Image Source: sohel
About INS Kursura Submarine Museum
The first submarine museum in South Asia, the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, is an iconic attraction located on RK Beach (Rama Krishna Beach) in Visakhapatnam. It is one of the few such museums that shed light on the bravery and life of submariners. Unlike some museums that use replicas, the INS Kursura Museum is an actual decommissioned submarine. It offers a great opportunity to visitors to explore the inner workings of a decommissioned Indian Navy submarine.
The museum is built on the S20, a Soviet-made Kalvari-class submarine inducted into the Indian Navy in 1969.It served the Indian Navy for 31 years before being decommissioned in 2001. The submarine played an important role during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The submarine was transformed into a museum and inaugurated on August 9, 2002.
Museum Inauguration
Exhibits
The museum houses preserved components of the submarine, such as control rooms, torpedo launchers, engine compartments, and living quarters.
Detailed exhibits and models explain submarine operations, life underwater, and the vessel’s history.
Interactive Experience
Guided tours are provided by ex-Navy personnel, offering authentic insights into the challenges and routines of submarine life.
Recognition
The museum has received numerous awards for its unique concept and contribution to tourism.
What to Expect
Inside the submarine:
Visitors can walk through the submarine’s narrow corridor and explore different sections of the submarine.
Sonar Room: Used for underwater detection.
Torpedo Section: It’s used to display torpedoes and their launch systems.
Control Room: It’s the brain of the submarine.
Crew Living Quarters: Offering a glimpse into the compact lifestyle of submariners.
Audio-Visual Displays
Multimedia presentations help in understanding naval jargon and technical details and beautifully portray the submarine history and missions.
Photography
Photography is restricted inside the submarine but you can capture from outside.
Timings
The museum is open from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM on weekends and holidays.
It is closed on Mondays.
Tickets
Entry tickets are reasonably priced, with discounts available for students and children.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time is in the evening, especially to enjoy the pleasant beachside ambiance after the museum visit.
How to Reach
The museum is situated on RK Beach Road, about 5 km from Visakhapatnam city centre.
Visakhapatnam Railway Station (about 5 km) or Airport (about 12 km).
Nearby Attractions
RK Beach
Kailasagiri Hill
Victory at Sea Memorial
TU 142 Aircraft Museum (opposite the Submarine Museum).