Konark
India · Odisha · 4 m
Description
Konark (କୋଣାର୍କ) is a small town on the coast of the Indian state of Odisha. It is known for the Sun Temple, built in the 13th century by the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple was conceived as the chariot of the sun god Surya. Twenty-four carved stone wheels line its base, and stone horses strain at the front. Sculpted musicians, dancers and animals cover every surface of the ruined complex. Casuarina groves and the wide beach at Chandrabhaga lie just beyond the walls. The town itself stays quiet and low, wrapped in sand and sea wind. Most travellers visit between Puri and Bhubaneswar.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Konark Sun Temple
- Jagannath Temple, Puri(Day trip)
- Puri Beach(Day trip)
- Chandrabhaga Beach
- Sunrise over the Bay of Bengal
- Puri to Konark Marine Drive
- Konark Archaeological Site Museum
- Konark Sound and Light Show
- Konark Dance Festival (December)
- Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar(Day trip)
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves(Day trip)
- Dolphin Watching at Satapada, Chilika Lake(Day trip)
- Dhauli Peace Pagoda(Day trip)
- Raghurajpur Artist Village(Day trip)
- Pipili Applique Craft Village(Day trip)
- Ramachandi Temple(Day trip)
- Beleswar Temple(Day trip)
- Kuruma Buddhist Excavations(Day trip)
- Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary(Day trip)
- Astaranga Fishing Harbour(Day trip)
- Olive Ridley Nesting at the Devi River Mouth (approx. February - March)(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- BBI