Konark is an important pilgrimage town for Hindus. The main attraction of this town is UNESCO World Heritage Site called Konark Sun Temple, that was built in the early 13th century. Thousands of tourists travel to Konark to see this magnificent Sun Temple made out of black granite.
Konark is a small town in Puri district of Indian state Orissa. Along with Jagannath Puri Temple and Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar, it is part of golden triangle as promoted by Orissa tourism. Konark is only 30km from the holy town of Puri and 35km from beautiful Chilka Lake. Tourists generally plan a trip that includes visit to Puri, Konark and Chilka.
Unlike the general perception, Konark is not all about the Sun Temple. A beautiful and quite beach just 2km from the temple is honeymooners delight. There are several other attractions in Konark including some archeological sites that gives in-depth knowledge of Indian culture and history in 13th century. There are a couple of Buddhist sites near Konark as well.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Pilgrims travel to Konark during October and March. This period is ideal because of nice weather and to witness couple of local festivals, Konark Dance Festival and Chandrabhaga Mela.
TOURIST ATTRACTION IN KONARK
Konark Sun Temple - This massive Hindu temple may have turned into ruins but its glory still stands as it was in 13th century. The architecture and stone carvings at the temple are unbelievable and shows the true talent of Indian artists during that period. The temple was built by the Narasimha Deva. The temple was destroyed by the Muslim Suleman Kalapahad.
The temple is designed in a shape of colossal chariot with 24 wheels pulled by seven horses which is believed to be vehicle of Sun God. The main entrance has statue of two lions guarding the temple. The key attractions inside this massive Sun temple are Statue of Nataraja, a dance form performed by Lord Shiva. Statute of Surya - A huge statue carved out of green chlorite stone, considered as most impressive artwork in Konark. The impressive Wheels of the Chariot considered to be Dharmachakra or Wheel of Life.
The Nata Mandir - Nata temple is located at the entrance of the Sun Temple. It is famous for incredible carving of dancers, flora, men in armor and exotic art. The Nata Mandir was dancing hall where temple dancers used to pay homage to Sun Lord by dance performances. Several sculptures of the temple are now exhibited at the Sun Temple Museum.
Melakkadambur Shiva Temple - This temple was constructed in 1075-1125 in the form of chariot. Melakkadambur Shiva temple is considered to be first of its kind. It later started the trend of chariot shaped temples in India. It's still quite well-preserved.
Chandrabhaga Sea Beach - Also known as Konark Beach is located 3km from the Konark Sun Temple. The Konark beach is known for calm waters and rich marine resources. There are couple of temples that are worth visiting. This beach is a popular tourist attraction, often visited by romantic couples of some quite time. The beach offers beautiful sunrise and sunset scene that has made it Lovers Paradise.
Ramchandi Temple - The temple lies between the route to Puri from Konark some 7km away. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ramchandi who is believed to be chief goddess of Konark kshetra.
Konark Math - Konark Math is a monastery located at the south wall of the Konark Sun Temple. No deity is worshiped at this place. Local people refer this Buddhist monastery as 'Samba Ashram'. According to Hindu mythology, King Samba was cursed by the Lord Krishna, who later told him that in order to relieve from curse he needs to worship Sun God on the coast of North East Puri. This is the place where Samba worshiped.
Kuruma - Located 8km from the Konark Sun Temple, Kuruma is a excavation site of Buddhist monastery abandoned with a statue of Lord Buddha seated in cross legged position.
Chandrabhaga Mela - The mela took place on Magha Saptami which falls in the month of February. On this day Sun God is worshiped in Konark. Millions of pilgrims travel to Konark and take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River.
Konark Dance Festival - This festival is considered as mecca of classical dancers and singers from all parts of India. Its a cultural showcase of India. The performances take place in an open-air auditorium, front of live audience with Konark Sun Temple in the background. This festival continues to unique tradition of temple dance at Sun Temple alive. Konark Dance Festival takes place every year from 1 to 5 December.
HOTELS IN KONARK
There aren't much accommodation option available at Konark. Usually tourists take day trips to Konark from nearby Puri (30km) and Bhubaneswar (65km). There are plenty of hotels in Puri and Bhubaneswar for the tourists.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport from Konark is in Bhubaneswar (65km). There are flights to Bhubaneswar from all major Indian cities like Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata, Bangalore etc. Due to lack of accommodation in Konark, tourists prefer to stay at Bhubaneswar which itself is a popular tourist destination and take day trip to Konark.
By Train - Unfortunately there is no railway station in Konark. The nearest ones are in Bhubaneswar (65km) and Puri (35). Both these towns are popular tourist and pilgrimage destination. There are trains to these places from all parts of India.
By Road - There is good road connectivity to Konark. Both national and state highway connects three important tourist destination in the state Konark, Puri and Bhubaneswar also referred as Golden Triangle of the East or Orissa. There is option of hiring taxi from Puri or take a bus from Bhubaneswar to reach Konark.
