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Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple

heritage site · Odisha

State
Odisha
Type
Heritage Site
Best season
Winter
Things to do
3+

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple near the Bay of Bengal coast in Odisha's Puri district, built in dark khondalite stone as a giant chariot for the sun god Surya — complete with 24 carved stone wheels and seven straining horses. The main tower collapsed long ago, but the surviving audience hall (Jagamohan) still stands amid lawns, its walls covered in fine relief carvings of celestial figures, processions and everyday life.

A short history

Built around 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, designed as a colossal chariot for the Sun God Surya, complete with 24 carved stone wheels and a team of seven horses. Much of the temple's main tower collapsed centuries ago, likely due to a combination of structural issues and, according to some accounts, deliberate damage during later invasions; what survives is still considered one of the supreme achievements of Kalinga temple architecture.

Why Konark Sun Temple matters

A UNESCO World Heritage Site built as a colossal stone chariot for the Sun God, among the finest examples of Kalinga architecture.

How many people come

36 lakh

monument in 2023 · ASI (official)

When to go

The ideal window to explore Konark is from October to March when the winter weather is perfectly comfortable for walking across the open stone plinths.

Why visit

See one of India's great medieval monuments — a UNESCO World Heritage temple built as a stone chariot to the sun, famous for its carved wheels and reliefs.

Cultural notes

Inscribed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the temple was commissioned by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE to celebrate a major military victory. The 24 stone wheels function as sophisticated sundials. It serves as the backdrop for the annual Konark Dance Festival every winter.

How to reach

Located 35 km northeast of Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar. Easily accessed by road via the scenic multi-lane Marine Drive highway from Puri or Bhubaneswar, with regular state transport buses and private tourist taxis running continuously daily.

2 days in Konark Sun Temple

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Day 1

Day 1

Konark Sun Temple & carved wheels

Konark Sun Temple & carved wheels

Day 1

Archaeological museum

Archaeological museum

Chandrabhaga Beach

Day 1

Chandrabhaga Beach

Three kilometres from the temple, and the beach the Sun temple was oriented towards. At Magha Saptami, in January or February, pilgrims bathe here before dawn and walk to the temple after — the one day it is crowded.

Day 1

Sound & Light show

Sound & Light show

Day 2

Day 2

Ramachandi Temple

Ramachandi Temple

Day 2

Puri (Jagannath) day trip

Puri (Jagannath) day trip

Day 2

Pipili applique on the way

Pipili applique on the way

Food & cuisine

Signature dishes and local flavours to look for in Konark Sun Temple.

1 dish

Odia Fish Curry (Konark coast)

Mustard-and-poppy-seed fish curry from the Odisha coast, served at the small eateries around Konark and nearby Chandrabhaga beach.

Konark Sun Temple guide & itineraries

Konark Sun Temple is perfect for

heritagefamilycouples

What & where to eat

Chandrabhaga Beach

Beach snacks

Chandrabhaga stalls

Chandrabhaga Beach

seafood

Chandrabhaga stalls

Gupchup

Street snacks

chaat

chaat

Street snacks

Odia Thali

Local vegetarian meals

Chhena Poda

Odia baked-cheese sweet

Pakhala

Odia lentil and fermented-rice staples

Dalma

Odia lentil and fermented-rice staples

Nearby getaways

Puri

~45 min

Bhubaneswar

~1.5 hrs

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Konark Sun Temple famous?
A 13th-century UNESCO temple built as the Sun God's chariot, with 24 intricately carved stone wheels.
Is it still a working temple?
No, it is a monument (partly ruined) - the main tower collapsed long ago, but the carvings are extraordinary.

Things to do

How to spend your time in Konark Sun Temple.

Konark Sun Temple

UNESCO chariot-shaped temple with carved wheels

The 24 carved wheels

Stone wheels that work as sundials

Chandrabhaga Beach

Sunrise beach nearby

Konark Dance Festival

Classical dance against the temple (December)

Popular attractions

The places in Konark Sun Temple most people come for.

Astronomical Chariot Wheels

Astronomical Chariot Wheels

Attraction

Nata Mandir (Dance Hall)

Nata Mandir (Dance Hall)

Attraction

See all attractions

Reviews & ratings

What travellers say about Konark Sun Temple

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