UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India

[minisoji]

Konark Sun Temple

The Sun temple of Konark, also known as Black Pagoda, is the crowning glory of the temple architecture of ancient Orissa. Built in A.D. 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva-I, centuries of myth and legend shroud its history. The design is the celestial chariot of the Sun God pulled by seven exquisitely carved ornamented horses, strained of twelve wheels on either side. The huge monolithic wheels represent time, unity, completeness, justice, perfection and movement and each wheel stands for a fortnight and each horse a day of the week. The walls of the temple contain superb carving of divine, semi divine, human and animal figures amidst floral and geometric ornamentations.


Sun Temple

Although the main sanctum is in ruins, the 39 meter high audience hall, the dance hall and the ruined temple of Chhaya Devi are still there. Two horses and two monolithic elephants, exhibit the dynamism of the sculpture.

Tourist information

Open on all weekdays from sunrise to sunset. Entry fee for those above 12 years Rs.5, free entry on Fridays.

Best time to visit : November to February

Access : It is well connected by all weather motorable roads to Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state. It is 65 km from Bhubaneswar, 35 km from Puri and 85 km from via Pipli. The nearest railheads from Konark are Bhubaneswar and Puri.

Where to stay : Konark offers various government approved accommodations at Panthanivas, travelers lodge, inspection bungalow, Yatri Nivas etc.

Places to visit : Karuna, Chaurasi, amachandi, Astranga, kakarapur, Pipli (a village famous for handicrafts - colourful canopies, beach umbrellas, hand bags etc).