About Konark

Konark, located 65 kms from the capital city of Bhubaneswar, is a beautiful town of stunning monuments and scenic beauty. Set against the bewitching coastline of the Bay of Bengal, this small town holds within itself some of the most marvellous architectural majesties of India. Konark showcases the essence of Odisha’s temple architecture. The beauty of Konark is crafted in stone and has been described as a place where the language of stone defeats the language of man. The splendid monuments in Konark are also famous for their religious significance. Konark is renowned world over for the Sun Temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Annual dance festival and its beautiful sandy beaches. Konark also hosts the Sun Festival, where devotees offer prayers to the Sun God by taking dips in the sea. The Dance Festival also hosts a Handicrafts Mela where one can buy unique and exquisitely handcrafted pieces which beautifully reflect the Oriya art form. The third link in the Orissan Golden Triangle, Konark, 35 kms from Puri, is the site of one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture in the world. Konark derives its name from Konarka, the presiding deity of the Sun Temple. Konarka is actually a combination of two words, Kona means corner and Arka means sun, which, when combined, means the sun of the corner. Konark was one of the earliest centres of Sun worshipping in India. The place finds mention in the Puranas as Mundira or Mundirasvamin, a name that was subsequently replaced by Konaditya or Konarka.

Tourist Attractions In Konark : 10

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1: Sun Temple

Dedicated to Lord Surya, this 13th century temple is an architectural marvel and the quintessential example of Odiyan form of architecture. It is believed that the temple was constructed by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The shape of the temple is of a massive chariot with sumptuously engraved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure at present is in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has been made in the form of a huge adorned chariot of the god Sun. It has twelve pairs of sumptuously engraved stone wheels and is pulled by a set of seven horses. The temple trails the traditional elegance of Kalinga architecture. It is carefully slanted towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise foray the main entrance. The original temple had a main hall but, due to the weight of the heavy structure and weak soil of the area the main hall fell in 1837. The audience hall still stands and is the prime structure in the persisting ruins. Amongst the structures, at the present day, are the dance hall and dining hall. The Konark temple is also known for its sensual statues and plays host to an annual dance festival which showcase all the traditional dance forms from various past of India with the most prominent being the Odissi from its parent state.

2: Chandrabhaga Sea Beach

Chandrabhaga Sea Beach is situated 3 kms from the famous Sun Temple of Konark. The rustle of cool breeze and the clear water along with the spellbinding scenic beauty of the beach welcome visitors to this wonderful tourist destination. The picturesque beach is ideal for picnics and other activities like swimming, boating or walking. One can simply sit down on the beach and get lost in its enchanting beauty. The place is away from the hustle and bustle of the town and offers a solitude that is relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. But during the annual Chandrabhaga fair, the beach takes on a very different look. During that time, the beach comes alive with a lot of people, colours, light and activities. A light house stands near the beach. Standing on top of the light house and watching the majestic beauty of the Chandrabhaga beach is an experience in itself.

3: Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum in Konark is situated near the famous Sun Temple of Konark. People flock to the museum to know and understand about the past glory of the Sun temple and to see the loose pieces of sculptors of the temple. These pieces have been collected from the temple complex and preserved in the museum. There are separate galleries which have unique collections of antique pieces like carved stones, images of Surya Narayana; erotic sculptures among other pieces are also the part of the collection.

4: Astranga

Astaranga is a famous fishing centre near Konark. The place is situated near the mouth of the Devi River. It lies at a distance of 19 kms from Konark. Astaranga is a combination of two words, Asta meaning sunset and Ranga meaning colour in the Oriya language. The name is appropriate for the place as the horizon of Astaranga displays mesmerizing colours during the sunset. It draws tourists from all over the country to see this enchanting site. The Astaranga beach provides the backdrop to enjoy the beauty of the place in a more enchanting manner. The place is also well known for salt production and fishing. The small fish market on the beach is the place where fishermen display various fish and sell them to interested buyers. The mornings in Astaranga are a milieu where the fishermen return from the sea and buyers wait anxiously to buy the fresh catch.

5: Mayadevi Temple

Mayadevi Temple in Konark is located in the Sun temple complex. This temple is also known as the Chayadevi Temple since it is believed to be dedicated to Goddess Chayadevi. The temple comprises of a sanctum or deul and a porch or Jagamohana that stand on a raised platform. The platform’s façade is decorated with extensive architectural splendour. The superstructure of the sanctum and the porch has been destroyed over time. But the interior of the porch displays outstanding sculptural finish. The inner sanctum does not have any deity placed inside it. A row of khondalite stones surround the temple complex. The temple was believed to have been constructed in reverence to one of the wives of the Sun God, Mayadevi. But now it is believed to be the older Sun temple. Tourists visiting the Sun Temple make it a point to visit this temple as well.

6: Kakatapur Temple

Kakatapur Temple is located in a small village called Kakatapur on the Puri-Astaranga road in Puri District of Odisha. The village stands at a distance of 30 kms from Konark. The Kakatapur temple was constructed on the banks of river Prachi. The temple was built to worship the Goddess Mangala. Goddess Mangala is the chief deity of Kakatapur. The Kakatapur temple has a link to Puri’s famous Lord Jagannath Temple. On the occasion of the Navakalebara or the festival of Restoration of the Idols, the priests from the Lord Jagannath temple come to Goddess Mangala at the Kakatapur Temple and pray to her to help them find the sacred trees to create the new idols for Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra. Jhamu Yatra is a popular festival celebrated in the Kakatapura temple. It falls on the first Tuesday of the Hindu calendar month of Baisakh, during April 14 to May 15, every year.

7: Chaurasi

Chaurasi is small village situated on the right bank of River Prachi. The place is famous for its temples dedicated to Barahi, Amareshras and Laxminarayanan. Barahi, also known as Varahi, is the name of the Mother Goddess. The temple was built in the first quarter of the 10th century AD. The reigning deity of the temple is Goddess Barahi. She is depicted to have a boar face and a pot belly. She holds a fish in one hand and a cup in the other. She has a third eye on her forehead. The deity is worshipped according to the tantric rituals. The temple is lavishly decorated with splendid architecture. The temple has a rectangular porch at the superstructure level. Tourists flock to have a glimpse of the unique Barahi deity, who is offered fish every day. The other two temples dedicated to Laxminarayan and Amareshwar also attract visitors.

8: Ramachandi Temple

Ramachandi Temple is located in the Puri district of Odisha, at a distance of 5 kms from Konark. It is the temple of the reigning God of Konark, Ramachandi, who is worshipped with reverence. The temple stands on a mesmerizing spot on the banks of Kusabhadra River. The temple is famous as one of the Sakta Pithas of Puri. The main temple is built on a raised platform. The three walls of the temple on the south, west and north have figures of the Sun god. The graceful statue of Goddess Chandi remains seated on a lotus flower inside the temple. This temple is believed to be more ancient than the Sun Temple of Konark. The beach of Ramachandi presents an enchanting view and is often crowded by people enjoying a family picnic or an outing with dear ones. This beach is also very famous among the young couples looking for a romantic escapade.

9: Kuruma

Kuruma is a unique attraction of Konark tourism. Kuruma is the name of a small village located about 8 km from the Sun Temple of Konark. The place gained fame after excavations were carried out in this small hamlet from 1971 to 1975. The findings include a high wall and antique images of Heruka or Dharma, the Sun God, and Buddha. From then onwards, this village has gained importance as a Buddhist tourist spot. The site was constructed in the 9th -10th centuries A.D and is believed to have been a Buddhist monastery. The idol of Buddha discovered at this place is seated in a cross legged position. The right hand of the idol is in Bhumisparsa mudra and it has the left hand resting on the left knee. The image is a decorated one, which has a lovely crown and a wonderfully engraved necklace.

10: Puri Konark Marine Drive

The Puri Konark Marine Drive is a 35 kms drive joining the religious places Puri and Konark. The driveway is lined up with picturesque coastal forests on both either sides. There are many beach resorts on the Puri Konark Marine Drive. On the way, you can stop and pay your homage at the Ramchandi Temple, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple and Gupteswar Temple. The most preferred tourist spot on this drive is the Chandrabhaga Beach where boating facility can be availed if booked in advance. The Ramchandi Beach which lies in the vicinity of the Puri Konark Marine Drive attracts many visitors too. One will also find boating facility here. Do not miss to witness the beauty of the rising and setting sun on this drive.

How To Reach Konark

By Air - The nearest airport to Konark is the Bhubaneswar airport. This prominent airport is well linked to all major parts of the country through a number of flights.

By Rail - The nearest railway stations to Konark are located at Puri and in Bhubaneswar. Both the bustling railway stations are well linked to almost all the major cities and towns in India through regular trains. Konark can be easily reached from these railway stations through taxis and buses that are available.

By Road - Konark is well connected by road to major towns and cities in Odisha. An extensive road network connects Konark to the rest of the country via national highways. The State highways link it with prominent cities of the neighbouring states.

Local Transport - Local buses, private vehicles on hire and taxis are the common modes of communication through the road network. Autos, rickshaws and taxis are available in the city. Tourists can also take the local bus service, however it is not up to the standard.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Konark)

1 - MAA TARINI SPECIAL BANARAS MITHAPAN, LOCATED IN KONARK - (FAMOUS FOR PAN)

2 - CHANDRABHAGA WOODEN RESTAURANT, OTDC, LOCATED AT PURI-KONARK MARINE DR - (FAMOUS FOR SEA FOOD)

3 - KONARK - {FAMOUS FOR DAHI BHINDI (FRIED EGGPLANT, FRIED FISH, FRIED LADYFINGER DIPPED IN SPICY YOGURT SAUCE) ; ALUDUM IS A DISH MADE FROM POTATOES ; PITHA IS A TYPE OF SNACK MADE FROM RICE FLOUR OR WHEAT FLOUR ; CHHENAPODAPITHA IS A DESERT MADE FROM CHEESE, SUGAR, SEMOLINA, CASHEW, RAISINS, CARDAMOM (ELAICHI) AND DESI GHEE ; MANDIA JAU IS A DESERT MADE FROM RAGI / MILLET FLOUR, JAGGERY OR SUGAR, CARDAMOM POWDER, MILK AND DRY FRUITS}

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Nature Camp Konark Retreat

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Updated 12 Jul 2019

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published on 2019-07-12

Surya Inn

Price: ₹ 999.00

Updated 10 Jul 2019

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Golden Triangle Of Odisha Tours

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Updated 22 Jan 2018

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Published on: 2018-01-22 12:01:09