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The Sudam Sand Art Museum located in Odisha is a homage to the art of sand sculpting. Set in the colourful city of Puri, this museum displays a myriad of delicate sand sculptures done by Sudam, an artist famous for employing sand, a radical medium in his art pieces. These works of art are created with sand which tells different stories ranging from mythology to modern issues and are spirited with excellent finesse. People can observe how intricate this art form is, and how artists work to create these short-lived, yet elaborate pieces.
Location
Photo: Mainak Chakraborty / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Sudam Sand Art Museum is in Puri, which is a popular beach town in Odisha and is also home to the revered temple of Lord Jagannath. Puri is among the tourist’s favourite destinations, and since it houses a museum close to the sea, tourists can access it easily while exploring the area. The Sudam Sand Art Museum address is easy to navigate.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Odisha For A Perfect Getaway In Nature’s Lap
How To Reach
Photo: Josh Nezon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Rail: Sudam Sand Art Museum, Odisha is situated almost at a distance of about 5 kilometres from the Puri Railway Station. You can take auto rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws, and private taxis from the railway station to reach the museum.
By Bus: The museum is approximately 3 and a half kilometres away from the Puri Bus Stand. Auto rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws, and private taxis are readily available from the bus stand which will take only a few minutes to reach the museum.
By Bus: At the moment, there is no airport in Puri. Therefore, the tourists intending to fly to Puri, have to book up to the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The airport is located at nearly a distance of 60 km from Puri. Private taxis can be hired from the airport to here.
Places To Visit Around Sudam Sand Art Museum
Near the museum, you will find a relatively quiet beach to relax and taste seafood specialties as well as important cultural sites with deep-rooted history to offer a deep understanding of the culture.
1. Narendra Pokhari
Photo: Aditya Mahar / Wikimedia Commons
Narendra Pokhari is a holy tank which is located at Mauza Dandimala Sahi in the district of Puri. It is one of the biggest tanks in Odisha which was constructed in the 15th century AD by Narendra Dev who shared the responsibility of the kingdom with Purushottama. There is an island in the middle of the tank which has a small temple — Chandana Mandapa. This temple is connected to the southern bank through a bridge. The tank is spread over 16 ghats which gives a chance to the pilgrims to take a holy dip.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance: 11.1 km
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2. Golden Beach
Photo: Aastha Swarnim / Wikimedia Commons
Golden Beach is one of the picturesque beaches of the Bay of Bengal located in the city of Puri. It has a pristine sandy beach and a glistening sea. The main feature of this site is the beautiful sunrise and sunset scenes. This beach also has spiritual significance as people bathe here after offering prayers at the celebrated Jagannath Temple which is located close by. There are a few food joints and souvenir stalls which can also be seen along the shore of the site. Public transport and taxis can be used when it comes to local transport.
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Distance: 13.3 km
3. Sudarshan Craft Museum
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Sudarshan Craft Museum was established in 1977 by Shri Sudarshan Sahoo. The authentic collection of great artistic creations made by Sudarshan Sahoo has been showcased at the museum in terms of wooden framing, carvings on fibreglass and stone artefacts, handicraft products and paintings. Art lovers should for sure visit this museum since it offers a very educational and informative experience for the visitors. It is open to the public for visit and has metal figurines and stone carvings for sale. The museum gives a chance to young talents to be noticed by people in order to get the deserved recognition.
Timings: 8 AM – 12 PM and 2 PM – 8 PM (Monday to Friday)
Distance: 11.2 km
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4. Govardhan Matha
Photo: Jagannathan Narayanan / shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
The Govardhan Matha in Puri is among the oldest Matha in the country. According to historical sources, this matha was set up by Bhagvatpaada Adi Shankaracharya in Puri in the year 483 BC with the primary intention of propagating the Sanatan dharma among people which is the extortion-free, unbiased and harmonious establishment. The traditions started by Adi Shankaracharya Maharaj Govardhan Maha were attributed to the Rig Veda. Also, Shree Padmapadacharya was the first and foremost priest also known as Mathadheesh of the temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Distance: 14.2 km
5. Konark Sun Temple
Photo: Antoniraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Konark Sun Temple was built during the 13th century by Narasimhadeva as a Hindu temple of the Kalinga Kingdom in honour of the sun god. Built in the form of a giant chariôt, the temple is famous for the amendments on the stone that can cover the whole building. The temple is one of the famous tourist places of Odisha and has been enlisted as a World Heritage Site since 1984. It exists in a small village of the same name that stands within a distance of 35 km north of Puri on the seashore of the Bay of Bengal.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance: 24.5 km
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6. Chilika Lake
Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chilika Lake is situated at the mouth of the Daya River and is the largest coastal lagoon in India. It is an aquatic habitat with abundant fishery resources in terms of production. This supports over 1,50,000 fisher folk who are settled in 132 villages on the coast. Thus, the lake was declared as the first Ramsar site of India in 1981. It is one of the biggest wintering grounds for migratory birds. Birds from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other far-off places in Russia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas visit here.
Timings: Boat tours operate from 6 AM to 4 PM
Distance: 40 km
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Sourav Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
It is advisable to visit the Sudam Sand Art Museum during the cooler months of the year, which range from October to March. This period also provides better weather conditions which makes it ideal for tourists to go around both the museum and the region as a whole.
Suggested Read: Explore Scenic Picnic Places In Odisha For Perfect Family Outings And Relaxation
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: That’s Her Business / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Obey any instructions given by the museum personnel including restrictions and prohibitions such as touch restrictions on the sculptures and restrictions on photography of certain sculptures.
- Talk to people such as a curator or guide at the museum who will be able to give more information regarding the art pieces and the style used by the artist.
- Nevertheless, following the museum’s rules regarding Sudam Sand Art Museum photos may be a useful reminder of the event.
- Carry your essentials like comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and camera.
Puri has a vibrant blend of spirituality, culture, history, and art. If you are planning to visit the iconic Sudam Sand Art Museum for an enriching experience witnessing the beautiful sand sculptures and artistic displays, then plan your trip with TripXL to have a convenient and enjoyable trip. Make the most of your exploration and creativity here in this extraordinary museum which is nestled in the heart of Puri.
Cover Photo: Kunalsaxena2109 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
