Port Blair

Chatham Saw Mill

Asia’s oldest saw mill

Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia, established by the British in the 19th century. Located on Chatham Island, connected to Port Blair by a bridge, this historic site showcases the industrial heritage of the Andaman Islands.

The sawmill was originally set up to process timber extracted from the dense forests of the islands, mainly teak and padauk wood. Even today, parts of the mill remain operational, and visitors can observe how large logs are cut and processed using massive machinery.

Inside the museum section, photographs and exhibits explain the history of the sawmill, its role during British rule, and the devastating impact of the 1942 Japanese bombing, remnants of which can still be seen nearby.

Chatham Saw Mill is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the colonial industrial past of the islands. It is especially interesting for history enthusiasts and those curious about traditional timber industries.