The sacred city of Konark is a vital destination of the Golden Triangle circuit of Eastern India besides Bhubaneswar and Puri. The Sun Temple remains the landmark of Konark for which the city is renowned throughout the world. The city of Konark is a visual masterpiece. At a distance of 65 km from Bhubaneswar, near the sacred city of Puri, is the great Sun Temple of Konark making the small triangle of holiday destinations for the tourists to Orissa.

It is noteworthy that the remarkable work of Orissa’s medieval architecture has been designated World Heritage Site by a United Nations (UNESCO).

The solitary Sun Temple is a masterpiece surrounded by the drifting sands. The theme of worshipping the sun god is central to India. The presiding deity Konarka , kona (corner) and arka (sun) lends its name to the temple. The Sun Temple has been designed in the form of a huge chariot carrying the Sun God across the heavens. The wheels of the chariot are most awesome of the structure. The eroticism of the sculptures can be compared with the temples of Khajuraho. The temple is believed to have been constructed by Narashimhadev I in the mid-13th century.

You can spend an entire day exploring the richness of the ancient art and architecture of the splendid temple. The history, special features and sculptures of the temple can be known in details by hiring a guide. For further insight into the Sun Temple the Archaeological Museum that contains many sculptures and carvings found during the temple excavations with prove to be helpful. The museum is open on all the weekdays except Friday.

For enjoying the pleasant breeze you may take a stroll along the beach, which is at a distance of 3 kilometers from the temple. You can either walk down or hire a bicycle or cycle-rickshaw to reach the beach. You will enjoy the walk along the beach, which promises to be a pleasant experience.

While you are planning your holiday to the Golden triangle of the Eastern India check out the festival calendar of Konark. The city hosts a dance festival every year in the month of December namely, the Konark dance festival. The Konark dance festival is held in an open-air theatre, which is close to the Sun Temple. You can enjoy the festival with the performances by the eminent classical dancers of India. The dance festival is a virtual feast to the lovers of the classical art forms of dance and music attracts tourists from across the globe.

The various dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow are performed at the same stage. The art and culture of India comes through during the festival. The festival is a classical extravaganza indeed.

Besides the Dance festival the city of Konark also hosts the Sun Festival (Magha Saptami). The festival derives its name fromn the fact that it is celebrated on the seventh day (saptami) of the bright half of the month of Magha (January/February). The celebrations commence with the auspicious bathing in the sea by the devottes before the sunrise. After the holy dip the pilgrims say their prayers and worship Lord Surya at the temple.

Access:

How to reach Konark by Air: The nearest airport is Bhubhaneswar, which is 64 km away. It is connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Nagpur through direct flights.

How to reach Konark by Rail: Puri is the nearest railhead, about 31 km from Konark and 64 km from Bhubaneswar.

How to reach Konark by Road: The National and State Highways connect Konark with Puri, Bhubaneshwar and other major places in Orissa.You can also hire taxis and private buses to get to Konark from Puri.