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| Main Languages |
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Oriya, Hindi, Bengali, and English |
| Population |
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12,681 |
| Area |
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35.08 sq.kms. |
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:: About Konark
Konark also known as "Arka-Tirtha" is famous for its majestic temple of the Sun God. The word Konark is derived from two word elements - KONA means Corner and ARK meaning the Sun. The temple city of Konark is situated in the eastern state of Orissa at a distance of around 65 kms from Bhubaneswar and 35 kms from Puri. |
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:: Attraction In and Around
 | Astranga
: 'Astranga' literally means varied colours and is about 55 kms from Konark and is a famous fishing harbour. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives upto its name.
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| Balighai Beach
It is about 8kms to the east of Puri on the Marine Drive. This casuarina-fringed beach is a famous picnic spot too. One can watch the shy Baliharina deer here. The Sea Turtle Research Centre is another attraction of this beach. |
| Chaurasi
Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th century AD, worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another. |
| Kakatapur
Kakatapur is 45 kms from Konark, located in the Prachi valley and is famous for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers. |
| Konark Beach
The beach is 3 kms away from the temple along the Puri road. Glimpses of the local fishing fleet at work can be seen here. The sunrise at this beach is a feast for the eyes and an ideal spot for sun-bathing. |
| Kuruma
Kuruma is a small village, about 8 kms from Konark and a site of Buddhist archaeological discoveries. Recent excavations have resulted in the discovery of antique images of the Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra along with the image of Heruka. Scholars opine that this was one of the sites containing Buddhist stupas described by Hiuen T'sang. |
| Pipli
44kms from Konark is Pipli, a centre for applique work, which depict the essence of Oriya culture. It is also known for colourful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder and handbags etc. The cocktail effect of the colours is certainly a feast for the eyes. |
| Ramachandi
Ramachandi is a beautiful little beach on the confluence of the river Kushabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. Goddess Ramchandi, the presiding deity of the Konark region is worshipped here. The place is ideal for weekend picnics. |
| The Sun Temple Konark
Built by Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD, the temple is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture. Lord Surya (Sun) is worshiped here. The temple resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. It is said that, the very first ray of the Sun every morning falls upon this temple, from which it got its name. |
| The Museum Of Archaeological Survey Of India
This museum is just outside the temple enclosure and houses sculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun Temple. |
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:: Getting in, Around & Away
| AIR : | The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar |
| RAIL : | Bhubaneswar is the nearest railhead, at a distance of 65kms. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through long-distance trains. |
| BUS : | Konark is located 65kms from Bhubaneswar and 35kms north of Puri. Orissa State Road Transport Corporation and private buses provide links with all parts of the state. There is a daily tour bus that goes to Konark from Puri and a tour bus from Bhubaneswar. One can also take a taxi from Puri. Taxis, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are available for local transportation.
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:: When to Visit
| BEST TIME TO VISIT : |
October to March |
| TEMPERATURE (in celcius): |
Summer – Max: 38 Min: 27.1
Winter – Max: 28.2 Min: 15.2.
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| CLIMATE : |
Being close to the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh, but with greenery surrounding the place, rainfall is heavy here. |
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:: Tourist Information Center
Tourist Office - Yatriniwas, Konark, Orissa - 752111, India.
Tel. - (91)-06758-35821
Tourist counter, Railway station - Konark, Orissa - 752111, India
Tel. - (91)-06758-404715 7
Govt. of India Tourist Office - B-21, B.J.B Nagar, Konark,
Orissa - 752111, India
Tel. - (91)-06758-432203;
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