Are you an aviation fanatic who wants to discover some iconic aircraft? Then, a visit to the TU 142 Aircraft Museum in Visakhapatnam is necessary. The museum, affectionately known as the “ Pride of the City”, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s aviation and military innovations. Inside the museum, you will find an array of technological marvels, including survival equipment, data recorders, propellers, anti-submarine weaponry and more. A visit to this museum is an enlightening journey through both aviation history and military innovation in Visakhapatnam. If you are bored of exploring Vizag’s beaches, the TU 142 Aircraft Museum is a must-see place to enrich your Visakhapatnam itinerary.
TU-142 Aircraft Museum History
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After serving 29 years in the Indian Navy, the TU 142 Aircraft was turned into a museum on 29th March 2017. The Andhra Pradesh Government decided to preserve the legendary Aircraft. During World War II, the Soviet Union decided on a way to counter the U.S. Navy’s powerful bomber. The Soviet Union designed and tested the TU 142. The TU 142 came to India after the de-induction of the super constellation. The legendary TU 142 Aircraft has operated in major missions such as providing airborne surveillance for Sri Lanka and Operation Cactus in Maldives. The Indian Navy decommissioned the aircraft after completing 30 thousand hours of flying.
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Important Information About Tu-142 Aircraft Museum
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- The TU 142 aircraft logged 30,000 operational hours during its service with the Indian Navy.
- The museum was established to boost tourism in Vizag.
- The entire project incurred a total cost of INR 14 crore.
- Converting the aircraft into a museum alone cost INR 3.5 crore.
- The TU 142 Aircraft Museum’s Hours are Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and Saturday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
- Tu 142 Aircraft Museum Ticket Price is INR 70 per adult and INR 40 per child.
Places To Visit Near TU 142 Aircraft Museum
Visakhapatnam is known for having the oldest port in India and is home to the most beautiful beaches and many historic places. Here is a list of places to visit near Tu 142 Aircraft Museum
1. INS Kursura Submarine Museum
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Vizag is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque hills, but several other attractions exist. One of them is INS Kursura Submarine Museum. Located on the golden-white sands of RK Beach, the Submarine Museum is a popular tourist attraction. The INS Kursura was initially built by the Russians in 1969, was commissioned by the Indian Navy the following year, and served for 31 years. This Submarine Museum is known for being the first submarine turned into a museum. Once you enter the Museum, you will come across various artefacts, photographs, and scripts that will give you a glimpse of the lives of the submariners.
Distance from TU 142 Aircraft Museum: 230 metres
Timings: Monday: closed; Tuesday-Sunday: 2:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M.
Entry Fees: Rs 40/ adult; Rs 20/child
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2. Kailasagiri Hills
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Kailasagiri Hills is the most popular tourist destination. Located at 360 feet and surrounded by lush green forests, the Kailasgiri hills offer the most picturesque view of Vizag. You can take a ropeway ride to Kailasgiri Hill and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. As you reach the top of Kailasagiri Hill, you will see the statues of Shiva and Parvati. For adventure enthusiasts, Kailasagiri Hills has much to offer, such as the gliding point. Besides this, the Titanic viewpoint in the Kailasagiri Hills offers a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Vizag.
Distance from TU 142 Aircraft Museum: 8.1 kilometres
Timings: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM-7:30 PM.
Entry Fees: Rs 5 per person
3. Mudasarlova Park
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Mudasarlova Park stretches over 20 acres of land in the beautiful village of Visakhapatnam. If you plan a trip to Vizag, add this place to your itinerary to rejuvenate among the verdant hills of Visakhapatnam. The park is regarded as the oldest park in the city, and it was constructed in 1902. The park also has a mango orchid spread over 8 acres of land. The park offers various activities for tourists to engage in. The Park has a scenic garden where you can enjoy a picnic with your loved ones or a round of golf with the most stunning views.
Distance from TU 142 Aircraft Museum: 11.2 kilometres
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Rs 10 per person
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4. Victory At Sea War Memorial
Image Credit: Indian Navy for Wikimedia Commons
Located just a few steps from the TU 142 Aircraft Museum, there is another popular museum called Victory at Sea War Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-Pak War. Visiting this museum is an honour to the martyrs. As you step inside the museum, you can witness a variety of tanks, such as the T-55 tank that was used in World War II, a P-21 ground-to-ground missile, and the RZ-61 missile, which is used during the rehearsal for the parade on Republic Day. The memorial is a perfect spot for history buffs.
Distance from TU 142 Aircraft Museum: 11.2 kilometres
Timings: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Entry Fees: Free
5. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
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Nestled on the Eastern Ghats, the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife reserve in Visakhapatnam. The Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with the most scenic views as it is surrounded by lush green forests. The forest reserve has a long trail that makes it an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts. As it is located on the Eastern Ghats, the wildlife reserve boasts a variety of flowers and fauna. You can indulge in various adventure sports such as trekking, boating, hitchhiking, and horse riding. Besides all the adventure sports, the wildlife reserve offers an overnight camping experience for tourists.
Distance from TU 142 Aircraft Museum: 9.5 kilometres
Timings: 09:00 A.M. – 04:30 P.M.
Entry Fees: Rs 10/adults; Rs 5/child
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How To Reach Tu 142 Aircraft Museum
By Air: The TU 142 Aircraft is 18 kilometres from Visakhapatnam International Airport. You can hire a taxi to reach the museum.
By Train: The Visakhapatnam Railway Station is well-connected with all the well-known states in India. After you reach the junction you can opt for a private vehicle or a cab that will comfortably drop off to your location.
By Road: Public buses are always available. You hop on a public bus to reach the museum.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Vizag In Summer
Vizag is home to many popular beaches, resorts, and historical sites, making it a favourite tourist destination on everyone’s travel bucket list. The TU 142 aircraft museum in Visakhapatnam is a must-visit for aviation fans and for people interested in learning about the history of fighter planes. Book your trip to Visakhapatnam and add this place to your itinerary to experience a blend of history and modern culture.
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Cover Image Credit : Pinakpani for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About TU 142 Aircraft Museum
Can visitors take photographs inside the TU 142 Aircraft Museum?
Certain rules and regulations apply for taking photos inside the museum. It is advised to check all the rules before visiting.
Are guided tours available inside the museum?
Yes, guided tours are often available to provide detailed insights into the history and features of the TU 142 aircraft.
What is a TU 142 aircraft?
TU 142 was a long-range maritime patrol aircraft used by the Indian Navy for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Can I carry food items inside the museum?
Large bags, food items, and beverages are not allowed inside the museum. Do check with the museum for any guidelines before arrival.
Can people with disabilities visit the museum?
Most museums have wheelchairs, lifts, and ramp facilities. But it is still advised to check with the museum officials before planning your visit.
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