Visit Submarine Museum-INS Kurusura: An Amazing Sight-Seeing Destination in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradhesh (2024)
Are you planning to go to Andhra Pradesh for a vacation? If yes, then be rest assured because you are in for a great time. There are a number of exciting tourist places in Andhra Pradesh that will keep you busy and entertained. If you have researched even a bit about the place, then you would know that Visakhapatnam is one of the popular places here. Though Visakhapatnam is mainly popular for housing a wide variety of amazing beaches but you will be pleased to know that the place houses many other wonderful attractions that catches the attention of a number of tourists. One such attraction in Visakhapatnam is the submarine museum. Located in the south – eastern state of India, as the name suggests, the museum is made inside an actual submarine – INS Kurusura, which is well known as India’s 5th submarine.
Situated on the beautiful RK beach, near the war memorial in Visakhapatnam, the magical scenery of the clear blue waters merging with the golden soft sand of the beach serves as the perfect backdrop for the submarine museum. Many curious souls who wish to know more about livening in submarines are naturally attracted to this Submarine Museum-INS Kurusura. Inside this beautiful submarine museum, you can find a number of rare artefacts, explanatory pictures and informative articles that display the stories of strength, sacrifice as well as patriotism of the warriors.
Visiting Submarine Museum-INS Kurusura can also give the visitors an insight on how difficult it actually can get to survive with limited space as well as resources hundreds of feet deep underwater. Are you also interested in submarines? Does this museum make you curious? Do you want to know more about this one of the exceptional tourist places in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh? If yes, then you have arrived at just the right place. Continue reading!
Significance of INS Kurusura: Those of you who are unaware about the significance of INS Kurusura would be pleased to know that it is India’s 5th submarine and was commissioned in December 1969. This submarine served the Indian Navy for 31 long years before being decommissioned in the February of the year 2001. During the period that it served the Indian Army, this submarine was included on a key patrol mission in the year 1971 during the Indo – Pak war and has been a significant participant in a number of naval exercises as well as goodwill visits. After it was decommissioned, the submarine was used in the form of a museum in order to spread more awareness about the Indian Naval Forces, the technology used and its increasing development in India. 
Statistics of INS Kurusura: INS Kurusura is a submarine that is 91.3 metres long and 8 metres wide. This USSR make, class I-641 submarine is known to have a displacement of 1945 tons. The diving depth of the submarine is 280 metres and it is believed to accommodate around 77 sailors at a single go. Other than that, the submarine has 22 torpedoes, 448 batteries and 3 diesel engines. Another highlight of INS Kurusura is that it reaches a speed of about 15.5 knots.
INS Kurusura as a Museum: When the submarine was decommissioned and was planned to be used as a museum, INS Kurusura was modified to a large extent in order to make it more friendly for visitors. It was modified in a way that the visitors could have a proper view of the interiors of the submarine too and experience an easy entry as well as exit. Other than that, you will be pleased to know that there are actual Naval Officers that serve as guides at the venue. They not only explain any queries that visitors may have and explain the history of the submarine to the visitors but also share their stories as well as experiences with interested people.
Another thing which makes INS Kurusura even more exceptional is that that the Dressing Ship Honour has been awarded to the submarine despite the fact that it is now a decommissioned submarine. You would further like to know that INS Kurusura submarine museum is a one of its kind of project that has been launched by the Eastern Naval Command. With its rearranged interiors provided a clear and better view to the visitors, it is the one and only Submarine museum to exist in the entire continent of Asia. If you visit this submarine museum in Visakhapatnam, you not only will gain a lot of useful knowledge but will also return with a rejuvenated feeling of patriotism. The submarine with its impressive history and significance will make you feel proud of your country as well as for the warriors who fought and even lost their lives for the sake of our country.
Best Time to Visit the Submarine Museum: Though one can visit this excellent submarine museum any time throughout the year and gain knowledge but if you want the best experience and wish to explore this museum to its best, then it is highly recommended that you plan your trip in a way that you are here between the months of October and February. This is because during these months, the weather here stays pleasant enough for visitors to have a comfortable and convenient time to explore the museum.
How to Reach the Submarine Museum: As far as reaching Submarine Museum is concerned, you don’t have to worry much because the route to this museum is very well connected by road within Visakhapatnam. There are a number of auto rickshaws and local transport buses that are easily available from any part of the city. However, if you don’t prefer to travel by public transport and exploring the city with the help of a private transport or a personal vehicle, then you can reach the museum via Port Road, Gajuwaka – Scindia road or via NH 16.
Opening Hours of the Submarine Museum: You will be pleased to know that you can visit this amazing Submarine museum on all days of the week except on Monday as it is closed. As far as the opening hours are concerned, the Submarine museum is opened for the visitors from 2 PM in the noon till 8.30 PM. So, the interested visitors have more than enough time to explore the museum right to its core.
Entry fee for the Submarine Museum: Despite being a one of its kind of museum throughout the entire Asian continent, the visitors are not charged a very high or expensive entry fee. You will surely be surprised to know that the entry fee for children is just Rs. 20 per kid. However, for adults the entry fee increases to Rs. 40 per person. Also, if the visitors want to click photographs inside the museum, then they have to pay additional charges. The fee for still photography camera is Rs. 50 but if you wish to go for video camera, then the fee will increase to Rs. 500 per camera.
Now that you know that INS Kurusura Submarine museum is actually one of the exceptional tourist places in Andhra Pradesh, make sure to drop by here during your vacation. You surely won’t return disappointed!
