The Konark Sun Temple is located in the Puri district of Odisha, in Konark. Bhubaneswar, the state capital, is approximately 60 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar, whereas Puri is around 35 kilometers away. Because of the Sun Temple, Konark is a popular tourist site, with trains, buses, and taxis connecting it to Puri and Bhubaneswar. The most convenient way to reach Konark is to get a cab from Puri.”
The temple was built between 1238 and 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and is thought to have been built in the 13th century CE. The king ordered the temple, and Samantaraya Mahapatra oversaw the construction. The sun and the four corners are represented by the phrase ‘Konark.’ Europeans who used the temple as a guiding aid for their ships dubbed it Black Pagoda because of its dismal exterior. The temple’s magnetic properties are supposed to be capable of luring ships to the coast.
Timings to visit the Temple- 06:00am to 08:00pm
Konark Sun Temple is open on all days of the week.
Best time to visit Konark: The best duration to visit Konark is throughout the winter season when the temperature tumbles down to a cool and wonderful normal of 15ᴼC. The weather is more pleasant for sightseeing in this climate, which is mostly dry with little precipitation. The famous Konark Dance Festival takes place during the month of December, marking this month to be one of the most highly visited times in the year. During the winter, other activities such as the Indian Surf Festival and the International Sand Art Festival take place.
Places to visit near Sun Temple
Archaeological Site Museum
The Sun Temple Archaeological Museum was founded in 1968 to house the archaeological excavations and fallen sculptures from the Sun Temple. A number of antiquities are on display in the gallery, which is divided into four sections. Sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and different fallen sections of the Konark Sun Temple are among the antiques.
The archaeological site museum is a 1.5-kilometer walk from Konark. The Konark Museum was established in 1968 to house both archaeological excavations and the Sun Temple’s fallen sculptures. The museum is divided into four halls, each displaying 260 different antiques. Antiques include sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and various fallen portions of the Konark Sun Temple. It is a treasure trove for historians and art connoisseurs.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Chandrabhaga Beach
Chandrabhaga is a seaside beach located only 3 km from Konark Sun Temple and makes for a lovely one-day place to visit while visiting the temple town. The sandy beaches of Chandrabhaga are famous for their scenic sunrises and sunsets as well as the lighthouse nearby. The Hindu calendar marking the dates of Kartik Purnima and Magha Saptami is special here as pilgrims come from far and wide to take a dip in the sea of Chandrabhaga.
The Konark Sea Beach is named after the Chandrabhaga River, which meets the sea here. With its lengthy stretch of sylvan sands and soothing blue sea rushing in, undulating waves, Konark Beach is one of the most attractive places to visit in Konark. A stroll down the beach is a wonderful way to unwind. Sunbathing, surfing, and other beach sports are accessible to guests.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Ramachandi Temple
On the banks of the River Kushabhadra, the Ramachandi Temple is devoted to the goddess of the same name. The temple is open to non-religious guests as well as those who wish to relax and enjoy the sights. A picnic resort is close by, and Konark is approximately 7 kilometres away. The town’s principal god is housed in this temple, which is claimed to be older than Konark’s sun temple.
Ramachandi Temple is an old temple on the banks of the Kushabhadra River near Konark, Odisha. It is located on the Marine Drive Road between Konark and Puri, and is one of Odisha’s most important pilgrimage locations.
Apart from the temple, Ramachandi Beach is a renowned tourist site at the junction of the Kushabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal. The beach is named after Goddess Ramachandi. The golden sands and towering palm trees flank the beach, making it ideal for long walks and shell collecting. Sailing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing are just a few of the beach activities.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Kuruma
Kuruma is a small village 8 kilometers south of Konark. Kuruma, a half-day trek from Konark, is home to some exceptionally ancient Buddhist sites. You will be able to visit the sites and ruins here where the stupas described by Hiuen Tsang stood once upon a time.
Kuruma is one of Odisha’s most important archaeological sites, and it’s mentioned in a number of Buddhist books from Ashoka and Ceylon, as well as Hieun Tsang’s writings. The site dates from the 8th or 9th century AD, and it is a must-see for everyone interested in Indian history.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Varahi Devi Temple
Chaurasi’s Varahi Devi Temple is 27 kilometres from Konark. It is famously also known as Barahi Temple and is situated on the banks of the Prachi River since time immemorial. Goddess Varahi has been placed here since the Somavamsi Empire established this temple in the 10th century CE.
Goddess Varahi is pot-bellied and sits on a buffalo throne. The goddess is fed with a non-vegetarian feast of fish every day, in contrast to other Hindu temples, and the devotion ceremonies are tantric in nature. This temple’s architecture is similar to most of the Konark’s temples, which is worth visiting. Carved from sandstone and engraved beautifully, there are many sculptures also to be found on the premises of this temple. From Suryadev’s sculpture to Ramayana’s scenes painted on walls, there is much to see here.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Best Hotels at Konark
- Sun Temple Hotel (Konark)
- Toshali Sands Puri
- Lotus Eco Resort Konark
- The Pearl
- Beach Waves Camping Resort
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Frequently Asked Question
This is a fantastic mix of spiritualism and culture.
Because Konark is a coastal destination, the weather is most nice in the winter. September through March are the best months to visit this place. Summers are hot and humid, and should be avoided at all costs.
Near the shore, the main market offers a large variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The Bengali-style fish fry is a regional specialty. Other local delicacies include Pakhala (rice preparation), Dali, Mandia Jau, Dahi Baigana, Dahi Machha, Dahi Bhindi (fried eggplant, fried fish, fried ladyfinger dipped in spicy yoghurt sauce), Khatta, Aludum, a variety of Pithas, Dahi Badi, Rasgulla, Chhenapodapitha, Gulab Jamun, and a flattering variety of seafood Continental and Chinese cuisine are also available in the area's restaurants.
The nearest major railway station is Puri, which is 31 kilometres away, while the nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar, which is 64 kilometres away. You can either pay for a taxi or take one of the state-run buses to Konark from the railway station or the airport.
Puri is 28 kilometres from Konark, Bhubaneswar is 52 kilometres from Konark, Cuttack is 67 kilometres from Konark, Dhauli is 41 kilometres from Konark, and Gopalpur is 145 kilometres from Konark.
Have a memorable trip to this beautiful Temple.
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