Konark is a small town in the district of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple (also called the Black Pagoda) built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga dynasty. The temple is one of the most important Brahman sanctuaries and is a World Heritage Site. It was designed to take the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka) the Sun god symbolizing the majestic stride of the Sun god and drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels in the form of a huge chariot. Right from its splendid entrance to every little space of this site is an exhibition of  architectural craftsmanship. The massive structure, now partly in ruins, sits in solitary splendour surrounded by drifting sand on the golden shores of Bay of Bengal. Orissa is famous for its temples illustrating the history of the well-defined Kalinga (former name of Orissa) All around the temple, there are various floral, geometric, human, divine, semi-divine animal figures and patterns. The figures portray couples in various sensuous, amorous poses which are derived from the Kama Sutra. A collection of its sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum which is run by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of  Konark: "here the language of stone surpasses the language of man."  It is admittedly the best in Orissa and one of the most majestic and sublime monuments of India. The Sun temple belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples. The Temple compound measures 857 ft. by 540 ft. Besides Konark, there are two other sun temples in India, one in Orissa again, called Biranchi Khetra/Narayan Temple in Buguda, the other Modhera Sun temple in Gujarat, created by Raja Bhimdev of Solanki dynasty.

Konark, the seat of World famous Sun Temple located in the District of Puri forms one of the three points of the  "Golden Triangle of Tourism"  in the State of Orissa. The other two being Bhubaneswar, the city of Temples and Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath. Konark is also home to an annual dance festival, held every December devoted to classical Indian dance forms including Odissi,  the traditional classical dance of Orissa. The Languages spoken are Hindi, Oriya, Bengali, and English.

	Front view of Konark Sun temple
	Image By Wikipedia User Vinayreddym Image is in Public Domain

October to March is preferably the best time to visit Konark. However one can go there anytime during the year.Being close to the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh.

Konark is one of the most sought after centres of attraction in India for tourists. It is an example of great craftsmanship, architectural splendor and planning. Its serene atmosphere coupled with  quiet but majestic sea-shore is today regarded as an ideal place for holidaying for domestic as well as foreign tourists. Konark is situated at a comfortable distance from the famous religious and tourist centre of Puri (35 Km.) and the capital city of Bhubaneswar (65 Km)

Dance has always been an integral part of worship in Orissa. Nearly all temples in Orissa incorporate a dance hall. Konark is an ideal location for the famous Konark Dance Festival at the Sun temple, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. Most of the renowned Indian classical dancers perform here and the festival provides a good occasion for the people interested in the higher forms of dance such as Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, etc. Apart from the classical dance forms.

There is no direct air or rail connection from Konark. Nearest airheads & railheads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through long-distance trains and airways. It is connected with Kolkata, Bijapur, and Vishakhapatnam by road.

By Air:
The nearest airport, Bhubaneswar is 65 km away. The airport is well connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Nagpur.

 By Rail:
The nearest railheads to Konark are Puri (31 km) and Bhubaneswar (65 km). Both the cities are connected by rail with all the major places in India.

By Road:
Konark is well connected by  National Highway & State Highway with Puri, Bhubaneswar and all the major places in Orissa.

Local Transport:
Tourists can hire taxis/private cars/Jeeps from Bhubaneshwar or Puri and visit Konark on a day long tour. Buses also run regular trips from these places. Tourists preferring to stay at Konark too can hire the local and private taxis/Jeeps available there.

The Konark Sun Temple is the main attraction. It personifies the temple architecture of Orissa. It stands stark and proud amidst the surrounding sands. Originally built on the edge of the Ocean, today it has receded to a respectful distance. The temple is often referred to as the Black Pagoda and is a world heritage site. The size of the temple is awe-inspiring. Legend has it that the king was so passionate about its construction that he let it consume 12 years worth of the revenues of the kingdom. Another attraction is the Sun Temple Museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India. This has an excellent collection of sculptures from the temple ruins.

Konark beach: Konark beach is calmer than the Puri beach though the water tends to be trickier - even strong swimmers need to be wary. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple is breathtaking when illuminated in the evening.  Chandrabhaga beach is also a nearby beach to visit.

Nearby Places:

Some of the nearby places are:

Kuruma - around 8 km from Konark and approachable by jeep. Many Buddhist sites have been excavated here. A recent excavation has unearthed antique images of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra (earth-touching pose) along with the image of  Heruka, who was related to Buddha.

Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras, and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th century AD worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another.

 Pipli is on the way to Konark from Puri. It is famous for its exquisite applique work which depicts the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colorful and original drawings, canopies, garden/ beach umbrellas, shoulder bags etc. The cocktail effect of the colors is a feast for the eyes.

Ramachandi is situated 7Kms from Konark and located at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra & the Bay of Bengal. Goddess Ramachandi, the deity of Konark, is worshipped here.

 Kakatapur is located in the Prachi valley and is famous for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. It is 45 km away from Konark. Folklore says the directions for reaching the holy log from which Lord Jagannath's icon is created comes from here. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers. A famous fishing harbor, Astranga (of eight colors) lies 55 km from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives up to its name.

Where To Eat:

Geetanjali  is the best eatery in Konark. It is a glass and stone structure built to imitate the pyramidal Sun Temple. It offers the best Indian and Chinese dishes. The Oriya prawn curry, and cottage cheese sweetmeats are worth a try.

Where To Stay:

It is more comfortable to stay at Puri or Bhubaneswar and make a day trip to Konark. However, good accommodation is available at Konark at the Panthanivas run by the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and the Yatri Nivas run by the Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa.

Konark is best taken as a day tour from Bhubaneshwar or Puri  covered with few of the surrounding places as well. It is not recommended as a stand-alone destination.