For All The History & Culture Buffs, Explore These 7 Best Museums In Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman has a rich heritage - cultural, ecological, anthropological and is even rich in art & history. Through its various museums, one will be able to truly understand the diversity of the islands so these are the museums you should definitely get around to visiting: 

1. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum

The museum is an ideal place for people with an ardent interest in geography and marine life, for it strives to educate the masses about the underwater wonders. Located opposite the Andaman Teal House, it has a vast collection of fish, corals and other aquatic life. Disney enthusiasts will get to spot their favourite Nemo there as well! It's open from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 5 PM. The museum, which is run by the Indian Navy also houses a small zoo which has saltwater crocodiles. 

Where | Port Blair

2. Forest Museum

Managed by the Forest Department, this museum also sells wooden artwork which is an added plus. The rich curios inside the museum reflects the diverse flora & fauna of the island. Most of the artwork is made from wood like timber, gurjan, oak, satin wood and padauk. Located at Haddo, this museum is open on all working days from 9 AM to 5 PM. 

Where | Haddo, Port Blair

3. Kala Pani Museum

Built by the British empire in 1906 for the sole reason to agonise and exterminate revolutionaries, the Cellular also known as the Kala Pani stands tall and holds tons of history in its bricks. From the earliest settlers, to the foreign yoke and the Japanese invaders - Kala Pani has now been transformed to a National Memorial, acting as a major tourist attraction of the Island! Do visit the museum!

Where | Port Blair

4. Zonal Anthropological Museum

This museum is solely dedicated to history, for those who take an active interest in the life of the aboriginals! Zonal Anthropological museum will give you a detailed insight into the lives of the two tribes of the island - the Negroids (Onges, Sentinelese, Jarawas and Andamanese) and the Mongoloids (Shompens and Nicobarese) that forms the main tribes of the island. The museum is a great insight into their way of life, their living style et al.! 

Where | Phoenix Bay, Port Blair

5. Science Centre

Best suited for spending an afternoon with your kids, the Science Centre is a fun filled place with slides and swings. Their display of behaviour of aquatic life is promising enough to keep both children and adults fascinated. The other exhibits provide information on the many laws of science. There are detailed descriptions on the history and the anthropology of the island. After going through them, you will also be eligible to take a quiz. This place also gives you hands on knowledge on science through experimentation. 

Where | Corbyn’s Cove Road, Port Blair

6. Gallows

The gallows are located at Viper Island on a deserted plot but that doesn't discount the historical significance that the place holds. This was the place where the gallows were during the colonial rule before the Cellular Jail was built in 1906. Visit it on the way back from North Bay Island by ferry and that way it won't take more than half an hour to cover the spot. 

Where | Viper Island, South Andaman

7. Chatham Saw Mill

Set up in 1883 to meet the timber needs of the island, Chatham Saw Mill now serves as a museum at Chatham Island in Port Blair. It's recorded to be Asia’s oldest and largest saw mill and is taken care by the Forest Department of the island. The mill also stands to be of cultural importance as it tells the stories of economical and trade relations of the islanders. The wood carvings on display are made of the wood indigenous to the island.  

Where | Chatham Island, Port Blair

Andaman & Nicobar Island’s rich cultural and marine diversity is kept alive through the various museums strewn around the union territory so go visit!