Top Tourist Places To Visit in Konark

Konark is a small coastal town in Puri, Odisha, also known as Konaditya. The origin of the word Konark is in Sanskrit. Kona means ‘angle’ and Arka means ‘the sun’. The place is famous for its ancient Sun Temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It was believed that the walls of the temple were supported by a lodestone which was stolen by Portuguese sailors and that it has resulted in the weakening of the structure. The temple is now turning into ruins, yet it attracts tourists from all over for witnessing its magnificence. The tour guides here will take you through a journey of myths and legends.

Konark is a beautiful place to spend your vacations. The majestic temple, the beaches with golden sand and the colourful festivals and fairs of this small town are a delightful experience with cannot be obtained in a regular city life. The tour to Konark can be combined with the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Puri that are not far away from there.

Climate and Geography

The exact placing of Konark is at 19.90°N 86.12°E coordinates. It is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal. The elevation of land is 2m above the sea level. Being a coastal town, the temperatures are not very extreme.

Transportation

Konark is a prominent tourist destination and is well connected to the rest of the country by all modes of transport.

Air: The Bhubaneswar Airport is 65km away and has frequent direct flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Nagpur.

Train: The nearest railway stations are in Puri and Bhubaneswar. These stations are important links on many major railway lines, connecting them to other major cities.

Bus: Konark is linked with Puri and Bhubaneswar via National and State Highways. There are several bus services plying from these two cities to Konark. Local buses are not very comfortable here.

Cars/Taxi: The city can be reached and driven around in own or rented cars or in taxis. This is the most comfortable mode for those who can afford.

Rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws can be availed to go around the town. They charge reasonable amounts.

Shopping & Entertainment

Shopping can be a good experience here. Suggested souvenirs are Patta Paintings, appliqué handicrafts of Pipili Village and embroidered umbrellas. The tourists can surely relish are Chandrabhaga Mela and buy unique products from the stalls here. Konark Dance Festival celebrated here attracts participation from all over. The aura of the festival adds colour and flavour to the city’s life.