Sun-Kissed Wonders: A Day of Exploration in Konark, Odisha

Known for its architectural marvels and coastal charm, Konark in Odisha beckons travelers to immerse themselves in a day of cultural richness and historical grandeur. Join us on a carefully crafted one-day itinerary to unravel the sun-kissed wonders of Konark, a city that narrates tales of ancient craftsmanship and natural beauty.

Nestled along the shimmering Bay of Bengal in the vibrant coastal town of Puri, the Golden Beach stands as a picturesque haven of tranquility and natural beauty. With its golden sands, azure waters, and breathtaking sunsets, this idyllic stretch of coastline offers a mesmerizing retreat for beach enthusiasts, nature lovers, and wanderers seeking solace amidst the rhythmic lull of the waves and the warm embrace of the sun. Join us on a virtual journey to the Golden Beach, where the elements of nature converge to create an enchanting tapestry of serenity and bliss.

Morning: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Sunrise at Chandrabhaga Beach

Begin your day at the serene Chandrabhaga Beach to witness the magical sunrise. Feel the golden rays illuminate the horizon as you stroll along the tranquil shores, setting the tone for a day of exploration.

Late Morning: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Konark Sun Temple

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple. Marvel at the intricate architecture and sculptures that narrate tales from Hindu mythology. Explore the grand chariot-shaped temple and soak in the historical significance of this architectural masterpiece.


Lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Local Cuisine at Konark

Savor the flavors of Odisha with a hearty lunch at a local eatery. Delight in traditional dishes like Dalma, Machha Jhola, and the local favorite, Chhena Poda.


Afternoon: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Ramachandi Temple

Visit the nearby Ramachandi Temple, nestled amidst scenic surroundings. Dedicated to the goddess Ramachandi, this temple offers a peaceful retreat. The temple's location on the banks of the Kusabhadra River adds to its serene ambiance.


Late Afternoon : 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - A Day at Konark Beach

Unwind at Konark Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, collect seashells, or simply relax while enjoying the coastal breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves.

Visiting popular tourist attractions often comes with the expectation of long lines and a bit of patience. However, when bad administration at the ticket counter allows queue-jumping to run rampant, it can turn a potentially enjoyable experience into a frustrating ordeal. This is a tale of such mismanagement and the havoc it wreaks on the orderly flow of visitors.

Evening: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Konark Dance Festival (Seasonal) OR Light & Sound Show 

If your visit coincides with the annual Konark Dance Festival (usually held in December), don't miss the opportunity to witness classical dance performances against the backdrop of the Sun Temple. It's a captivating cultural experience.


Dinner: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM - Local Delicacies at Konark

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, sampling more local delicacies at a restaurant in Konark. Allow the day's experiences to linger as you savor the unique flavors of the region.

In just one day, you've traversed through the rich history of the Konark Sun Temple, embraced the tranquility of Chandrabhaga Beach, explored the spiritual ambiance of Ramachandi Temple, and enjoyed the coastal charm of Konark Beach. Konark, with its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers a memorable day for every traveler seeking to unravel the sun-kissed wonders of this ancient city.


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While in Bhubaneshwar ( Odisha , we planned to drive to Konark Sun Temple and witness it's grandness & heritage.Temple has beautifully carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A lot of portions of temple are in ruins, although remained part is being maintained. Some work was happening when we visited the temple this month (july’2016).Sun Temple in Konark is 65 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar and 35 km from Puri.ASI maintains the temple and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konark Sun temple is also featured in the list of 7 wonders in India, along with Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai, Dholavira of Gujarat, Red Fort of Delhi, Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan, Nalanda of Bihar and Khajuraho of MP.The name Konark comes from Sanskrit words - Kona and Ark. Europian sailors had 2 important temples in this part of India - Konark Sun Temple and Jaganath Temple in Puri, which are called Black Pagoda and White Padoga respectively.Konark Sun Temple has used iron beams for it’s structure. It was made to look like Surya-Rath (Chariot of Sun God). There are 12 carved stone wheels which are 3 meters wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses, which you see on entry gate of the temple. It followed popular Kalinga Architecture.Maintenance of Konark Sun Temple was in progress and it made us feel good about the care ASI is taking of these beautiful heritage buildings in India. Although it made us worry about the way these structures are restored. Plain stones without any carving are being added to give support to the structure. It's understandable that same carving might be difficult to achieve but some creative stuff can be done. More than structure, the craved stones are decaying with time and wondering if there is a good way to avoid it. I am sure ASI must thinking about all these things.Konark Sun Temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Odisha and it's considered as one of the most popular places to visit around Bubaneshwar. We didn't want to miss and happy that it was a nice experience to be there. Although the weather was not suitable, but we had fun.There are some interesting facts about the architecture of Konark Sun Temple. Original temple had one part of the compound, which was 70 mgr high. Now the highest structure of the Sun Temple is 30 meters high, which is essentially the audience hall along with smaller structures like Dance hall and Dining hall.Orissa Tourism website lists few interesting details around history behind this temple.Surrounding of the Konark Sun Temple is pretty green and the weather made it greener for us.We had great time roaming around this beautiful campus of Konark Sun Temple, which has lot to surprise you and make you think how it was built many centuries ago. Here we tried to click family selfie with our DSLR and it came out well :)These are the Ashvas (horses) of Surya Rath. Somehow the faces are different and I am not sure why. There must be some reason behind these shapes.






























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