The maritime industry in India is of extreme importance. From deciphering its inevitable impacts to getting a glimpse into the unique life of the Navy personnel, there’s a lot to unfold. If you are interested in exploring more about this industry, a visit to the INS Kursura Submarine Museum in Vizag is a must. Once an active part of the Indian Navy, the INS Kursura (S20) is now a decommissioned submarine turned museum. Getting to witness it up close is truly a fascinating feat where you get a better understanding of India’s naval prowess. Being such an iconic historical landmark, visiting the INS Kursura Submarine Museum Vizag is mandatory on your next vacation.
Where Is INS Kursura Submarine Museum Vizag?
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The INS Kursura Submarine Museum is located on RK Beach Road in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. If you are visiting the famous Ramakrishna Beach, the museum is a short walk from there. The prominent and easily accessible location of this museum is what makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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Interesting Facts About INS Kursura Submarine Museum
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A little backup about the Museum in terms of information will add value to your trip.
Historical Significance: The INS Kursura was commissioned on December 18, 1969, and served in the Indian Navy for 31 years before being decommissioned on February 27, 2001. One of the most important contributions of this submarine was during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Following the decommissioning, the submarine was then transformed into a museum for public access.
Address: P88J+V2W, RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017
Museum timings: 02:00 PM to 08:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Museum entry fees: INR 40 per adult and INR 20 per child.
Things To Do At INS Kursura Submarine Museum
When exploring a sightseeing spot as a tourist, you always want to make the most out of the experience. With the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, there are several ways you can optimize the exploration of the area:
Some of the most popular INS Kursura Submarine Museum activities include:
1. Guided Tours
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Hands down the main attraction in the museum lies in their guided tours. They provide an in-depth look into the decommissioned submarine. The majority of the time, the tours are guided by retired naval personnel, who are present to provide the guests with an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of the submarine, its history, and its operations. The guides also take you through the different compartments present inside the submarine, including the control room, and the living area for the navy officers, and also give you a rundown of the technology used in the operation of the submarine.
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2. Explore The Interior
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Once you have a better understanding of the submarine’s history and its mechanics, it is time to step inside the submarine and check out the interiors. There are four distinct rooms inside the submarine that you will get to explore in real-time – Control room, Crew Quarters, Engine room, and Torpedo room. Getting to explore these individual rooms up close is truly a fascinating experience. Understanding how the design of the submarine utilizes every inch of the space is truly a rewarding experience,
3. Interactive Exhibits
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The museum features several interactive exhibits that provide a hands-on learning experience. There are periscopes, which enable you to have a real-time feel of how the actual submariners feel when they are underwater. Some exhibits offer simulation games that allow visitors to experience navigating a submarine or launching torpedoes. These kinds of games are quite popular among children who prefer the gamified way of learning. Also, the individual touch screens with information are easy to navigate and give a digital outlook of the different parts of the submarine in the museum.
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4. Indulge In Educational Programs
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If you are traveling with a group of children, the INS Kursura Submarine Museum has dedicated educational programs targeted toward teaching them about the functions of the underwater giants. Conducted by experts in naval history and technology, these sessions provide in-depth knowledge about submarine operations, maritime strategy, and the history of the Indian Navy. Also, there are ongoing workshops that you can sign up ahead of time. Some of the topics covered in these workshops include underwater navigation, maritime archaeology, and marine engineering.
5. Explore The Gift Shop
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Whenever you visit a museum, it’s ideal for you to stop at the gift shop at the end of the room to buy some souvenirs as a memory of visiting the place. The majority of the small knick-knacks you find are related to submarines and the Indian Navy. Also, there are souvenirs, books, and memorabilia related to the INS Kursura and the Indian Navy. So, you can buy a few of the items as keepsakes and give people back home once you return from your vacation. The items are reasonably priced, so that’s a bonus as well.
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Places To Visit Near The Museum
Once you wrap up all the INS Kursura Submarine Museum activities, it is time to spend the rest of your day exploring the nearby sightseeing spots. There are quite a few different ones.
1. Ramakrishna Beach
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Located right beside the museum is the famous Ramakrishna Beach, aka RK Beach. Being one of the main attractions in Vizag, it is a no-brainer that you need to spend your time swimming and sunbathing on the golden sands of the beach. There are a few water sports available on the beach like snorkeling that you can try out as well. In the evenings though, the beach glows with the sunset, and the area is filled with small food trucks selling snacks that you can try.
Distance from INS Kursura Submarine Museum: 16.7 Km
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
2. Kailasagiri
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For some peace, visit Kailasagiri, the popular hilltop park that’s known for its pristine white statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a combination of a park with landscaped lawns and gardens and also a viewpoint where you get to witness the panoramic views of the coastline. Also, you can ride the ropeway to reach the park, which adds to the fun and adventure. There are dedicated picnic spots and a children’s play area as well.
Distance from INS Kursura Submarine Museum: 16.7 Km
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
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3. Borra Caves
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Located approximately 90 km from Visakhapatnam, Borra Caves are a must-visit for nature and adventure enthusiasts. These limestone caves are renowned for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over millions of years. This is one of those sightseeing spots that will appease the adventurers. You can trek to the entrance of the caves and even indulge in other activities like rock climbing, nature walks, and wildlife exploration if you are on a guided tour.
Distance from INS Kursura Submarine Museum: 90 Km
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Best Time To Visit The Museum
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The museum is open to the public throughout the year, so there are no restrictions on when you can visit to explore the inside of an actual functioning submarine. Since Vizag experiences a somewhat pleasant climate throughout the year, you can plan your trip at your convenience. Usually, the ideal time for a visit is between October and March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it easier for you to be on your feet and explore the museum without feeling drained and tired.
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How To Get To The Museum?
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The museum is open to the public throughout the year. INS Kursura Submarine Museum is located centrally in Vizag. So, accessibility is not an issue. You can reach Vizag by plane, train, or road. Once you are in Vizag, the museum is around 16 km from the main city. Taxis and public buses are available from the city center. Once you board the vehicle of your choice, you can get down at RK Beach Road and then walk to the museum from there. It is a few minutes from the Ramakrishna Beach.
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INS Kursura Submarine Museum Vizag is one of the absolute must-visit tourist attractions the next time you visit Visakhapatnam. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to step inside a real submarine and learn about its operations and the lives of those who served aboard. Exploring unique exhibits and having a gamified learning experience is what draws attention to this place. So, on your next trip to Andhra Pradesh, plan your visit to this museum for an enriching visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions about INS Kursura Submarine Museum
How long does it take to tour the INS Kursura Submarine Museum?
Depending on whether it’s a self-paced or guided tour, exploring the entire museum can take somewhere between 1-2 hours.
Are there any age restrictions for visiting the INS Kursura Submarine Museum?
No, there are no strict age restrictions involved with visiting the submarine museum in Vizag.
Which time of the day is best to visit INS Kursura Submarine Museum?
To be able to explore the museum with ease and without rush, the INS Kursura Submarine Museum's best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon.
When does the INS Kursura Submarine Museum Open?
The INS Kursura Submarine Museum timings are from 02:00 PM to 08:30 PM except Mondays.
What is the cost of the INS Kursura Submarine Museum tour?
The INS Kursura Submarine Museum entry fee is INR 40 per adult. Guided tours come at an additional cost.
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