Konark is a historical town situated in Odisha and is particularly famous for the presence of Sun Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built by King Narasimhadeva I, it won’t be wrong to say that this temple is no less than an architectural marvel and is also one of the most beautiful monuments of India.
The prominence of Konark as an ancient travel getaway is such that it attracts tourists from all over the globe on an annual basis and one of the highlights of this place is the Annual Dance Festival which continues for a period of about five days.
Best Time to Visit Konark
The major reason for this festival is to celebrate our country’s enriching culture and artistic heritage. And if you are wondering to visit Konark to experience this remarkable place and every little thing about it, then the best time to visit Konark would be from the months of September to March.
History of Konark
In our Hindu texts, Konark has been referred to as Kainapara. It is believed that this place acted out as a significant port for trading activities very early on in our history.
And the Konark temples which we see today as the glorious remnants of our Hindu Itihaas, date back to the 13th century. However, there is enough evidence which suggests that there may have been a temple even before the 13th century.
On studying Puranas, we come to know that the ritual of Surya (Sun) worship was practised in Mundira, which might have been one of the earlier names of Konark itself. And then the Chinese Buddhist Pilgrims and travellers like Hiuen-Tsang have also mentioned a city named Charitra as a port city in Odisha which the experts today refer to as Konark.
Best Tourist Places To Visit in Konark
This temple is situated on the northeast corner of Puri and is considered to be an UNESCO World Heritage Site. As far as the face of Odisha tourism is concerned, this temple is considered to be one of the most significant ingredients for it. The best thing to know about the temple is that during the Konark Dance Festival, the temple transforms into a myriad of cultural activities. If you are a local, then the entry fee is INR 40. However, foreign nationals would have to shell out INR 600.
2. Astaranga Beach
The very name Astaranga means colourful sunset. It is considered to be one of the most magnificent beaches situated in the state of Orissa. Here you get to witness lots of people who come here to have fun and take away nothing but loads of memories with themselves.
3. ASI Museum
In this museum, you will find some of the most amazing artefacts which in their essence reflect the art form of Orissa. It is said that the museum holds about 250 different kinds of antiques which have been recovered from the Sun Temple. The entry fee of ASI Museum is INR 10. The timings of the museum are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
How to Reach Konark
If you really want to discover the true essence of Indian culture, then Konark is one tourist attraction in Odisha which you mustn’t miss at any cost. It is located at an approximate distance of about 1,779, 1,815, 496, 1,489 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Konark by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), Bhubaneshwar situated 60 km away. It is considered to be the primary airports serving the city of Bhubaneswar and has been named after the former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The airport has good flight connectivity with other cities via direct and connecting flights. Once you deboard at the airport, you can easily catch a cab or some other means of local transportation available to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Konark
By Train
Depending upon your convenience, you can consider deboarding at either Puri Railway Station or Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS). Both the stations have been fairly well-connected with nearby regions. Once off the station, take some local transportation to reach your preferred destination.
By Road
When it comes to travelling by road, then you can easily travel to Konark by the well-maintained means of road transportation. Depending on the location, budget, and your convenience, you can consider travelling by interstate or private buses, hire a cab, or if suitable travel by your own vehicle.
- From Cuttack - 89 km via SH60
- From Bhubaneswar - 72 km via NH316 or SH13
- From Nayagarh - 126 km via NH57
Frequently Asked Questions about Konark
Q. Where is Konark located?
A. Konark is a town located in the state of Odisha, India.
Q. What is Konark known for?
A. Konark is known for the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most famous monuments.
Q. What are the popular tourist destinations in Konark?
A. The Konark Sun Temple is the main tourist attraction in Konark. Other popular destinations include the Ramachandi Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, and Mayadevi Temple.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
