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Konark Tour & Travel Guide

When talking about Konark we cannot miss mentioning the exquisite Sun Temple dating back to the 13th century. The temple is also popularly known as the Black Pagoda, because of the beautiful silhouette visible from the sea. Although the temple is now in ruins, but the intricate architecture still gives you insights into the glorious past. The city is saturated in history and if you like to discover the multitude of rich architecture and history, then Konark is nothing less than a gem. The temple complex is like a museum in itself as there are many facets to the stunning structure and it is right to say that the temple complex will leave you spellbound. Plan a trip to Konark during the annual Konark Dance Festival to witness splendor of our culture. This classical folk dance and music festival is held every year in December. It is a colorful treat to watch the culture and traditions coming alive.

Konark Map
Population

18,000

Top Sites

Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga beach, Konark Sun Temple, Konark Sea Beach

Temprature
Summer
April to June

25°C to 30°C

Monsoon
July to Sep

25°C to 32°C

Winter
Oct to Feb

08°C to 20°C

An Insight into Konark Tourism

The Black Pagoda

Konark is a small town in near Puri in Odisha, India, on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Known all over the World for its 13th century Sun Temple and Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark is just 65 km from state capital Bhubaneswar. The name 'Konark' is a combination of “Kona” i.e. corner and “Arka” i.e. Sun, thus Konark meaning the Corners of Sun. The Sun Temple is also called as the Black Pagoda, owing to its blackish silhouette as it was visible from the sea to the sailors of the bygone era and it also served as a guiding point. Konark Sun Temple is considered to be one of the best among temples of this kind and is a World Heritage Site. The temple now is only ruins of one time architectural wonder. Once can see a collection of sculptures from the temple in the Sun Temple Museum by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The prime attraction in Konark is the Sun Temple complex that houses the Sun temple, Mayadevi temple, Vaishnava temple, kitchen, well etc.

The Sun temple is a 13th century gigantic chariot of the Sun God, carved in stone with seven horses pulling twelve pairs of ornamented wheels. The remains of the temple complex, as today, has the appearance of a 100-foot high chariot with huge wheels and horses. Once over 200 feet in height, in particular the large shikara tower over the sanctum. The structures have intricate stone carving artwork, and iconography based on themes. In its days of grandeur, the main idol of Sun God remained suspended in the air owing to the huge magnets fixed, one at the peak and another at the basement. There was also a large diamond in the center of the idol that reflected the sun rays as it passed.

Other places such as Ramchandi beach & Chandrabhaga Beach are near to Konark and can be visited in a day’s tour. The annual classical & folk dance festival called Konark Dance Festival, is held here every December and the temple at the backdrop adds glory.

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