The Chatham Saw Mill in Port Blair is one of the oldest and most historic saw mills in Asia, and it is one of the few places in the Andamans where you can watch a working industrial heritage site up close. Set on the small Chatham Island, linked to the city by a bridge, the mill has been cutting timber for well over a century and tells the story of the islands’ forests, their people and their economy. It is quick to visit, full of atmosphere and very different from the beaches and museums on most itineraries.
The mill sits just outside the centre of Port Blair and fits easily into a morning or an afternoon of city sightseeing. This guide covers its history, what you will see, how long to allow, how to reach it and how to combine it with nearby attractions. If you would rather have your sightseeing and transfers arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Chatham Island, linked to Port Blair by a bridge |
| Type | Historic working saw mill and industrial heritage site |
| Established | During the British colonial period, in the 19th century |
| Known for | Being one of the oldest saw mills in Asia; timber from the island forests |
| Suggested time | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Best for | History lovers, photographers, curious families, students |
| Before you go | Check current opening days, hours and entry rules |
The mill was set up by the British in the nineteenth century, when the colonial administration began to use the islands’ dense tropical forests for timber. The Andamans were rich in valuable hardwoods, and a mill close to the harbour made it easy to cut logs and ship them out. Over time, Chatham grew into a major industrial site and became one of the largest saw mills in Asia.
The mill has seen a lot of history. It continued to operate after Independence, it was affected by events of the Second World War and it has adapted to changing rules on forestry. Today it is managed by the forest department and works under strict controls aimed at protecting the islands’ forests. For a wider look at the islands’ past, read our guide to the history of the Andaman Islands.
| Period | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 19th century | The British establish the mill to process island timber |
| Early 20th century | Chatham grows into one of the largest saw mills in Asia |
| World War II | The islands are occupied and the mill is affected by wartime events |
| After Independence | The mill continues under government management |
| Today | It operates under forest rules and is open to visitors |
This is a simplified summary. Exact dates and details are explained on site.
The main attraction is the mill itself. Huge logs arrive from approved sources and are cut, shaped and stacked by workers using heavy machinery. Watching the process, from raw log to finished plank, is fascinating, and the noise and the smell of fresh wood make it a very different sightseeing experience. The work is real, so keep to visitor paths and follow safety instructions.
The islands are known for several valuable hardwoods, including a rich red timber called padauk that is widely used in furniture and craft. Guides and signs often explain the different types of wood and how they are used. Look at the grains and colours as you walk through the yard.
Some of the structures and equipment reflect the mill’s long history. The old buildings, rails and machine sheds are interesting to photograph and give a feel for the colonial-era industrial landscape.
The road to the mill crosses a bridge from the main island to Chatham, with harbour views on both sides. Boats come and go from the nearby jetty, so it is a nice spot for a short walk and a few photographs.
Within the mill complex is the Forest Museum, which displays timber, forest products and information on the islands’ forests. It is an ideal pairing with the saw mill, because it explains what you have just seen in more detail.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mill floor | Logs being cut and processed | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Timber yard | Stacks of island hardwood in different types | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Heritage buildings and machinery | Colonial-era structures and equipment | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Chatham Bridge and jetty | Harbour views and boats | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Forest Museum (nearby) | Exhibits on island forests and timber | 30 to 45 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with crowds and season.
The mill is a short drive from central Port Blair, across the Chatham Bridge. Cabs and autos are the easiest way to get there. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab will take you directly and wait while you visit.
The saw mill is a working site, so it usually operates on working days and during daytime hours and may be closed on weekends or public holidays. Entry rules, tickets and any guided tour arrangements can change. Because the mill is not working on every day, always confirm current days, timings and entry rules before you go, or ask our team to check for you.
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow longer if you also plan to visit the Forest Museum.
The mill can be visited all year but is best seen on a working day in the morning, when activity is at its highest. The best season for sightseeing is October to May, when the weather is pleasant. See our guides to October, December and February weather. It is mostly an outdoor visit, so avoid the middle of a hot day or heavy rain.
The saw mill is close to several attractions, so it is easy to build a half-day or full day:
| Attraction | Why Pair It | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Museum | Explains the forests and timber you saw at the mill | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Mount Harriet National Park | A forested hilltop with views of the bay | 2 to 3 hours |
| Cellular Jail | The historic prison and evening Light and Sound Show | 1.5 to 2 hours plus the show |
| Anthropological Museum | Introduces the indigenous communities of the islands | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Samudrika Museum | Covers the islands’ marine life and ocean ecosystems | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Timings are approximate and vary with season and crowds.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Visit the Chatham Saw Mill while the mill is running |
| Late morning | Walk to the Forest Museum and explore its exhibits |
| Afternoon | Lunch in the city, then a museum or a visit to Mount Harriet |
| Evening | Attend the Light and Sound Show at the Cellular Jail |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Port Blair city sightseeing? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages.
Port Blair city sightseeing is included in many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays, private transfers and relaxed sightseeing |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Water sports and active excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is a historic working saw mill in Port Blair, set up in the colonial era. It is one of the oldest and largest saw mills in Asia.
It is on Chatham Island, which is linked to central Port Blair by a short bridge. It is a few minutes’ drive from the city centre.
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow more time if you also visit the Forest Museum.
Yes, it is a working mill, which is why it is best visited on a working day. Always confirm opening days before you go.
Yes, especially if you enjoy history, industrial heritage and photography. It makes a good quick stop on a Port Blair sightseeing day.
Photography rules can vary by area and may change, so check on arrival and follow the staff’s instructions.
Yes, with care. It is an active industrial site with noise and dust, so keep children close, and we can adjust the plan for seniors.
Our Port Blair sightseeing can include it on request. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and budget travellers a budget package. Our team can customise any plan.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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