About 2 km from Puri Junction, Sudarshan Craft Museum is located at Station Road, Puri. It is one of the most popular tourist spots for art enthusiasts. The museum displays a grand collection of Sudarshan Sahoo’s works, such as carvings in wood, fibreglass, stone, handicraft items, and paintings. Within the museum’s premises, one can witness a Buddhist temple built in a Japanese style, a library and a workshop. This museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts as it provides a very knowledgeable and insightful experience to the visitors. The items kept on display are rare works of art and are the gems of tradition and culture of the nation. The museum has metal figurines, and stone carvings too for sale. The museum provides a way for aspiring artists to reveal their hidden talents to the world.
Sudarshan Crafts Museum History
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The Sudarshan Craft Museum was established in the year 1977 by Shri Sudarshan Sahoo. Sudarshan Sahoo was a non-traditional sculptor, also known as the Sand Sculptor in India for his profound contribution to the art of sculpting. He first began practising the art form on wood blocks and stone in Puri. He chose to have a workshop and a showroom where artists could work on their artwork and display it to art lovers.
This museum was founded in 1977. It has helped several artists become successful sculptors. For years, the museum has exported handicrafts outside the country and has been supported and celebrated by the government. After completing the Atami Stupa in Japan, Shri Sudarshan Sahoo returned to Puri and laid the foundation of the Sudarshan Crafts Museum in 1977.
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Sudarshan Crafts Museum Activities
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Exploring this unique museum can be a joyful experience, especially for those intrigued by diversity in art. The wooden antiques, artefacts, sculptures, stone carvings, paintings, and handicraft items are worth seeing. The museum also sells sculptures and figurines made from metal to those who like to purchase art. Shopping would be a great experience here.
In addition to this interesting museum, there are many other tourist spots to visit in the beautiful city of Puri. Some popular spots are the Jagannath Temple, Swargadwara Beach, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Puri Beach, and Gundicha Temple.
Places To Visit Near Sudarshan Crafts Museum
Following are the places you can explore near Sudarshan Crafts Museum and experience the rich heritage and culture :
1. Sri Jagannath Temple
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The Jagannath Temple is a famous Hindu temple in dedication to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is situated in Puri in the holy state of Orissa, on the country’s eastern coast. As per ancient records of the temple, King Indradyumna from Avanti had constructed the main temple of Jagannath. The temple is popular for its yearly Ratha Yatra (chariot festival), in which the three deities are settled on large and beautifully decorated chariots. The temple is holy to all the Hindus, and especially Vaishnavas. The main temple here is an intriguing and spectacular structure built in unique, Kalinga architecture, 65 meters in height. It is a must-visit temple in Puri.
Suggested Read: Tourist Places In Odisha
2. Puri Beach
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The holy town of Puri is famous for its sunlit beaches at the eastern boundary. It is deemed to be one of the safest beaches in the entire nation and tourists can take a fun bath and enjoy the beach. Puri is one of those places which provides spiritual peace along with the adventure of wild nature. The Beach offers its visitors the tranquillity and joy to revel in the mystical ambience of the city. Located along the beach are a few of the most significant relics of history, such as Baulimatha – where Guru Nanak had lived. A day at the Puri beach will be a highlight of your holiday.
3. Gundicha Temple
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Gundicha Temple is located in the holy town of Puri, Orissa. It is important for being the spot where the yearly Rath Yatra is celebrated. Popular known as the Garden House of Jagannath, the temple lies in the middle of a scenic garden, with compound walls on all four sides. It is located at a distance of about 3 km from the Shrimandira, the main temple in Jagannath. The temple was constructed bu utilising light-grey sandstone and structurally, it exudes a typical Kalinga architecture made in Deula style. According to the local history, Gundicha, King Indradyumna’s queen, was a devotee of Lord Jagannath. Due to her relentless devotion, the lord promised to visit her house during the celebrations of Ratha Yatra.
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4. Balghai Beach
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The Balighai beach is located about 8 km from the city of Puri. The beautiful views during the sunset and sunrise will leave you mesmerised. An intriguing fact about Balighai Beach is that the white sand sparkles during the full moon, hence the name Balighai. The majority of the beach is covered with beautiful casuarina trees. It is one of Orissa’s most notable and highly recommended beaches because it is still quite hidden from the masses. Tourists can have a great time with family and friends here and dip in the waters. The two common water sports here are parasailing and boating and facilities are also provided for them.
Sudarshan Crafts Museum Location and Timings
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Sudarshan Crafts Museum is around 2 km from Puri Railway Junction, Station Road in Puri. For art lovers, this is one of the best places to visit in Puri, Orissa.
The museum is open for visitors from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 8 pm; it remains closed on the weekends.
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Sudarshan Crafts Museum Travel Route
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By Road—The Sudarshan Crafts Museum is 400 meters from Puri Junction. There’s also a bus stand 1.4 km from the museum. To travel around the city, taxis, private cars, auto rickshaws, and battery-powered rickshaws are accessible from anywhere in the city.
By Air – The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 59 km away.
By Train – The Nearest Railway Station, Pui Junction is about 3 Km from Sudarshan Craft Museum.
Further Read: Things To Do In Puri
Now that you have all the information needed to plan a visit to Sudarshan Crafts Museum, it is time to take a step ahead and book the tickets for a much-awaited trip to Odisha. Hurry! The museum features an excellent collection of artwork, such as paintings, handicrafts, and carvings made of wood, stone, and fibreglass. A library, a workshop, and a Buddhist temple constructed in the Japanese style are all located on the museum’s grounds. On your next Odisha trip, do add this museum to your itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sudarshan Crafts Museum
What is the usual weather in Orissa all year round?
The state of Orissa sees a typical tropical climate all throught the year and is majorly influenced by the heat and cold waves that come in from Northern India. The average temperature in the city is hot and humid all through the year and sometimes hits around 40 degrees during harsh summers. The winters and monsoons too often may experience sunshine and humidity.
What is the best time to visit Sudarshan Crafts Museum?
The best time to visit the museum is between January to December.
What is the local cuisine in Puri, Orissa?
Pakhala Bhata, Macha Ghanta and Chhena Poda are some famous food options to try in Puri, Orissa. Tourists love the cuisine here.
Is there any entry fee to visit Sudarshan Crafts Museum?
The entry fee for Sudarshan Crafts Museum is Rs. 5 for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 for foreign tourists.
When was the Sudarshan Crafts Museum founded?
The museum was founded in 1977 by Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, a popular sculptor of that time.
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