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CHATHAM SAW MILL
Established in 1883, Chatham Saw Mill is Asia’s oldest functioning sawmill, continuing its legacy for over a century. It is named after Chatham Island, where it is located—an extension of Port Blair, connected by a bridge. The island serves as a gateway to Mount Harriet and smaller islands like Bambooflat and Hope Town.
Visitors can explore the sawmill and its museum throughout the year from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, except on Mondays.
MUSEUM AND SOUVENIR SHOP
A small museum within the mill complex showcases artifacts related to the island’s history, flora, and fauna. Exhibits include a preserved dolphin, an old mariner’s compass, and the skull of a sea cow, along with samples of various types of wood. The museum also displays exquisitely carved wooden items made from Padauk wood, renowned for its durability and beauty.
SAMUDRIKA NAVAL MUSEUM
Managed by the Indian Navy, the Samudrika Naval Museum provides deep insights into the Andaman’s ecosystems, tribal communities, and marine life. It features small marine aquariums, a collection of hawksbill turtle shells recovered from poachers, and an impressive skeleton of a young blue whale, which washed ashore on Kamorta Island in the Nicobar group.
ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The Anthropological Museum offers a comprehensive and respectful portrayal of the indigenous tribal communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Key exhibits include:
- Jarawa chest guards with geometric carvings
- A Sentinelese skull from an abandoned lean-to
- Shell waist girdles of the Andamanese
- Nicobarese shamanic sculptures representing totemic spirits
The museum also features life-sized models of tribal huts, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of the region’s indigenous people.
SAGARIKA EMPORIUM – SHOPPING DESTINATION
Sagarika Emporium is the best shopping destination in Port Blair, operated by the Industries Department. It specializes in:
- Sea shell products
- Wooden handicrafts
- Pearl jewelry
- Locally grown spices
To differentiate the Government-run Sagarika Emporium from private stores with similar names, look for its location inside the Khadi Gramodyog Outlet building. The emporium also has a selling outlet at Port Blair Airport, where prices remain the same as those in the main city store.
FISHERIES AQUARIUM
Located at the Water Sports Complex, the Fisheries Aquarium houses a diverse collection of rare fish species native to the Andaman Sea. Adjacent to the aquarium, a popular seafood restaurant offers delicious local delicacies, making it an ideal stop for visitors.