Odisha ·
Konark
Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
Konark at a Glance
Why Konark?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Konark Sun Temple
- Chandrabhaga Beach
- Konark Beach
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ramachandi Temple
Konark at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Konark before planning your visit.
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Explore Konark
Places to Visit
- Konark Sun Temple: Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Hindu Sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri city on the coastline in Puri district, Odisha, India. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.
- Chandrabhaga Beach: Chandrabhaga Beach is situated three km east of the Sun Temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India. It is 30 km from the city of Puri.
- Konark Beach: Konark Beach or Chandrabhaga Beach is situated in Odisha on the eastern coast of India and is considered to be India's finest beach. It is situated three km east of the Sun temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India.
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary: The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Odisha. The sanctuary has an area of 87 km2, and is located along the Bay of Bengal coast, between the towns of Puri and Konark.
- Ramachandi Temple: Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti Pithas.
Things to Do
- Light & Sound Show: A light & sound show is held at the Konark Sun Temple complex the temple acts as a projector. The entire history of the temple, including parts of the Kalinga history, is brought to life through light and sound effect.
- Konark Sun Temple: A , built in the 13th century in the honour of the sun-god Surya, is in ruins. The entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels about 3 m high and pulled by seven horses, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens.
- Chandrabhaga Beach: Chandrabhaga is rich in its marine resources. A light house, close by Chandrabhaga is an added histrionic to the splendour of the place.
- Kuruma: The site was built between 9th–10th centuries CE. The monastery, now abandoned, containing an excavated statue of Buddha seated cross legged with right hand in Bhumisparsa mudra while the left hand placed over his left knee.
- Ramachandi Temple: Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti Pithas.
- Pipili: It has a very wide and distinctive selection of handicrafts. On the main road at Pipili there are many shops selling Applique work products, tourist visiting Puri buy these products from Pipili.
Sightseeing Places
- Konark Sun Temple: Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Hindu Sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri city on the coastline in Puri district, Odisha, India. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.
- Chandrabhaga Beach: Chandrabhaga Beach is situated three km east of the Sun Temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India. It is 30 km from the city of Puri.
- Konark Beach: Konark Beach or Chandrabhaga Beach is situated in Odisha on the eastern coast of India and is considered to be India's finest beach. It is situated three km east of the Sun temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India.
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary: The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Odisha. The sanctuary has an area of 87 km2, and is located along the Bay of Bengal coast, between the towns of Puri and Konark.
- Ramachandi Temple: Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti Pithas.
Temples
- Konark Sun Temple: Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Hindu Sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri city on the coastline in Puri district, Odisha, India. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.
- Ramachandi Temple: Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti Pithas.
Places That Define Konark
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Hindu Sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri city on the coastline in Puri district, Odisha, India. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.
Chandrabhaga Beach
Chandrabhaga Beach is situated three km east of the Sun Temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India. It is 30 km from the city of Puri.
Konark Beach
Konark Beach or Chandrabhaga Beach is situated in Odisha on the eastern coast of India and is considered to be India's finest beach. It is situated three km east of the Sun temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India.
Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Odisha. The sanctuary has an area of 87 km2, and is located along the Bay of Bengal coast, between the towns of Puri and Konark.
Ramachandi Temple
Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti Pithas.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Konark on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), about 50 km from Konark.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Malatipatpur railway station, about 28 km from central Konark.
- By Road: The National and State Highways link Konark with Puri and Bhubaneswar forming a virtual triangle popularly known as Golden Triangle of East. To reach Konark from Bhubaneswar, after travelling 20 km take a left turn once you reach Pipili.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Konark (Apr, May, Jun) averages 27–33°C with about 84 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Konark (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 26–31°C with about 584 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Konark (Oct, Nov) averages 22–30°C with about 117 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Konark (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 16–28°C with about 2 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 27°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Konark trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
- Overview: Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
- Medieval Period: In 1559, Mukunda Gajapati came to throne in Cuttack. He aligned himself as an ally of Akbar and an enemy of the Sultan of Bengal, Sulaiman Khan Karrani. After a few battles, Odisha finally fell. The fall was also aided by the internal turmoil of the state.
Festivals
- Overview: Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
- Best Festival Time: The most comfortable months are January, February, March, April and November.
Architecture Guide
- Summary: Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
- Overview: Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
- Architectural Style: The Sun Temple is the culmination of Odishan temple architecture and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendour surrounded by drifting sand. Today it is located two kilometers from the sea, but originally the ocean came almost up to its base.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Konark or Konarak is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
- Accommodation: There are few decent accommodation options in Konark and the situation is getting better with every passing day. Hotels or lodges in places like Puri and Bhubaneswar offer more choices because they are considered to be more famous travel destinations. Listed options include Banita Lodge, Konark Lodge and Labanya Lodge.
- Best Way To Explore: Auto-rickshaws, taxis and cycle rickshaws are there for roaming around in the town. State bus services are rickety and uncomfortable while traveling unless you are on a budget.
The Sacred Heart of Konark
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
In 1559, Mukunda Gajapati came to throne in Cuttack. He aligned himself as an ally of Akbar and an enemy of the Sultan of Bengal, Sulaiman Khan Karrani.
Coastal Significance
In 1559, Mukunda Gajapati came to throne in Cuttack. He aligned himself as an ally of Akbar and an enemy of the Sultan of Bengal, Sulaiman Khan Karrani.
Maritime Heritage
Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name "Konark" is derived from the words koṇa ("corner") and arka ("Sun"), therefore it literally means "corner of the Sun".
Frequently Asked Questions
Konark is most comfortable in January, February, March, April and November, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is May (average high 33°C) and the wettest months are June, July, August, September and October.
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), about 50 km away. The nearest railway station is Malatipatpur railway station, about 28 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark Beach, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary and Ramachandi Temple.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 27°C to 33°C over the year, with about 2262 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Konark
Your Konark Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.