Konark 

Temples & Monuments  

Konark

Where The Language of Stone Surpasses The Language of Man

About

The Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a culmination of seven hundred years of grind in search of perfection. Built in the 12th Century AD by King Narasimha Deva I and dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple at Konark ...

The Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a culmination of seven hundred years of grind in search of perfection. Built in the 12th Century AD by King Narasimha Deva I and dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple at Konark continues to leave us spellbound with its massive structure, symmetry, precision and intricate detailing.

According to Archeologists the height of the Sun Temple at Konark is estimated to be around 227 feet, making it as one of the tallest temples ever built in the country. However what remains today is the impressive Jagamohana (Entrance Hall) with the sanctum sanctorum has but almost collapsed. The other structure that still stands amidst the ruins is the Natya Mandap minus the roof.

The temple was designed as a chariot of Sun God driven by twenty four beautifully carved wheels and pulled by seven horses. Apart from its beauty what captivates historians are the scientific precision. For eg- the wheels are designed in such a way that one can gauge the time of the day by looking at the shadow cast on the spoke of the wheels by the sun. Not only that the carvings of the spoke and axesls denote the activities that one normally does at that time of the day. The wheels popularly known as Konark Chakra is a popular souvenir collected by the tourists visiting the temple.

The temple was constructed using three types of stones – the laterite stone for the boundary walls, flooring and staircase, Khondalite for the structure and Chlorite stone for the door jams and lintel. The use of iron strips to hold the structure together can be seen amongst the ruins of the temple.

Some experts are of the opinion that the Sun Temple was built in the sea, giving an impression of the Sun God emerging out of the water at day break. The European sailors referred to the temple as Black Pagoda because of the darkish impression of the roof of the temple. It served as an important landmark for the sailors navigating through the Bay of Bengal in those days.

Celebrated poet Pt. Rabindranath Tagore uttered these famous words on seeing the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark – “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man” – one couldn’t agree more, a visit to Konark leaves visitor’s with a lingering question at some corner of their mind “What If” !

Festivals

The Konark dance Festival held from 1st Dec – 5th Dec is one of the prestigious classical dance festivals of the country. The open air theatre with the temple at the backdrop comes alive to the grooves of the maestro’s and transports the audience to the glory days of the Sun Temple.

Chandrabagha Mela – Held in the month of January every year, sees thousands of devotees taking a dip in the sea and praying to Sun God.

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See to Believe

Below is a visual treat of Konark. Enjoy the immersive experience and experience the 360 degree views and virtual tours which are soon going to enhance your visual journey!

Other Things to Do

While you are at Konark, be sure to experience the below list of must-try activties. Bird Watch the rarest of nature's avian beauties, Rough it out in the ocean with water sports, Get up close and personal with nature on organized treks, Soak in leisure and breathtaking views of Gorges while Boating or enjoy the evening enthralled by performers of Folk and Classical dance. There's lots to do in Odisha's wonderlands!

Trails Covering Konark

Like what you see? Looking to have a well rounded experience in Odisha? Scroll to see a list of the choicest of curated pre-packaged tours covering the most coveted destinations in Odisha.Browse the list and see details of the trail/package which interests you most. Contact the Dept. Of Tourism recogonized Tour Operators who has published the tour and finalize your trip to Odisha today!

Getting There

  • Nearest Railway Station - Puri Junction
  • Nearest Airport - Bhubaneswar
  • Distance from Bhubaneswar - 70 KM
  • Road Transport Konark is well connected by road service from Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Insider's Stories

So why is Odisha touted as Incredible India's Best Kept Secret. What is it about the places, people , landscape, art , culture and history that entices? What makes Odisha the land of cathartic Spiritual experiences, intricate art and immortal architecture regaling many timeless tales, flair for dance and drama, pristine beaches, delectable cuisines stunning landscapes and formidable yet elegant wildlife. Don't take our word for it ; read the through the journeys and experiences of the many travel enthusiasts who have traversed and fallen in love with the land of Odisha!

Odisha The Land of God Do you really Know about Odisha

“The land of splendid temples, monuments, mind-blowing natural panorama, where everyone lives in harmony. Awesome is the beauty with orchids of wild species. It is an abode of a number of creative artists and craftsmen. It’s humbly known as the land of God…..Being a native of ODISHA is an absolute cheer
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Rony

Eco Retreat Konark Parasailing

Eco Retreat Konark is a festival welcoming the beauty hidden in the unexplored Odisha A celebration of the mesmeric sea. A revelry of nature’s bounties.
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The Globetrotterzz

Safety first at Konark Dance Festival 2020

The Konark Dance Festival is the flagship classical extravaganza that is organized every year at the Konark Natya Mandap situated in front of the famous Sun Temple of Konark, Odisha. The unique and grand celebration of the rich classical dance forms of India, makes it one of the biggest dance festivals of not only Odisha but of the entire country. This festival showcases the monumental cultural ...
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Prithviraj Roy

Essentials Cheat Sheet

Nearby Destinations

Wish to make the best of your trip to Konark ? Make sure your itinerary covers these below must-see destinations close to Konark.Most of these are highly coveted on every tourists bucket list and can be reached from Konark in a matter of hours. We have found 10 such places close to Konark that will maximize your Experience-Odisha!

Stay

There's a variety of options for you to stay at. From Star Rated Hotels, Eco Tour Nature Camps equipped with state of the art swiss tents and facilities to OTDC Government Hotels, Bed Breakfasts and Homestays to choose from. Browse the list below to choose your preferred accomodation.

Showing 2 of 7 Hotel(s) found

Yatranivas Konark

Yatranivas Konark

Yatranivas Konark, at/po-konark, Puri- 752111

9078885526 , 06758236820

http://www.panthanivas.com

Amenities

Proximity

62 Km. Distance from Airport

35 Km. Distance from Railway Station

0 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

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Panthanivas Puri

Panthanivas Puri

Panthanivas Puri, at/po-Konark, Puri- 752111

9078885530 , 06752222562

http://www.panthanivas.com

Amenities

Proximity

59 Km. Distance from Airport

1 Km. Distance from Railway Station

0 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map

Showing 2 of 7 Nature Camp(s) found

hotelname

Nuanai Nature Camp (Puri)

  • Nature camp Nuanai

Accomodation Details

  • Double Bedded 
hotelname

Chandaka Nature Camps

  • Chandaka Godibari
  • Deras

Accomodation Details

  • Double Bedded 
  • Double Bedded Type- I
  • Double Bedded Type- II
  • Double Bedded Type- III
  • Double Bedded Type- IV

 

Showing 2 of 41 Hotel(s) found

Lotus Eco Resort

Lotus Eco Resort

At/Po - Khalkata Patna, Puri - Konark Marine Drive Road, Konark

9090093464

https://www.lotusresorthotels.com/eco-resort-konark/

Amenities

Proximity

69 Km. Distance from Airport

27 Km. Distance from Railway Station

8 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

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Hotel Toshali Sands

Hotel Toshali Sands

Puri- Konark Marine Drive,

9937003223

https://www.toshalisands.com/

Amenities

Proximity

60 Km. Distance from Airport

8 Km. Distance from Railway Station

10 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map

Showing 2 of 7 Hotel(s) found

Judge Court

Judge Court

VIP Road, Balagandi, Near Ananya Resort, Puri, Odisha, 752001

9810933269 , 09810933269

Amenities

Proximity

58 Km. Distance from Airport

3 Km. Distance from Railway Station

2 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map
Mahodadhi Palace

Mahodadhi Palace

PuriSea Beach Road, Near Swargadwar

9090093414 , 06752220440

https://www.mahodadhipalace.com/

Amenities

Proximity

65 Km. Distance from Airport

2 Km. Distance from Railway Station

3 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map

Weather & Climate

Find a Tour Operators

Below is a list of Travel Agency/Tour Operators who are recognized by the Department Of Tourism and are trusted Local Specialists. Contact them today to plan a well rounded trip to Odisha and getting the best deals! Their packages cover everything from the most visited to the off-beat, from the most ancient to the most urbane, from mountains to beaches, from the wild city life to the spending nights under a cieling of stars in the actual wilderness! Click on the contact button and get a call back now!

M
M/s. Eastern Treasure India Tours Pvt. Ltd.
Address

BBSR, Odisha, India
Block No.3, 1st Floor, Aditya Tradings, (Inside SBI Old Town Branch Campus) Sriram Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751002

M
M/s. Shibani Travels
Address

BBSR, Odisha, India
B-29, Saheed Nagar, Rupali Square, Bhubaneswar-751007

M
M/s. Universal Travels
Address

BBSR, Odisha, India
Plot No. N-6/259, IRC Village, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751015

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