Forest Museum
| Place | Port Blair |
|---|---|
| State | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1960 |
| Museum Type | Specialized / Forestry & Natural History |
| National Importance Museum | No |
| Address | Chatham Island, Foreshore Rd, Haddo, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744102 |
| Visiting Time | 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM (Monday to Saturday); Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
| Entry Fee | ₹20 (Adults); ₹10 (Children) |
Museum Introduction
Established within the premises of the historic Chatham Saw Mill in Port Blair, the Forest Museum is managed by the Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Administration. It was founded to showcase the rich forest wealth, timber processing history, and biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum is a testament to the islands' industrial heritage, linked to the sawmill which is one of the oldest and largest in Asia (established in 1883).
General Collections
The museum features a comprehensive collection of artifacts that illustrate the islands' forest-based economy and ecology. This includes detailed displays of rare tropical timber species, samples of forest products, and miniature educational models that depict forest conservation and logging practices.
Unique Historical Collections
Chatham Saw Mill Legacy: Displays of old machinery and tools detailing the industrial timber processing history since the British colonial era. Rare Timber Sections: Polished cross-sections of endemic trees over 100 years old, including Padauk, Gurjan, Satinwood, and Marble wood. Miniature Models: Intricate scale models showing the layout of the sawmill and logging operations.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum is situated on Chatham Island, connected to Port Blair by a bridge. Visitors are encouraged to combine their visit with a tour of the adjacent Chatham Saw Mill, which remains operational. |
| Artifacts | Carved wooden sculptures; Traditional forest-based handicrafts; Botanical specimens of endangered plants; Forestry conservation information panels; Vintage mill operational tools. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 3192 232694 (Directorate of Tourism, A&N Admin) |
| Email ID | touristhelpdeskandamans@gmail.com |