Konark is a unique destination located in the state of Odisha, India. The Sun Temple, which was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century, is the most famous building in the city. Here we will discuss about the top places to visit in Konark.
Besides this fantastic temple, Konark has a lot of other places to visit and things to do. From picturesque beaches to historical monuments and exciting wildlife sanctuaries to grand palaces, Konark has something for everyone.
History Of Konark
Odisha’s sun temple, Konark, is one of India’s most famous religious and historical sites. It was built during the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga Dynasty.
Konark is a popular tourist destination on the eastern coast of Odisha. In addition, it is known for its rich cultural history and archaeological value.
The Kalinga Sun Temple, or Surya Devalaya, is devoted to Surya, the sun deity. The structure resembles a gigantic chariot carried by seven lively horses on twelve pairs of magnificently carved astrological sign wheels.
Each wheel contains eight spoke-like projections called “Kadamban,” which symbolize cosmic forces influencing nature.
Why Should You Visit Konark?
Konark is known for its unique historical and cultural heritage. It is home to the Sun Temple, an iconic symbol of its rich past.
First, Konark’s 13th-century Sun Temple towers above the verdant vegetation. King Narasimhadeva I built this masterpiece, one of India’s seven wonders.
The temple’s beautiful sculptures represent Hindu gods, mythological legends, and ancient life. The Jagannath Temple, Ramachandi Temple, and Mayadevi Temple near the Sun Temple are also worth seeing.
6 Best Places To Visit In Konark
1. Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple is a Hindu temple from the 13th century. It is in the town of Konark in the Indian state of Odisha.
In 1625 AD, King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, popularly known as the Black Pagoda, dedicated the temple to the Hindu deity Surya. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its magnificent carvings, stone sculptures, and architecture.
This temple is a massive chariot hauled by seven horses and driven by Aruna, who symbolizes the dawn.
The complex’s red sandstone from Puri and gray stone from Khurda make it beautiful in the sunshine.
2. Konark Museum
India’s most famous sun temple is at Konark Museum in Konark. The temple was built in 1250 AD by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The intricate carvings found on the walls and pillars of the temple give an insight into ancient Indian art and craftsmanship. In addition, the museum houses many exhibitions that showcase Konark’s heritage through various artifacts, sculptures, photographs, paintings, documents, and other relics.
Visitors can also view numerous murals depicting stories from Hindu mythology and learn about everyday life during medieval times through archaeological remains such as coins, jewelry, pottery pieces, and weapons.
3. Konark Sea Beach / Chandrabhaga Beach
Konark Beach is a beautiful beach in Konark, Orissa. It is 5 kilometers from the Konark Bus Station.
It is also called Chandrabhaga Beach, one of the best shores on the east coast.
Chandrabhaga River flows into the sea where Konark Sea Beach is. Konark Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Konark.
It has a long stretch of sylvan sands and waves that roll in from the blue sea. A nice thing to do is take a slow walk along the beach.
Tourists can sunbathe, surf, and do many other things on the beach. Strong currents make swimming dangerous here, but it’s a great place to lay out in the sun.
Another exciting thing about this beach is that it has a great view of the sunrise. A lighthouse near Chandrabhaga is another thing that makes this place interesting.
The Magha Saptami Mela, a seven-day festival, is held annually at Konark Beach. It happens yearly on the 7th full moon day of Magha Month. On this day, many people come to this beach to swim in the sea and pray to Sun God.
4. Ramachandi Temple & Beach
Ramachandi Temple & Beach near the Bay of Bengal-Daya River confluence is a primary Indian tourist site. One of Goddess Durga’s names is Ramachandi, believed to safeguard this seashore.
Vsitors may enjoy scenic views of the coastline and various flora and animals. In addition, parasailing, fishing, swimming, and surfing are offered for adventurers.
The temple has several interesting sculptures depicting various Hindu gods that captivate devotees from all over India who come to pay homage to their deity.
5. Kuruma
Kuruma is one of the most important archaeological sites in Orissa. It is mentioned in several Buddhist texts from Asoka and Ceylon, and the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang also wrote about it.
The site was built between the 8th and 9th centuries AD. Anyone interested in the history of India should go there.
The site was first found by a school teacher named Brajabandhu Das. Then, from 1971 to 1975, archaeologists from Odisha dug there.
Before this dig, a beautiful picture of Lord Buddha found on a stone slab on the edge of a tank at one end of the village. Buddha sits with his legs crossed and his right hand in the Bhumisparsa mudra.
His left hand is on his left knee. The picture also has a beautiful crown and a necklace with beautiful carvings.
In addition to the Buddha statue, two other statues were found near the tank. One of these figures has the name “Heruka” on it. People in the area call this image “Dharma,” which means “Sun God,” and another image known as “Yama.”
This Buddhist monastery comprises 12 buildings, three in each of the four cardinal directions. In the middle, there is an open courtyard.
Now that the monastery is closed, the images taken from the site are worshipped in a small shed. Tourists can go to the room of teacher Sri Brajabandhu Das, which is close to the UGME School.
There, he keeps some of the things that have found, like writing on stone and old coins. Kuruma is not a very well-known archaeological site, but it is an important tourist destination because it is close to the Sun Temple of Konark.
6. Astaranga Beach
Astaranga is a beautiful beach in the Odisha district of Puri.
It is one of Konark’s most beautiful and well-known tourist spots. It is near the mouth of the Devi River.
This beach is on the Bay of Bengal, and its beautiful, long sandy beach is well-known. Gets a lot of people who come to enjoy the beach’s natural scenery.
Tourists love to watch the sunset at Astaranga Beach. In the Oriya language, ‘Asta ‘means ‘Sun set’ and ‘Ranga’ means ‘Color,’ So ‘Astaranga’ means ‘Colorful Sunset.’
The small market is near the beach and known as the fishing center of Puri. This is where the fishermen sell their catches to the waiting vendors.
The early morning crowd of boatmen bringing their nets back from the sea and people who want to buy is an excellent example of how people and nature can live together. Near the beach is the well-known shrine of Pir Jahania.
Is Konark A Costly Place To Visit?
The answer depends on your money and how much you want to invest in your trip. For those with tight budgets, there are some cost-effective options for lodging and food.
Many hotels offer discounts during certain times of the year. Additionally, there are local restaurants that offer delicious food at reasonable prices.
How Much Does The Average Hotel Cost In Konark?
According to recent data from the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the average price for a hotel room in Konark ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 rupees per night. However, prices may vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen and whether guests are looking for luxury or basic amenities.
Hotel prices can also affect by seasonal peaks or discounts offered during certain times throughout the year. Therefore, those visiting Konark should research hotels and compare prices before booking a room.
Best Time To Visit Konark
Best time to tour Konark is during the winter (November-February) when temperatures are mild and pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season as it offers an opportunity to explore Konark’s many attractions without worrying about scorching heat or monsoon rains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Konark is full of history, culture, and unique experiences. From the famous Sun Temple to the beach nearby, there’s something for everyone in this fantastic destination.
Whether exploring the rich cultural history or taking a stroll along the beachside, visitors can taste India’s unique charm in Konark. So if you’re looking for a special place to visit, look at Konark.
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.