Sun Temple in Konark Odisha- Inside Travel Guide
Konark Sun Temple, located in the northeastern part of Puri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Odisha. The shape of the Sun temple is like a giant rath or chariot of the Sun God illustrating the chariot drawn by a group of 7 horses. Out of those 7 horses, four stands on the left side and three on the right.
In this temple, 3 deities are devoted to Sun God on three different sides which catch the sunrays directly in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Here, one can also explore a devoted archaeological museum within the temple complex. Every year in February, the temple changes into a stage at the time of the Konark Dance Festival.
Table of Contents
Sun Temple Location
Konark, Odisha – 752111
Sun Temple Darshan Timing
The visiting hours of Sun Temple in Konark are from 6 am to 8 pm. One can go for Darshan during this time period. The temple remains open every day.
Sun Temple Ticket Information
Indians can buy the Konark Sun Temple ticket at Rs 40 whereas foreigners have to pay Rs 600 for the ticket. BIMSTEC and SAARC citizens can enter into the temple by buying a ticket of Rs 40. You can purchase the light and sound show entry tickets at the venue. Wireless headphones are given to the visitors and they can select among 3 languages – English, Hindi, and Odiya. This show starts at 7 pm and continues till one hour. The ticket rate for this show is Rs 30 for one person.
Sun Temple Dress Code
There is no special dress code for visiting this temple. Still, as a mark of respect, it is better to wear clothes covering upper arms and legs.
Best Time to Visit Sun Temple
You will experience a humid climate in Odisha during the summer season and visiting the temple during these months is ill-advised. September to March is the best month to explore this place when the temperature is cool and pleasant. To attend the Dance Festival held in February, one can plan their trip accordingly.
How to Reach Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple is about 60 km away from Bhubaneshwar and 35 km from Puri. Konark is popular due to the Sun Temple and attracts many tourists to this place. This place is well-connected to Bhubaneshwar and Puri by buses, taxis, and trains. The easiest way to reach Konark is to hire a cab from Puri.
Nearest Bus Stand – Konark Bus Stand is just 6 minutes away from the Sun Temple. It takes one hour by bus to reach Konark from Puri. OSRTC and private operators offer bus facility from Puri to Konark.
Nearest Railway Station – Puri Railway Station is near to the Sun Temple. It is at a distance of 30 km from Konark. You can also book Bhubaneshwar to Puri trains and then hire a cab to reach the temple.
Nearest Airport – Biju Patnaik International Airport or Bhubaneshwar Airport is just 65 km away and requires a one-hour long drive from the Sun Temple. From the airport, hire a taxi to reach Konark.
Some Other Interesting Facts About Sun Temple
- The unique pattern of ancient architecture has made the Konark Sun Temple, the only UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of Odisha.
- The great ruler of the Ganga Dynasty, King Narasimhadeva erected this temple in the 13th century from 1243 – 1255 AD. 1200 artisans helped him to erect this beautiful temple.
- The construction of the Sun Temple was in the form of a huge chariot mounted on 24 wheels. Each wheel was about 10 feet in diameter and drawn by seven ferocious horses.
- Initially built on sea bank, now the temple is a little away from the beach as the sea has retreated. It is called ‘Black Pagoda’ owing to its dark color and ancient sailors used this as a navigational landmark to Odisha.
- The temple has 12 pairs of wheels at its basement which are not ordinary and these spokes of wheels create a sundial.
Also Read:
Jagannath Temple, Puri Odisha What to Know
Akshardham Temple, Delhi: Insider Travel Guide & Tips
