Things related to the wild animals and forest ranges are displayed very effectively in Forest Museum in Port Blair, Andaman. A major attraction of Andaman is this museum run by the forest department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum has a wide collection of artefacts created out of timber, oak, sating wood and paduak. They show the wellness appear in the vast wilderness of Andaman, the rich flora of the island.
As the area of forests is huge in Andaman, researchers from all over the world have come to study about the dense greenery and the forest museum depicts the outcomes of all those research as well. To entertain the tourists more, the museum has set up a mini zoo and a zoological garden inside the building itself.
Highlights: The museum is located on Chatham road, an outskirt of the capital city of Port Blair. It is inside Chatham Saw Mill complex. It will take around 1 hour to watch everything displayed inside.
Activities: People love to spend time in the zoological garden and the mini zoo. The species which are rarely found in the wild arena of Andaman are in lesser number appearing here.
Timing: The working hours of the museum is from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm on all days of the week except on Sundays.
Entry fee: INR 2.
Distance from Port Blair: The location of the museum is Chatham Island, Foreshore Road, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar. You can take a bus or taxi to reach the museum from Port Blair as it is 10 km away from the city.
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Forest Museum showcases the beautiful amalgamation of art and plant life. It is situated inside the historic Chatham Saw Mill and like the mill, is maintained by the forest department. It displays a huge collection of wooden art, carvings, and artifacts prepared by the workers of Saw Mill that altogether represent the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Here, tourists get to see various sculptures, carvings and art pieces made of different types of wood - oak, satin, timber - all from local trees that are abundantly grown in the Andaman islands.
The museum also houses a range of endangered species of plants that make sure to spellbound nature enthusiasts. Moreover, the mini zoological garden inside the same premises surely adds value to the place. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Andaman's diverse flora and fauna at the Forest Museum, a delightful inclusion in our Andaman packages, offering a glimpse into the island's natural treasures.
Forest Museum is well maintained and well thought of. For the convenience of tourists, there are boards that read details of each and every piece of artwork at the display. This eliminates the need for a tourist guide. In case of acquiring any additional information, tourists are free to approach the officials who are believed to be very friendly and helpful.
From here, tourists can take back home wooden artifacts as souvenirs, as a memory of their visit to the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. As these items are handmade and of great value, they also work as a great choice of gifts for special ones.
Paying a visit to the Forest Museum is worth the time and helps tourists learn more about the biodiversity of the islands. Definitely one of the places that should be on every list of places to visit in Andaman!
How to reach Forest Museum
From Port Blair-
Forest Museum is located on the outer region of Port Blair and is well accessible from all parts of the capital. It is at a walking distance from Vir Savarkar airport. The easiest way to get here is to take the Road bridge which is a straight route to the museum.
Moreover, the museum can be reached by using public transport bus or by hiring a cab from majority parts of Port Blair.
From Havelock-
From Havelock island, tourists can first reach Port Blair using inter-island boat services. Thereafter, buses are available till the museum. Or a private cab can also be hired.
Essential Info:
1. Places to visit near Forest Museum
Forest Museum is located within the premises of Chatham Saw mill, which is a popular tourist spot the capital - Port Blair. Right from a church to another museum, from the science centre to a beach, there are a number of places that can be visited by tourists near the Forest Museum. Some of these are-
Kalapani Museum or Cellular Jail
Anthropological Museum
Jogger’s Park
Science Centre
Old Baptist Church
Samudrika Marine Museum
Sri Ayyappan temple
Mini Zoo
Sunset point
Japanese War Bunker
2. Things/ Activities to do in Forest Museum
After a visit to the museum, tourists can choose to indulge in a number of activities in and around the Forest Museum. A few of such things to do in Forest Museum are-
1. Visiting, and learning about the historical importance of Cellular jail, also known and Kala Paani.
2. Attending the entertaining light show at Cellular Jail, which takes place every evening.
3. Wildlife spotting at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
4. Relaxing, swimming or sipping a beer or two at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
5. Praying at Port Blair’s famous church - Roman Catholic Church.
6. Visiting Samudrika Museum for taking a glimpse into the marine life.
Also, Check most thrilling and exciting things to do in Andaman.
3. Places to eat in and near Forest Museum
Forest Museum has a number of eateries and restaurants that are sure to take care of hungry stomachs. Some of the best places to eat near in and around Forest Museum are
1. Amaya - serves Indian, Seafood, Asian
Distance- located 2.2 kilometers away
2. Milky Way - serves Indian and fast food
Distance- located at a distance of 1.4 kilometers
3. Annapurna- serves Indian and Asian
Distance- Located 3 kilometers from the museum
4. New Lighthouse restaurant- serves seafood
Distance - 3 kilometers away
5. Cafe Rebel- American food
Distance - 2.2 kilometers from the museum
6. New India Cafe- serves Indian food
Distance - 2 kilometers
Also check out best beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
4. Places to stay near Forest Museum
Tourists have the option to choose from several hotels and resorts, both budget and luxury near Forest Museum. Pre booking a Andaman tour package is always good so that you can get good hotel options before only. Below is the list of a few-
Aashiaanaa Residency Inn
Jazeera Resort
Ripple Resort
V-Knot Residency
Hotel King Safire
Dev Mahal
Peerless Resort
Hotel Exotica Squares
Symphony Palms Beach Resort
Hornbill Nest Resort
Hotel Hilltop International
Mansha Regency
Hotel Sentinel
Sinclairs Bay view
Hotel Comfort in Blue Whales
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5. Medical Facilities in Forest Museum
There are several hospitals, medical centers and dispensaries located near Forest Museum. In the case of any medical emergency, GP Pant hospital is the nearest one, which is located at a distance of just 5 kilometers from the museum.
6. Timing to visit Forest Museum
Forest Museum is open for visitors to tour on all days, except for Sundays and public holidays.
The timings here are from 8 am to 12 pm and 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
7. Mobile Connectivity in Forest Museum
Network connectivity is at its best in the whole of Port Blair. Networks that are believed to work the best in the region are BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone and they all work fine at and around the Forest Museum. It is only on other islands than Havelock that tourists face trouble with mobile connectivity.
8. Travellers' Tip before visiting the Forest Museum
1. Tourists can take back home artifacts in the form of souvenirs for special ones from this museum that offers them in great variety.
2. It is advisable to carry a bottle of water as there is quite a bit of walking in the museum premises and even outside.
3. As the museum is located in the outskirts of the island, it is advisable to start the day early.
Check our guide on best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands for beautiful trip.
9. Entry Fee and Photography allowance in Forest Museum
A nominal amount of INR 2 is charged per head at the entrance of the museum, as an entry fee.Like at most of the museums, photography inside the museum premises is not allowed. However, tourists can use the camera outside the premises.
10. Visiting Time & Duration for Forest Museum
Forest Museum is open for visitors to tour on all days, except for Sundays and public holidays. The timings here are from 8 am to 12 pm and 2:30 pm to 5 pm. On an average, tourists require about an hour to tour the museum and take a look at everything it has on display.
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