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India » Konark
 City Guide
 
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A pageant of grandeur, this shrine of Surya sculpted 700 years ago stands here unsung and unworshipped, receding even from the sea. Known as Konaditya and the Black Pagoda among the early seafarers, Konark was originally built by the Ganga king Narasimha Deva in 1278. It derives its name from the words Kona (corner) and Arka (Sun).
In the late 19th century, to save it from decay, the ruins of Konark were excavated and its interiors filled up in 1903 by Lord Curzon, Lt Governor of Bengal. Later, it was reclaimed and declared a World Heritage Monument.
Resembling the chariot in which the Sun God rides across the heavens, this colossal edifice, pulled by seven straining horses, has 24 exquisitely carved wheels and a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a spire. It represents the days of the week and the hours of the day, held together by the huge stone blocks.
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AIR
Bhubaneswar (65 km) is served by regular IA flights from Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Nagpur.
RAIL
Puri (35 km) and Bhubaneswar (65 km) are well connected by trains with all the major cities in India.
ROAD
Konark is easily accessible by road. Regular bus services connect Puri (35 km), Bhubaneswar (65 km) and most other places in the state.
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Climate
Hot summers with maximum temperatures soaring to 43°C, while the minimum in winter can be as low as 10°C. The average rainfall is 152 cms from July through September.
STD CODE
06758
Area
35.08 sq km
Languages Spoken
Oriya, Hindi, English
Population
12,681
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Konark Dance Festival (December)
Held in the open-air auditorium, north of the Sun Temple this festival in the first week of December (1-5), brings together famous dancers from all over India. You get to see the entire repertoire of Indian classical dance unfold in the backdrop of the silent monument, and few dances can match Odissi for sheer style, the dance form native to the state, which portrays the mythological importance of Oriya culture. Kavita Dwivedi, Rajendra Gangani and Banasree and Jayram Rao are some of the famous names who have been here often and will come this year again. Unfortunately, catching a live performance is largely a matter of being in the right place at the right time so don t miss out on this eclectic experience when the sound of ghungroos and aroma of festival foods waft through the night air. There is also a crafts mela which showcases tribal art and craft.
Outside the Temple
You can just lie down in the shade and gape at the temples and lose all track of time. But once you get yourself together?venture out of the temple grounds.
ASI Museum
Adjoining the temple complex, this museum has sculptures and carvings salvaged from the ruins of the Sun Temple. Included in the collection is one of the ornamental porches that once stood above the temple entrance.
Konark Beach
A brisk 3-km walk from the temple brings you to this picturesque beach by the Bay of Bengal. Don t miss out on the sunrise, when you can also see the local fishing fleet setting out into the sea on their century-old ritual.
Kuruma
Take a short jeep-ride to this obscure little village (8 km), which has become famous with the discovery of images of the Bhumisparsa (seated) Buddha here.
Chaurasi
If you are intrigued by the Tantric cult, visit the shrine of Barahi, a 9th century mother goddess with the face of a boar. The place also has temples dedicated to Laxminarayan and Amareshras.
Ramachandi
Ramachandi, just 7 km away from Konark, derives its name from the goddess of the same name. Its location at the confluence of the River Kushabhadra and the Bay of Bengal adds to the beauty of the place.
Balighai Beach
The ideal spot for those who love to savour the sea in a splendid seclusion girdled by dense casuarina trees.
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Pipli (45 km on the Puri Road)
Driving down to Konark you will suddenly come upon colourful canopies along the road, and find yourself in the umbrella-town of Pipli. Famous for its applique work, this place is a paradise for those who like to shop for bags, wall hangings and of course canopies and umbrellas!
Puri (35 km)
Home to the Jagannath Temple and a plethora of legends, Puri is a favourite with everybody who visits Orissa. An added attraction is the beach, which is safe for swimming all the year round.
Kakatapur (45 km)
Situated in the Prachi valley, Kakatapur houses the shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. Legend has it that every year the goddess sends out the directions for selecting the holy log from which the statue of Jagannath at Puri is created.
Astranga (55 km)
A famous fishing harbour in the Bay of Bengal, Astranga has breathtaking views of the setting sun.
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