On Chatham Island (reached by a road bridge), Port Blair's sawmill was set up by the British in 1883 and was one of the largest wood processors in Asia. The mill is still operational, and while it may not be to everyone’s taste, especially conservationists, it affords an intriguing glimpse into the islands' history and economy.

Look out for the bomb crater left by Japanese ordnance in WWII.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum

1.05 MILES

Run by the Indian Navy, this diverse museum provides helpful insight into the islands’ ecosystems, tribal communities, flora and fauna (including a small…

2. Gandhi Statue

1.61 MILES

Like most Indian cities, Port Blair has a memorial statue of Mahatma Gandhi standing in a busy roundabout.

3. Aberdeen Bazaar

1.68 MILES

This is the bustling heart of Port Blair with places to shop, eat and stay, as well as banks, travel agents and other offices.

4. Clock Tower

1.72 MILES

This pale yellow clock is a central landmark in the heart of Port Blair’s busy Aberdeen Bazaar.

5. WWII Bunker

1.78 MILES

A reminder of Japanese occupation during WWII.

6. Cellular Jail National Memorial

1.83 MILES

A former British prison, the Cellular Jail now serves as a shrine to the political dissidents it once imprisoned. Construction began in 1896 and was…

7. Anthropological Museum

1.88 MILES

Port Blair's engaging anthropology museum provides a thorough and sympathetic portrait of the islands’ indigenous tribal communities. The glass display…