Chatham Island at Andaman Islands
– Where Andaman’s Colonial Past Meets Its Present
Just 5 kilometers from the heart of Port Blair, across a slender stretch of sea connected by a causeway, lies Chatham Island — a small yet historically powerful dot on the map of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This island may seem modest in size, but it carries the weight of centuries. It’s not just an island; it’s where the British footprint in the Andamans first took root, and where the story of colonial ambition, survival, and transformation began.
Today, Chatham stands as a bridge between eras. You can visit the Chatham Saw Mill, one of Asia’s oldest and still operational, where massive logs are carved with century-old craftsmanship. The island’s calm waterfront, colonial ruins, and industrial relics are surrounded by lush greenery, offering a unique blend of history and natural charm. Easily accessible from Port Blair, it’s the kind of place where past and present walk side by side, whispering tales of endurance, empire, and evolution.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply curious about the island's industrial roots, Chatham Island offers a rare glimpse into the Andamans’ colonial craftsmanship and environmental legacy. It’s not just a mill—it’s a monument to time, timber, and transformation.
Basic Information
The Chatham Island is famous for being the biggest and oldest in Asia Saw Mill and Museum. In 1883, the British established the Chatham Saw Mill. In 1990, the Indians built the Forest Museum, where you get insight into the forest team activities and displays on the history of timber milling on the island.
Applicable
April to July and November to March
Things to DO
- Admire exquisite wooden artifacts and informative displays at the Forest Museum
- Capture beautiful images of the sawmill’s colonial-era structures and war-touched surroundings
- Explore the evolution of timber craftsmanship and sustainable forest management in the Andamans
Traveller Tips
- Arrive early, as the site is open for limited hours
- Due to high wood dust levels, visitors with respiratory issues should take necessary precautions
- Easily accessible by local taxis or auto-rickshaws—Chatham Island is a standard stop in most Port Blair city tour packages
Nearby Attractions
Forest Museum
Viper Island
North Bay Island
Forest Museum
Located on the outskirts of Port Blair, Forest Museum is a famous attraction for its wide collection related to forest and the assortment of trees. This prominent museum is a must visit place in Port Blair and it is managed by the forest department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The major attractions that are set on display in this museum include the artifacts that are made from timber, gurjan, oak, satin wood and paduak. These displayed artifacts reflect the rich and dense flora found in the islands. The forest department also carries out researches and the outcomes of these research activities can be clearly seen in this museum. To add flavor for the tourists, the museum also incorporates a mini zoo and a small zoological garden inside the building.
Viper Island
Viper Island is a serene beautiful tourist destination and can be approached by harbor cruise originating from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. This place is visited by number of tourists as it has multiple attractions with historical importance and also has mesmerizing picnic spots with natural picturesque environments. Viper Island is a serene beautiful tourist Spot and has multiple attractions with historical importance and also has mesmerizing picnic spots with natural picturesque environments.
North Bay Island
The island belongs to the Great Andaman group and lies north of Middle Andaman Island. Many small island groups surround its beaches. The islands main town is Diglipur. The island previously had an indigenous population of the Great Andamanese, for example, the Bo, but they are no longer present: the island is populated by immigrants from the Indian mainland and their descendants The island is home to the highest point in the archipelago, Saddle Peak at 731 meters. North Andaman has fairly frequent large earthquakes, and suffered inundation from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake tsunami. It is ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Restaurants Facility
- Icy Spicy
- Cafeteria, Chatham Saw Mill
- Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Corner
- Andhra Hotel
- Bengali Restaurant
- Punjabi Dhaba
- Hotel Seagull
- D P Cottage Bar & Restaurant
Places to stay near Chatham Island
- HAYWIZZ
- Hotel NK International
- The Seaview Residency
- Hotel Shompen
- Hotel Driftwood
- Sun Sea Resort
- J Hotel
- Hotel Velocity
Frequently Asked Questions
Viper Island
North Bay Island
- Icy Spicy
- Cafeteria, Chatham Saw Mill
- Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Corner
- Andhra Hotel
- Bengali Restaurant
- Punjabi Dhaba
- Hotel Seagull
- D P Cottage Bar & Restaurant