Chatham Saw Mill

Highlights

Mahatma Gandhi Saw Mill

📍 Distance: 4.5 km from Port Blair Airport
⏰ Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
🚫 Closed On: Sundays & public holidays
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
📸 Camera Charges: ₹50 for still camera | ₹100 for video camera
🛍 Tourist Attractions: Explore the museum on timber history, Japanese bunkers, and a souvenir shop with wooden artifacts
🚻 Toilets: Available
🍽️ Food: Not available

Plan your visit to discover Asia’s oldest and largest sawmill! 🌲🏝✨

About Chatham Saw Mill

Located on Chatham Island, Chatham Saw Mill is Asia’s oldest and largest sawmill, established in 1883 by the British. Built to process the islands’ abundant timber, it continues to operate today as both a functional sawmill and a historic landmark.

A Glimpse into History

British-Era Legacy: Constructed during British rule, the mill supplied teak, padauk, and other premium hardwoods for shipbuilding and construction.

World War II History: Bombed by Japanese forces in 1942, the mill was later restored. Japanese bunkers near the site remain visible.

Ongoing Operations: The sawmill still processes timber and features a museum displaying rare wooden artifacts and the region’s forestry history.

📍 How to Reach Chatham Saw Mill

🚖 By Road: Easily reached from Port Blair city center via taxis or auto-rickshaws.

🚢 By Ferry/Bridge: Situated on Chatham Island, accessible by a short drive across a narrow bridge from Port Blair.

🚌 By Public Transport: Local buses and shared auto-rickshaws operate from major points in the city.

Best Time to Visit Chatham Saw Mill

🌤 October to May: Best time to visit with pleasant weather and clear skies.
☔ Monsoon (June to September): Rain may affect travel, though the mill stays open.

Things to Do at Chatham Saw Mill

Discover Sawmill Operations

Observe the processing of premium timber such as teak, padauk, and satinwood, used for construction and furniture making.

The Japanese Bunkers

Explore the World War II-era Japanese bunkers, remnants of the 1942 bombing during Japan’s occupation of the Andaman Islands.

Shop For Woodcrafts

Browse nearby shops around the sawmill to find intricately carved wooden souvenirs, furniture, and artifacts crafted from local timber.

Travel Tips for Chatham Saw Mill

✅ Do’s:

✔️ Carry ID: A valid ID may be required for entry.
✔️ Comfortable Footwear: Wear shoes suitable for walking on wooden platforms and sawdust areas.
✔️ Follow Safety Rules: Stay within designated zones and follow guide instructions at this active mill.
✔️ Visit the Timber Museum: Learn about Andaman’s forestry and timber history.
✔️ Shop Wooden Souvenirs: Support local artisans with eco-friendly handicrafts.
✔️ Check Timings: Plan your visit within operational hours for a smooth experience.

❌ Don’ts

🚫 Do Not Touch Machinery or Logs: Equipment and saws are operational and can be dangerous.
🚫 No Littering: Help keep the historic site clean.
🚫 No Smoking or Open Flames: Wood and sawdust make the area highly flammable.
🚫 Keep Noise Low: Maintain a respectful sound level in the working mill.
🚫 Respect Workers: Observe from a safe distance and do not disturb ongoing operations.