is the primary treatment and medical caring unit. Apart from its medical care it is situated in a nice location in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a beautiful scenery all around amidst beautiful sea. Lovely ambiance, superb environment and nice atmosphere."
prasun kumar basu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chatham Saw Mill is located on Chatham Island, connected to Port Blair by a bridge. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in Port Blair. The journey is short and scenic.
Yes, there is parking available for vehicles at the Chatham Saw Mill complex.
While it's connected by a bridge, it's a bit far to walk from the main Port Blair town. Taking local transport like an auto-rickshaw or taxi is recommended for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tourist access to the operational machinery is restricted to specific allotted times. It's best to inquire locally upon arrival or check with your tour operator for the current schedule.
There is typically a nominal entry fee for tourists to visit the Chatham Saw Mill and its museum. Confirm the exact charges at the ticket counter.
Chatham Saw Mill is generally open on weekends, but tourist access to the operational machinery might be limited or unavailable on Sundays. The museum is usually accessible.
Advance booking is usually not required for Chatham Saw Mill. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see Asia's oldest functioning saw mill with its historic machinery, a museum showcasing tribal art and artifacts, and enjoy the scenic seaside location.
The mill operates with strict safety protocols. Tourists are only allowed in designated areas during specific hours to avoid accidents with active machinery.
A visit to Chatham Saw Mill typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to explore the mill area (during allotted hours) and the museum.
While not always explicitly advertised, local guides might be available. It's worth inquiring at the entrance for any available guided tour options to enhance your understanding.
The log depot is where logs are brought from the forests. The salty seawater acts as a natural preservative for the logs until they are processed in the mill.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the museum and the general areas of the mill. However, restrictions might apply in certain operational zones for safety reasons.
The historic machinery, the wooden art in the museum, and the scenic views of the sea from the island offer excellent photography opportunities. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Focus on the museum exhibits and the general layout of the mill. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially in areas near the water or where machinery might be visible from a safe distance. The scenic surroundings also offer a pleasant backdrop for a family outing.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Explore the historic machinery and learn about the timber trade that shaped the region. The on-site museum, with its depictions of tribal life, adds another layer to the historical narrative. Don't miss: The log depot, where the natural preservation method using seawater is still evident, and the museum's detailed exhibits on local tribes and their crafts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Timber and History
+2Beyond its industrial significance, the mill site holds historical context related to Lt. Archibald Blair, who surveyed the islands in 1789. The mill's operations have been a cornerstone of the local economy for over a century, showcasing the evolution of timber processing technology.
Visitors can explore the historic machinery and learn about the mill's operational past. The on-site museum further enriches the experience, displaying intricate wooden art and statues that represent the diverse tribal cultures inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Insights
Beyond the mill itself, the location offers a tranquil escape. The dispensary on the hilltop, originally for employees, now contributes to the serene atmosphere, offering beautiful sea views and a calm environment. It's a place where history meets natural beauty, providing a unique experience for visitors.
For a fulfilling visit, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring both the mill and the museum. The museum's collection of wooden artifacts provides a fascinating glimpse into the indigenous communities of the islands, making it a worthwhile stop.
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