Konark is renowned for its centuries old Temple, alluring trendy beach and of course for the much acclaimed dance festival. Konark alias Arka-Tirtha is in fact a combination of Kona and Arka which means the sun around the crook. The outstanding monuments of Konark reflect the quintessence of Oriyan architecture. The annual Dance Festival of Konark receives accolades from worldwide, where the enthralling performances of distinguished classical dancers provide a delightful feast. The Sun Temple, which makes a magnificient backdrop, adds the charm of this cultural pursuit. This five day long cultural extravaganza helped this sleepy town to a thriving tourist destination. Besides this, Konark also holds the Sun Festival, where the devotees take a holy dip in the sea before the sunrises and offer their prayers to the sun god. Konark is an excellent combination of traditional architecture and stunning natural ambiance. A fabulous temple at a sauntering expanse from the beach bluster the sumptuousness of the conventional Indian architecture and art, which holds one’s breathe. Prettily situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Konark is a place where the poetry carved stone temples win ones heart with its majestic charm.
Sun Temple, Konark
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Heritage
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 752111
STD Code: 67581
Info Website: http://www.konark.org/
Best Time to Visit: September – March
HistoryEdit
Since the time of Mahammad Ghori, Orissa was raided several times by the Muslims, but the Hindu kings of Orissa could resist them definitely for a longer period. The Hindus were aware that it would be rather impossible for them to tackle with such a warrior nation and to drive them permanently out of their their country. Still they went on taking aggrasive parts in such a way, that they could delay the Muslim occupation in Orissa, for about two centuries more. By the middle of the 13th century, when the Muslims had conquered the whole of the northern India and most parts of neighbouring Bengal, there was hardly any power which could check their advance and it was thought that the Hindu Kingdom of Orissa would soon be overrun by them. At that time Narasimhadeva I started taking the offensive against them.
Places to VisitAd
Konark Sightseeing
How to ReachEdit
By Air : The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, which is at a distance of 64 km away from Konark. The taxi cab charges about Rs 1,400 to cover the distance from Konark to Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar is connected by regular flights to many major cities India including Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad and the price of the tickets is moderate.
By Train : Puri, which is at distance of 31 km is the nearest railway station to Konark. Puri is connected to all major cities in India. Pre-paid taxi from Puri railway station to Konark cost about Rs 600.
By BUS : Konark is connected to other cities in Orissa State Public Transport buses. Private Volvo bus services are available from Bhubaneshwar and Puri to Konark. Public buses charge about Rs 1.50 and private buses charges about Rs 3 per km travel.
By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
- Hotel Delux Plaza ; MG Tower, Fatehabad Road, Agra ; Ph – 0562 – 2330110, 2330195 ; Facilities – Taj view rooms, room service, running H/C water, TV, mini bar.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Delux Plaza ; MG Tower, Fatehabad Road, Agra ; Ph – 0562 – 2330110, 2330195 ; Facilities – Taj view rooms, room service, running H/C water, TV, mini bar.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Delux Plaza ; MG Tower, Fatehabad Road, Agra ; Ph – 0562 – 2330110, 2330195 ; Facilities – Taj view rooms, room service, running H/C water, TV, mini bar.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- OTDC Wooden Restaurant ; Puri-Konark Marine Dr, OD 752111. ; M – N.A. ; Food Serve : 0
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Konark Dance Festival
Konark Dance Festival ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : December ; Details: Konark Dance Festival is a dance festival held every year in December in backdrop of the Sun temple in Konark, Odisha in India. The exquisite ‘Salamander’ or the ‘dancing hall’ of this shrine is an architectural wonder. Every inch of its walls have been covered with fine artistic designs of the ancient times. Musicians playing drums, cymbals and other musical instruments adorn the sculptures in Odissi dance poses. Many celebrated dancers from all over the country perform at this venue. Since 1989, this festival has been organized in the state jointly by Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre to promote the diverse Indian dance heritage as well as the popularity of Konark Temple and Odisha as a tourist destination.
Safety / WarningEdit
- June to September offers warmer months with intermittent rains and good for short visits, keep a watch on cyclone warnings.
- Beware of pickpockets as Konark is a major tourist city in India.
- Avoid false saller, they may sale you fake items.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
N.A.