Chatham Saw Mill

Welcome to Chatham Saw Mill

A Peaceful Coastal Escape

The Chatham Saw Mill, located on the serene Chatham Island in Port Blair, is not only the oldest and largest sawmill in Asia, but also a standing testimony to the colonial past, the rich forestry heritage, and the resilience of the Andaman Islands. Established in 1883 by the British, the mill has evolved into a multifaceted attraction that draws historians, architecture lovers, industrial tourists, and casual travelers alike.

A trip to the Andaman Islands is incomplete without a visit to this fascinating structure, which continues to function as a working sawmill while also operating as a heritage site and museum.

Historical Background

The Chatham Saw Mill was established during the British colonial period with the aim of processing timber for construction and shipbuilding. Its strategic location made it a valuable asset for the British, who were consolidating their presence in the Andaman Islands in the late 19th century.

Established: 1883 by the British Government
Purpose: To meet the growing demand for timber in British India
Significance: It supplied wood for building settlements, ships, and administrative infrastructure

During World War II, the mill was severely damaged by Japanese bombing raids in 1942. The remains of the bomb site are still visible, and a section of the museum is dedicated to this part of history, preserving the memory of a turbulent era.

Location and Accessibility

Address: Chatham Island, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands – approximately 3 km from Aberdeen Bazaar
How to Reach: Easily accessible by road; connected via a bridge from Port Blair’s main island

The mill is conveniently located for tourists, often included in half-day city sightseeing tours.

Architectural and Industrial Grandeur

The mill is a striking mix of British-era colonial architecture and industrial design. Spread over several acres, it includes large sheds, mechanical saws, drying kilns, seasoning chambers, and timber yards. The mill’s interiors feature gigantic timber logs, some of which are more than 100 years old, and heavy iron machinery that was imported from Europe during the colonial era. The construction reflects the engineering sophistication of the 19th century and the resource utilization strategies employed by the British in exploiting the forest wealth of the islands.

The Working Sawmill

What sets Chatham Saw Mill apart from typical museums is the fact that it is still a functioning mill. Timber is processed here even today under the administration of the Department of Environment and Forests.

Key Timber Species Processed:

Padauk – the most prized local hardwood, known for its deep red hue
Gurjan
Silver Grey
Satinwood
Teak

Visitors can observe the step-by-step processing of logs:

Log sorting and selection
Sawing using massive blades
Drying and seasoning
Grading and storage
Polishing and finishing (for museum-quality pieces)

This experience offers rare insight into the traditional wood-processing industry of the region.

The Chatham Forest Museum

To preserve and showcase its historical and ecological importance, the Chatham Saw Mill also houses a dedicated Forest Museum within its premises. This museum serves both as an educational center and a tourist attraction.

Highlights of the Forest Museum:

Historical photographs of the mill and island
Wooden carvings and artifacts made from local wood
Information panels about the forestry practices of the British era
Models of indigenous trees, flora, and fauna
Wooden handicrafts demonstrating the fine craftsmanship of Andaman artisans

The museum explains the significance of sustainable forestry and the importance of conserving natural resources, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Andaman Islands. The Chatham Saw Mill is more than just an industrial site – it’s an institution in itself. It serves a range of educational purposes:The area stands as a model for sustainable tourism, where nature and visitors coexist harmoniously.

For Tourists:

For Students and Researchers:

The Japanese Bomb Crater – A Historical Landmark

One of the most poignant sights in the mill compound is the Japanese bomb crater—a physical reminder of World War II. In 1942, when the Japanese forces occupied the Andaman Islands, Chatham Island and its sawmill were key targets due to their strategic and resource value.

Visitors can see:

The crater caused by the aerial bomb
Display boards explaining the events of the Japanese occupation
Wartime photographs and survivor accounts

This adds a layer of wartime history to the site, making it not just a working mill but also a memorial of resilience.

In recent years, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has taken steps to ensure that the mill operates with an emphasis on sustainable forestry. No tree is felled unnecessarily, and only dead or fallen trees or those marked for clearing by the forest department are processed. The mill promotes:

Eco-friendly timber usage
Recycling of wood waste
Awareness about forest conservation

This aligns with India’s broader commitment to eco-tourism and environmental protection.

Visitor Experience

Timings: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Closed on: Sundays and Public Holidays
Duration: Around 1 to 1.5 hours recommended for a full tour

Guided tours are available and highly recommended, as the guides share captivating stories and technical explanations that enrich the experience.

Guest information:

Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through timber yards and uneven floors
Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted inside the museum
Visit early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat
Ideal for families, school groups, history buffs, and engineering students