Konark is one of the well known tourist attractions of Orissa

KONARKA is  a small city in the province of Puri whose name indicates people about the exalted Sun Temple of Odisha, also designated as the KONARK TEMPLE. Konark , a Sanskrit word is derived from two words kona (meaning angle) andarka (meaning  the Sun).  This monument  which was built by King Narasinghadev in 13 th century has been declared as an world heritage site by UNESCO. This temple is made up of black granite and portraits the picture of a giant chariot . The chariot is pulled by seven horses and driven on 12 pairs of wheels. This monument spread across a huge area contains the Sun temple , the Mayadevi temple , the Vaishnava temple, a kitchen podium , two wells, a Nata mandir and many sculptures, inscriptions . The nata mandir also known as the dance podium is the place where every year Konark Dance Festival is held. This function is a major gathering for the performance of traditional folk dances and folk instruments. People and artists from all over India attend this function and represent the  talents of the cultural community in front of the whole world .

Near the main gate of Sun temple one can visit the Konark museum or Sun temple Museum. This museum maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India has four galleries which showcase 260 different types of architectural pieces and sculptures. 3 km away is the Asia’s first blue flag certified beach i.e one of the cleanest beach- Chandrabhaga.  Ages gone when there existed a river named Chandrabhaga which today is just a conflux into the sea. In this conflux people take holy dip every year during MaghaSaptami celebrating the occasion of Chandrabhaga mela. A functional light house which once used for navigation of European sailor enhances the beauty of this beach. The visual of the black tower of sun temple led to the naming of Sun temple as BLACK PAGODA by European sailors. The sun sets at Chandrabhaga beach are often described as soothing and mesmerising by fellow tourists.

A few km s far one can take the opportunity to visit the temple of Goddess Ramachandi which is present on the beach itself. This beach is a centre for beach sports like jet ski , boating and surfing. Feel the breeze of  cool winds while going for a drive on the Puri Konark marine drive. For further details contact Odisha Vacations Services ,mail us at shakti@odishavacations.com. Get your customised Odisha holiday packages and avail a sea view accommodation, comfortable travel and mouth watering cuisine. We as a odisha tour operator organise tourism trips , book hotels , provide vehicles and guidance for Odisha tourism and travel. For any queries call or whatsapp us at 9338382999.

Abhijit Pattanayak

Odisha Vacations Services