Chatham Saw Mill,Andaman
Chatham Saw Mill (established in the late 19th century) is one of the oldest and largest saw mills in Asia and an important industrial heritage site in the Andaman Islands. Built during the British colonial period, the mill played a central role in the timber industry, fueling construction and shipbuilding in the region and providing long-term employment to local communities. Today it stands as a living museum that showcases traditional timber-processing techniques and colonial-era machinery.
Historic Anecdotes
Locals tell stories of the mill's resilience—surviving cyclones, wartime disruptions, and modernization. Visitors often hear anecdotes about the massive logs brought from nearby islands and the original belts and saws that have been in service for decades. There are also tales about local craftsmen who learned woodcraft techniques passed down through generations at the mill workshops.
Places to visit
- Heritage machinery: large circular saws, belt-driven systems and steam-era equipment
- Timber yards: rows of stacked logs and processed timber showing different wood species
- Woodcraft workshops: live carving demonstrations and finished artisanal products
- On-site museum/interpretive displays: information about the mill's history and timber industry
- Souvenir shop: locally made wooden handicrafts and furniture samples
Unique Aspects
- One of Asia's oldest operational saw mills and an industrial heritage landmark
- Original industrial architecture and heavy machinery preserved in working condition
- Demonstrations of traditional timber-processing techniques
- Wide variety of tropical timber species visible in the yard
Things to do
- Guided or self-guided walkthroughs to view historic machinery
- Watching (and occasionally hearing) live sawing operations when permitted
- Photography of machinery, timber stacks and colonial-era buildings
- Buying handcrafted wooden souvenirs and furniture samples
- Educational visits focused on forestry, timber processing and local craft traditions
Festivals & Events
- Occasional woodcraft exhibitions and local artisan fairs
- Educational tours for schools and colleges
- Special demonstrations on World Heritage or local tourism days (check schedule)
Best Time to Visit
October to May — dry, pleasant weather and calmer seas; avoid the monsoon (June–September) when heavy rains can affect travel and operations.
Weather Conditions
Tropical maritime climate: hot and humid year-round, with the heaviest rainfall during the monsoon months (June–September). Expect temperatures typically between 24°C and 32°C outside monsoon season.
Entry Fees & Permits
Entry usually requires a nominal fee (small charge for maintenance and displays). Typical visiting hours are around 09:00–16:30, but exact timings and fees can vary—confirm locally before visiting.
Accessibility
Located near Port Blair (Chatham area) and easily reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw or local bus from the city center. The nearest major transport hub is Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) and the central bus/boat terminals in Port Blair. Some areas of the mill site involve uneven ground and industrial zones—wear sturdy footwear and follow onsite safety instructions.
Recommended Duration
1–2 hours for a focused visit; longer if you plan to shop or attend a demonstration.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Light, breathable clothing; closed-toe shoes for safety; ear protection if you are close to active machinery; sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Bring a raincoat/umbrella during monsoon season.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Look for hand-carved wooden souvenirs, decorative boxes, traditional utensils and small furniture pieces made from local tropical woods. Nearby Port Blair markets offer fresh seafood and local Andaman specialties—try local snacks after your visit.
