The INS Kursura Submarine Museum in Visakhapatnam is not only a remarkable tourist attraction but also a symbol of India's naval prowess and technological achievements. The history of this museum is linked to the decommissioned Indian Navy Submarine, INS Kursura (S20), which served from 1969 until 2001. As Asia's first submarine museum and the second of its kind in the world, INS Kursura plays a key role in showcasing India's naval history.
The submarine was transformed into a museum and opened to the public in 2002. Since then, it has attracted tourists and naval enthusiasts alike. Lying on the Ramakrishna Mission Beach in Visakhapatnam, the museum captures the life and times of submariners and their underwater warfare apparatus.
The effort of converting the INS Kursura into a museum involved towing the submarine onto the shore and placing it on a concrete foundation—a feat that marked a groundbreaking event in the history of maritime museums. The preservation of the submarine in its original form offers visitors an immersive experience of life under the sea.
At the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, visitors can explore the control room, crew quarters, torpedo room, and various compartments, which are equipped with original machines and artifacts. The guided tours by ex-naval officers add an authentic touch to the experience, enhancing the in-depth understanding of the operations that once occurred within this valiant vessel.
In recent years, the INS Kursura Submarine Museum has embraced modern trends by harnessing digital technologies for enhancing visitor engagement. The addition of audio-visual elements and informational plaques detailing the submarine’s history and the life aboard has made the museum more interactive and enjoyable to a wider range of audiences.
Visakhapatnam has further developed its tourism infrastructure to accommodate the increasing footfall at the museum. With an emphasis on heritage and educational tourism, INS Kursura is an integral part of city tours and is included in the itineraries of international and domestic visitors seeking an encounter with India’s maritime legacy.
The establishment of the INS Kursura Submarine Museum has had a profound impact on local tourism in Visakhapatnam. It has not only increased tourist traffic but has also helped in boosting the economy by creating jobs and promoting the city's cultural heritage. Alongside its role in tourism, INS Kursura continues to serve as an educational platform, inspiring younger generations about the maritime and defense sectors of India.
The museum stands as a testament to the Indian Navy's architectural and historical significance, all the while contributing to the collective memory and pride of the nation.
