Chatham Saw Mill at Andaman Islands

– Echoes of Industry Amidst Island Greenery

Set on the historic Chatham Island near Port Blair, the Chatham Saw Mill stands as a remarkable example of colonial engineering and sustainable forestry practice. Established in 1883 by the British, it is Asia’s oldest and one of its largest operational sawmills. More than just a lumber yard, this site offers visitors a fascinating journey into the industrial past of the Andaman Islands, where nature, craftsmanship, and colonial legacy meet under one roof.

Visitors to the mill can witness the timber processing methods still in use today, including the sorting, cutting, and treatment of various high-quality wood types such as Andaman Padauk and Satinwood. Walkways inside the facility guide you through different stages of sawmilling, while guided tours explain how the mill operated during colonial times and how it has evolved. Safety is well-managed, and the tours provide insights into both historical functions and modern conservation efforts, bridging the past with present practices.

In addition to its operational areas, the mill also houses a small museum that showcases vintage tools, woodcraft samples, and archival photographs, making the visit informative and memorable. Surrounded by tropical greenery and accessible by a narrow bridge from Port Blair, the Chatham Saw Mill is not only a working industrial site but a living museum of the islands’ economic and ecological development. Whether you're a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about how island resources were shaped into livelihoods, this is a truly unique stop in the Andamans.