Konark Travel GuideKonark is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Orissa, India. The holy city of Konark is better known for its outstanding 13th century Sun Temple dedicated to Sun God or Surya. An stunning success of Orissa’s middle age architecture, the worldwide famed Sun Temple of Konark was constructed by Narsinha Deva of Ganga Dynasty. The temple has been chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists from all around the world come to Konark to see this architectural wonder.
The temple town of Konark attains its name from the word Konaraka. Konarka is the presiding god of the Sun Temple. The word Konarka is the combination of two words, Kona and Arka. (Kona + Arka = Konarka). ‘Kona’ means ‘corner’ and “Arka’ means ‘sun’. Therefore Konarka means ‘the sun of the corner’. Apart from the Sun Temple, the city of Konarka is also known for stately seashore, and heritage sites. The fascination of Konark attracts the tourists from each corner the world.
Konark’s Prime Attractions
Sun
Temple
: The Sun Temple in Konark (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), no doubt, is the most predominant hallmark of the city. This famous temple was constructed by King Narsinha Deva of Ganga dynasty. This temple is dedicated to God Sun. There are many sun temples in India but most important & outstanding, no doubt, is the temple at Konark. The temple looks like a huge Chariot or Rath (the 24 wheels vehicle drive by 7 horse). The seven horses which pull the huge chariot of the Sun God represent the 7 days of the week and 24 wheels of the huge chariot represent the 24 hours of the day.
The temple is also known for its superb stone carvings which cover the entire structure. If one thinks only the temples of Khajuraho are known for their erotic art in sculpture on the temples wall, he is wrong. Konark temple is also known for erotic art in sculpture. The walls of temple are carved with sculptures of dancers, musicians, and erotic scenes. The remarkable figurines of the temple make the temple a marvel in stone. The sculptural work of the temple is truly worth praising.
Archaeological
Museum
: This museum is situated just outside the Sun Temple. It is also the worth visiting attraction of Konark. This archaeological museum houses various sculptures and carvings. The museum is closed on Friday.
Konark
Beach
: Situated at the distance of 3 km from the temple, Konark Beach is considered as a holy beach in the town of Konark, Orissa, India. The beach also provides a pleasant experience.
Konark Dance Festival: Konark Dance Festival is the most fascinating event in Konark. The festival is celebrated in the month of December every year near the temple. While you will be in Konark during Dance Festival you will have a brilliant opportunity to see the Indian classical dance forms like Odissi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri and Chhow. You will have also opportunity to see art, craft, and culture of Orissa during this festival.
Shopping: Besides Temples, the holy city of Konark is also well-known for its shopping attractions. Tours to Konark
offers a brilliant opportunity for shopping activities in the city. Stone Carvings, Wood Carvings, Patta Paintings, Appliqué work, etc are the known shopping attractions of Konark tours.
How to reach Konark
By Air: To arrive in the sacred city of Konark by air, the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar at the distance of 64 km from Konark. Bhubaneawar is well-connected by air from Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Nagpur.
By Rail: To arrive in Konark by rail, the nearest railway station is at Puri (a holy town famous for Jaggnath Mandir). Puri is at the distance of 31 km from Konark. Puri and Bhubaneswar are well-connected by rail with all the major cities of India.
By Road: Konark is well-connected by surface with all the major cities of Orissa and neighboring states.
SEND ONLINE QUERY
|