Chatham Island in Andaman Islands
Chatham Island is an island part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chatham island is lying 5 kms from Port Blair city center connected by a bridge over a stretch of seawater.
The first colony was set up in Chatham island with 12 acres of land. In 1857 “The Andaman Committee” under Dr. Frederic John Mouat was set up to examine the best site for a penal settlement. Captain H Man raised Union Jack at Port Blair on 22 January 1858 to establish and manage Penal System.
In the spring of 1858, the British Government in India started a penal settlement at South Andaman, at the same harbour (Chatham) where the first colony had stood almost a century earlier.
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.
Rs. 20
April – July | November - March
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Things to DO
- Be mesmerized by the amazing pieces of work within the Forest Museum which have been set up by the authorities just nearby.
- Photograph the premises of the mill and its nearby sites which bear a lot of effects from the war which the island had witnessed.
Traveller Tips
- Since the mill is open to visitors just for half a day, make sure you visit the place early.
- There will be a lot of wood dust in the area due to the nature of the manufacturing process fo people with breathing problems are advised to take precautionary measures while visiting it.
How to reach
The Chatham Islands is located around 5 Kms from Port Blair city center, local cabs or auto-rickshaws are easily available for the visit. It's a part of our city tour itinerary or the tour manager will take you for the tour at a very minimum cost.
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