Submarine Museum, also known as Smritika or INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, is a museum located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the first submarine museum in Asia and the second in the world. The museum is housed inside an actual submarine, INS Kurusura, which was India’s fifth submarine and served the Indian Navy for 31 years. The museum was inaugurated in 2002 and is situated on RK Beach Road, near the War Memorial and tourist attraction in Visakhapatnam. The museum showcases the life and operations of submariners and the evolution of submarine technology in India. Visit during One Day Visakhapatnam Sightseeing Trip By Private Cab
Location of Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum is located at R. K. Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Paanduranga Puram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017. It is about 18 km from Visakhapatnam International Airport and 5 km from Visakhapatnam Railway Station and RTC Complex. The museum is easily accessible by public transport such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
Timing/Entry Fees INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm on weekends. The museum remains closed on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 40 per person for adults and Rs. 20 per person for children (below 12 years). There is an additional charge of Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 200 for video camera. There is a concession of Rs. 10 per person for children in group (group above 20 nos.).
How to Reach INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum can be reached by various modes of transport from different parts of the city. The nearest bus stop is Appughar Bus Stop, which is about 500 meters from the museum. The nearest railway station is Visakhapatnam Railway Station, which is about 5 km from the museum. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, which is about 18 km from the museum. One can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from these points to reach the museum.
Things to Do/Must See INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum has a wide range of collections that depict the history and technology of submarines in India. Some of the things to do and must see in the museum are:
- Explore the interior of the submarine, which has been preserved as it was when it was operational. See the various compartments such as the engine room, control room, sonar room, radar room, periscope room, torpedo room, battery room, living quarters, kitchen, washroom, etc.
- Learn about the history and achievements of INS Kurusura, which was built by Russians in 1969 and commissioned to Indian Navy in 1970. It reached Visakhapatnam via the Baltic Sea and served in several wars including the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It was decommissioned in 2001 and converted into a museum in 2002.
- Admire the various artifacts, photographs, and written scripts that showcase the milestones of the evolution of submarine technology in India. See the models of different types of submarines such as Foxtrot class, Kilo class, Shishumar class, Sindhughosh class, etc.
- Listen to the narration of the guides, who are retired naval personnel, who explain the history and activities of the submarine in great detail. They also answer the queries of the visitors and share their experiences of living and working inside a submarine.
- Enjoy the scenic view of the RK Beach and the Bay of Bengal from the outside of the submarine.
Significance of INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum is a significant place for anyone who wants to know more about the naval history and technology of India. The museum preserves and displays an actual submarine that served the Indian Navy for three decades and played a vital role in protecting the nation’s maritime interests. The museum also educates and inspires visitors about the achievements and contributions of various submariners who sacrificed their lives for the country. The museum is a testimony to the courage and dedication of the Indian Navy.
FAQs
Q1. What are the timings and entry fees for Submarine Museum?
A1. The timings for Submarine Museum are from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm on weekends. The entry fees are Rs. 40 per person for adults and Rs. 20 per person for children (below 12 years). There is an additional charge of Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 200 for video camera.
Q2. How can I reach Submarine Museum from Visakhapatnam Railway Station?
A2. You can reach Submarine Museum from Visakhapatnam Railway Station by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. The distance is about 5 km and the travel time is about 15 minutes.
Q3. What are the main attractions of Submarine Museum?
A3. The main attractions of Submarine Museum are the interior of the submarine, the history and achievements of INS Kurusura, the artifacts, photographs, and written scripts that showcase the evolution of submarine technology in India, the narration of the guides, and the scenic view of the RK Beach and the Bay of Bengal.
Q4. Is photography allowed inside Submarine Museum?
A4. Yes, photography is allowed inside Submarine Museum with an additional charge of Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 200 for video camera.
Q5. Is there any parking facility near Submarine Museum?
A5. Yes, there is a parking facility near Submarine Museum for visitors.
Conclusion
Submarine Museum is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to explore the naval history and technology of India. The museum has an actual submarine that served the Indian Navy for 31 years and showcases the life and operations of submariners. The museum also offers a scenic view of the RK Beach and the Bay of Bengal from its outside. Submarine Museum is a unique experience of naval history and technology that will leave you amazed and enlightened.
