The Andaman Islands lie serenely nestled in the Bay of Bengal. It is a tropical paradise widely known for their pristine natural beauty. The beauty arises mainly out of the lush green forests, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The archipelago is dotted with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Dense mangroves and rich biodiversity provide a perfect backdrop for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Andamans’ unspoiled landscapes, along with their tranquil atmosphere, create a captivating allure that leaves every visitor enchanted.
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Chatham Saw Mill
The Chatham Saw Mill, located on Chatham Island near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia. Established in 1883 by the British, the sawmill played a crucial role in the development of the islands by providing processed timber for construction, especially during the colonial era. The mill was strategically built on Chatham Island, which had a natural harbour, facilitating the easy transport of logs.
Throughout its history, the Chatham Saw Mill has witnessed significant events, including the Japanese invasion during World War II when parts of it were bombed, leaving scars that remain visible today. Despite these challenges, the mill continued to function and became an integral part of the local economy. It processed a wide variety of woods, including the valuable Andaman Padauk, which was used in high-quality furniture and construction.
Today, the Chatham Saw Mill is not just a functional mill but also a popular tourist attraction. It houses a museum that showcases the history of the mill, the types of timber processed, and the traditional woodworking techniques used over the years. Visitors can explore the old machinery, watch the milling process, and learn about the island’s rich history and the role the mill played in it. The Chatham Saw Mill stands as a testament to the industrial and colonial history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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How to Reach Chatham Island From Port Blair?
The moment you reach the destination, you will start feeling a rare kind of nostalgia. The place still induces in you the feel of being in the midst of colonial decadence. The Chatham Saw Mill is located on Chatham Island near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia. It was established way back in 1883 by the British, to provide processed timber for colonial construction. Thus the sawmill played a crucial role in the development of the islands. The mill was strategically built on Chatham Island, which possessed a natural harbour that facilitated the easy transportation of logs.
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Chatham Saw Mill has been a mute witness to significant events happening across centuries that include the Japanese invasion during World War II when parts of this destination were reeling under heinous bombing. Those war atrocities have left scars that remain visible today. Braving all these challenges, the mill continued to function and gradually became an integral part of the local economy. It processed a wide variety of woods, including the valuable Andaman Padauk, which is known to be used for making high-quality furniture and construction.
Visit the historical Chatham Saw Mill not for its functional value as a productive mill but also as popular tourist attraction bearing the history of the bygone colonial era. It houses an interesting museum that showcases the history of the mill, the types of timber processed, and the traditional woodworking techniques used over the years. Visitors can explore the age old machinery, watch the milling process and learn about the island’s rich history and the role the mill played in it. The Chatham Saw Mill stands as a testament to the industrial and colonial history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Things to Do in Chatham Island
There’s a bagful of interesting things that you can do when you visit Chatham Island. Start with exploring a range of activities that offer both historical insights and natural beauty.
Visit the Chatham Saw Mill: Satiate your historical interest by exploring the history of the Chatham Saw Mill. Notably, it is one of Asia’s oldest and largest sawmills which makes it the island’s main attraction. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history, the role it played during the British colonial era and its significance in the development of the Andaman Islands. The sawmill houses a museum that displays artifacts, machinery and photographs that brings the history of timber processing in the islands before the visitor’s in an interesting fashion. It’s a fascinating place for curious travellers taking interest in the history of exotic locales and those interested in the industrial heritage.
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Enjoy Scenic Views: It is a heaven for photographers. The island offers picturesque views of the surrounding sea and Port Blair. It is a great spot for capturing stunning landscapes and the industrial legacy of the island.
Nature Walks: Leisure walk around the island taking in the lush greenery and the tranquil ambience, which so beautifully contrasts the industrial activities of the mill is exhilarating.
Gain Knowledge About Timber Processing: As you watch the sawmill in action processing the logs into timber, as a visitor you will get a unique insight into the traditional techniques used in timber processing, which are surprisingly still in use today.
Shopping for Wooden Artifacts: Get enchanted by the intricacy of local crafts. After the tour, you can purchase wooden artifacts and souvenirs made from the high-quality timber processed at the mill. These items make for unique keepsakes or gifts.
Experience a Boat Ride: Enjoy a short scenic ferry ride to and from Chatham Island, which offers to tired city life eyes extremely beautiful views of the Andaman Sea and is a relaxing way to approach the island.
Explore Nearby Attractions: Chatham Island is located close to Port Blair and thus visiting other nearby attractions such as the Cellular Jail, Ross Island and the Anthropological Museum can be clubbed in a day trip in the Andaman itinerary.
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Traveller Tips for Chatham Island, Andaman
A visit to Chatham Island is a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, offering a unique experience for tourists in the Andaman Islands. To ensure that you have a smooth Chatham island tour, it is advisable to take a few things under cognisance.
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Note the Operating Hours: The Chatham Saw Mill and museum are usually open from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM on weekdays. It is best to visit the mill during these hours to fully experience the island’s main attractions.
Avoid Weekends and Holidays: The Chatham sawmill may be closed on weekends and public holidays, so plan your visit on a weekday to avoid disappointment. Do check before scheduling your Andaman tour itinerary.
Transportation and Accessibility: Chatham Island is just a short drive from Port Blair, making it easily accessible by road. Consider hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw for convenience. If you prefer a scenic route, take the ferry from Phoenix Bay Jetty. Make a note of the ferry timings in advance and regularly, as they can vary depending on weather conditions.
Note Photography Restrictions: It is advisable that you check for permissions before clicking photos. While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of any restricted areas within the sawmill where photography might be prohibited.
Guided Tours: You can opt for a local guide to get the most out of your visit. They can provide detailed information about the history and significance of the Chatham Saw Mill.
Safety Precautions: Be mindful where you step as the sawmill is an active industrial site. Caution is needed while walking around, especially near machinery and log processing areas.
Keep Yourself Hydrated: The tropical climate can be humid, so carry water with you to stay hydrated.
Shopping for Souvenirs: Catch those fanciful wooden artifacts. The sawmill shop offers a variety of wooden souvenirs and artifacts made from locally processed timber. These make attractive mementos of your Andaman visit.
Respect the Environment: Maintain cleanliness and help preserve the island’s natural beauty by disposing of trash properly and avoiding littering. Also mind the Flora and Fauna. Although the island is industrial, it still hosts natural greenery, try not to disturb the balance.
Respect Local Culture and Customs: While visiting the island, be mindful of local customs and traditions. Engage with locals politely and with respect for their cultural practices.
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Interesting Facts about Chatham Island
Chatham Island houses the Chatham Saw Mill, which was established in 1883 by the British. It is one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia
The island is connected to Port Blair by a bridge that leads to Phoenix Bay Jetty. This jetty is historically significant as it was one of the first harbours in India to be established by the British.
Despite its industrial significance, Chatham Island has a relatively small population, with most of the inhabitants being workers associated with the sawmill and their families.
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During World War II, Chatham Island was bombed by the Japanese forces. The sawmill was damaged in the attack, and remnants of this wartime history can still be found on the island.
The Chatham Saw Mill Museum, located on the island, showcases various artifacts and photographs that tell the story of the island’s industrial past, including tools, machinery, and models of traditional Andamanese wooden houses.
Tourist Attraction Near Chatham Island
Given the proximity to Port Blair, consider combining your visit to Chatham Island with other nearby attractions.
Cellular Jail, Port Blair, Andaman
The Cellular Jail, in Port Blair, Andaman, also known as Kala Pani, is an infamous and historic colonial prison located in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Built by the British in the late 19th century, it was designed to isolate political prisoners during the Indian freedom struggle. The jail’s architecture is notable for its solitary cells arranged in a unique seven-wing radial pattern, intended to prevent communication between inmates. Each cell was small, dark and harsh, indicative of the extreme punishment meted out to those who dared to defy the British regime. Even now, the Cellular Jail stands as a national memorial, a sombre reminder of India’s struggle for independence, and a place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifices of those who went through and suffered unimaginable hardships for the nation’s freedom.
Ross Island, Andaman
Ross Island, a part of the Andaman archipelago, has been named now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. It is located approximately 3 kilometres from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is easily accessible by a short ferry ride, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes from the Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair. It is a small yet historically significant island near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once the administrative headquarters of the British during their rule, the island was a bustling colonial settlement, complete with a church, bakery, hospital and luxurious bungalows. However, after a devastating earthquake in 1941 and subsequent Japanese occupation during World War II, the island was left in sad ruins and was abandoned. Today, Ross Island is a picturesque site, with its remnants of colonial architecture being slowly reclaimed by nature. The island is also known for its friendly deer, peacocks and panoramic views of the surrounding sea, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Anthropological Museum, Port Blair
The Anthropological Museum in Port Blair, Andaman, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Established in 1975, this museum provides an in-depth look at the lives of the various tribal communities, including the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinels. Exhibits include traditional tools, weapons, clothing and art, along with dioramas depicting their ancient lifestyle and habitats. The museum not only educates visitors about the unique customs and traditions of these tribes but also highlights the importance of preserving their way of life in the face of modern challenges. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the anthropological history of the Andaman Islands.
