Forest Museum Andaman is a popular tourist destination located on the outskirts of the capital city of Port Blair featuring a wide collection of forest-related exhibits. The place is managed by the Forest Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and houses artefacts made from padauk, satinwood, gurjan, oak and timber. Several research activities are carried out by the department regularly and their corresponding results are displayed in this museum. There is also the added attraction of a small zoological garden and a mini zoo.
Quick Details About Forest Museum
Location: Chatham Island, Foreshore Rd, Haddo, Port Blair
Timings: 8 AM – 12 PM, 2:30 PM – 5 PM (Sunday Closed)
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Port: Port Blair port
Best Time To Visit: October to May
About Forest Museum Andaman
Located inside the historic Chatham Saw Mill, The Forest Museum of Port Blair presents a wonderful amalgamation of plant life and art. The place is also home to a wide collection of endangered plants. To provide in-depth information about every display exhibit, well-maintained boards give the details about every piece.
How To Reach At Forest Museum Andaman
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From Port Blair: The distance between Port Blair city centre and the forest museum is about 10 km and it is accessible from all parts of the city by cab or bus.
From Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): There are interisland boat services available in Havelock Island that can be used to reach Port Blair. After reaching the capital city, just take a taxi or board a bus to the museum.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Port Blair
Things To Do Near Forest Museum Andaman
The visit to the Forest Museum takes around 1-2 hours. After completing your visit, there are many activities that you can indulge yourself in near the museum.
1. Attend Sound And Light Show Of Cellular Jail
Photo: Neha Verma Prasad / Shutterstock
Cellular Jail in Port Blair is a national memorial that reminds us of the struggle and hardships faced by the Indian freedom fighters. The light and sound show, also called Son et lumière, presents this untold saga of the freedom struggle. This show takes you back in time to witness the tribulations and trials through the combination of audiovisual elements.
Location: Rajiv Gandhi Rd, Atlanta Point, Port Blair
Timings: 5:50 PM, 6:50 PM, 7:50 PM
2. Get a glimpse of colourful marine life at Samudrika Marine Museum
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
A visit to the Samudrika Marine Museum presents a perfect blend of past and present, as well as old and new. The place houses marine species of all sizes and shapes, along with an impressive display of colourful corals. A massive blue whale skeleton greeting you at the entry of the museum will take your breath away.
Location: Airport Authority Colony, Haddo, Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Port Blair
3. Relax At Corbyn’s Cove Beach
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Located just a short distance away from the museum, Corbyn’s Cove Beach is a coconut palm-fringed beach brimming with numerous water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, speed boats and many more. The place is filled with locals and tourists alike at all times.
Timings: 24*7
4. Spot Corals At Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Wandoor, Mahatma Gandhi National Park was established to create a safe sanctuary for the endangered species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands such as corals and sea turtles. The Park consists of many uninhabited mangrove-covered islands that will allow visitors to get up close and in person with some of the region’s most stunning and colourful marine life.
Location: Near Wandoor, Port Blair
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman
5. Pray At Sri Ayyappan Temple
Photo: Tandavakrishna Tungala / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, Sri Ayyappan Temple is a well-known temple located just a short distance away from the Forest Museum. The Lord Ayappaan is the son of Bhagwan Vishnu’s Mohini Avatar and Bhagwan Shiv and the main deity of this temple.
Location: Coast Guard Enclave, Haddo, Port Blair
Entry Fees: Free
6. Visit Japanese Bunkers
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Reminiscent of World War II, visit the Japanese bunkers that attest to a time when Japan attempted to siege these islands. These historic remnants are situated on the way to Corbyn’s Cove Beach and Ross Island.
Location: Foreshore Rd, Haddo, Port Blair
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman And Nicobar At Night
Where To Stay
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Several accommodation options are available near the museum, from budget stays to luxury resorts. Some popular property choices include Jazeera Resort, Dev Mahal, Peerless Resort, and Sinclairs Bayview.
Where To Eat
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Many eateries and restaurants are located in the vicinity. Some popular options to eat near the Forest Museum are Annapurna, Milky Way, Amaya, Café Rebel, New India Cafe, and the New Lighthouse Restaurant.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Andaman
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost
The average cost for an Andaman trip can vary from 2,500 – 7,000 per night depending upon your standard of choice.
- Carry a first-aid kit and all the essential medications.
- Make sure to carry lightweight clothes that suit the Island’s tropical environment.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent to avoid skin damage.
Located within the premises of Chatham Saw Mill which is a tourist attraction in itself, Forest Museum is one of the popular destinations to visit if you are a nature aficionado. Contact TripXL today to add this interesting museum is a specially curated Andaman itinerary for your next trip.
Cover Photo: Yercaud-Elango / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only