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Situated near Puri Beach, Odisha, travellers across the world enjoy interesting things to do at Sudam Sand Art Museum that is dedicated to artistic sand sculptures. The unique and creative museum was founded by famous sand artist Sudam Pradhan, who is world-renowned for his brilliant sand art. Describing various cultural and social themes, Sudam Pradhan’s art provoked an all-global admiration. Visitors have their chance to witness the extraordinarily lifelike creations that consist of nothing but sand and water. The themes include different myths and global personages, as well as the issues of peace and harmony in Indian heritage.
Quick Details
Sudam Sand Art Museum Address: Puri Beach Road, Odisha, India
Sudam Sand Art Museum Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Sudam Sand Art Museum Ticket Price: ₹30 for Indian tourists, ₹200 for foreign tourists
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Sudam Sand Art Museum Location
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Sudam Sand Art Museum is located at Baliguali Square on Konark Marine Drive Road, Puri, Odisha. It is situated near Puri Beach Road and the renowned Jagannath Temple of Puri. The roads connected to Puri-Konark Marine Drive are Grand Road, leading to the Jagannath Temple, and NH 316, connecting Puri to Bhubneshwar. The nearby landmarks are Retreat Sungreen, Matrukrupa Restaurant, and Ramakrishna Cricket Ground. Puri District Court, Municipal Hospital, and Puri Collectorate Office are on the way to the museum.
How To Reach Sudam Sand Art Museum
Photo: Government of Odisha / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, is the nearest airport, located 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or book a cab to Puri, which takes 1-1/2 hours.
By Railway: The nearest railway station is Puri Railway Station which is 10 km from the museum. From there you can get an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the museum. It takes 20 minutes to reach.
By Road: You can take a bus or drive to Puri Beach, the museum is opposite Puri Beach. The museum is located by Marine Drive Road. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for local transportation. The nearest bus stand is Puri.
Things To Do At Sudam Sand Art Museum
Visiting the Sudam Sand Art Museum offers a unique experience that blends art and nature.
1. Admire The Sand Sculptures
Photo: Jonathan Ridley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sand sculptures are the most outstanding part, and admiring them is one of the best things to do at Sudam Sand Art Museum. Sudam Pradhan has made numerous incredible pieces to depict mythological stories, famous people, and social problems. All the sand sculptures were made accurately, with great intention and meaning. Often, they show a sense of life, harmony, and spirituality. It is a great pleasure to visit the museum as you will see different exhibits every time since there are often new artistic sculptures. Unlike other museums, this particular establishment presents an example of fine art that can be easily destroyed. That is probably the reason why it leaves guests stunned by the complexity of most formations.
2. Enjoy Workshops And Art Exhibitions
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Occasionally, the museum arranges some workshops for emerging artists and guests. Sudam himself or other qualified sculptors in this centre organise such meetings, where the participants are given some basic information on how to create sand figures. In addition, tourists can attend some live shows, during which they can see how a sand figure is being created right in front of their eyes. One of the best things to do at Sudam Sand Art Museum is to be a part of the art exhibitions and cultural events, especially during the tourist season and major festivals, such as Puri Beach Festival and Rath Yatra.
Places To Visit Around Sudam Sand Art Museum
If you’re visiting the Sudam Sand Art Museum, you should also explore the nearby attractions in Puri, which are rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
1. Jagannath Temple
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash
One of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, the Jagannath Temple is located only 3 km away from the museum. The temple is famous for conducting the billowing Rath Yatra. Steeped in the traditional Kalinga style, the temple is dedicated to its eternal king, Lord Jagannath, and is sacred to millions of people who visit it every year. It’s said that the Jagannath Temple has one of the world’s biggest kitchens that can prepare a wide variety of Mahaprasad daily, which is offered before the deities and then distributed among devotees.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
2. Puri Beach
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Puri Beach is a tourist attraction, which the coast is stretching out on. It consists of golden sands and is washed by the calm waves of the sea. Of all the beaches in India, this one has the most delightful evening fair. Small stalls invite all to taste the freshest seafood. There are also other activities that you can take part in, including camel rides and local artisans like Sudarsan Pattnaik creating elaborate sand sculptures. The beach is also a major fishing spot where traditional boats are seen.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A
3. Konark Sun Temple
Photo: Bhaskar Agarwal / Unsplash
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Konark Sun Temple, is located 35 km away from Puri. The 13th-century temple, devoted to the Sun God, is one of the historical marvels for its architecture and intricate carvings showing different meanings of life. This temple was built in the shape of a massive chariot with 24 intricately carved wheels drawn by seven stone horses. The temple is a prime example of Kalinga architecture, characterized by elaborate stone carvings that depict various scenes from mythology, everyday life, and celestial bodies.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 (for Indians), ₹600 (for foreigners)
4. Chilika Lake
Photo: Ckpcb / Wikimedia Commons
Chilika Lake is located about 50 km from Puri and is considered to be the largest Asia’s brackish water lagoon. The lake offers a rich variety of birds along with aquatic life. Boat tours are available for visitors to explore the lake and beautiful islands. It crosses 1,100 square Km of the land mass of Odisha. It is reported to be highly biodiverse as it supports numerous species of fish and crustaceans as well as migratory birds. For some fishing communities, it is also part of their livelihood.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Cost/Person: ₹100 (for boat rides)
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kritzolina / Wikimedia Commons
Weather: Odisha, in general, is quite hot and humid. The best time to visit a tourist place would be during the winter months, more specifically from October to March, as the place will be more pleasant to visit.
Tips For Tourists: Carry sunscreen and lotion and carry a lot of water as you may get dehydrated under the sun, especially when you are moving around. Go either in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hot weather that usually occurs in the afternoon.
Cost And Expenses: It is not expensive to visit the museum and nearby tourist sites. Transportation and guided tours cost a bit more, but you can opt for the cheaper rates too.
The Sudam Sand Art Museum is not just a museum of sculptures but a living remains of the thinnest and the most beautiful art. Located in the most picturesque place in Odisha, one of the state’s beach towns, it represents a beautiful and moving combination of creative process and cultural communication. Things to do at Sudam Sand Art Museum are an insightful way of spending a bit of time by the sea and looking at the greater picture in life. Plan your trip to Odisha with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Talha Riaz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
