Konark, India: travel guide
The chariot-shaped Sun Temple on Odisha's coast
The Sun Temple of Konark — a 13th-century chariot-shaped UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece, and the Sun Temple festival of classical dance.
About Konark
Konark is a small town on the Odisha coast, famous for one monument above all: the Sun Temple, built in the thirteenth century in the form of a colossal stone chariot. Twelve pairs of wheels are carved on its base, and its walls are covered in dancers, musicians and animals.
The temple is the reason to come, and an hour or two is spent walking around its platform and the ruined outer buildings. The Konark Archaeological Museum adds context with recovered sculpture, and Chandrabhaga Beach lies a short ride away for a quieter hour by the sea. It is usually visited together with Puri and Bhubaneswar.
Konark suits history, photography and architecture enthusiasts. The best time to visit Konark is from October to March, and early morning light is especially kind to the stone.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- BBI
Last updated
Top places to visit in Konark
Konark Sun Temple
temple · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · entry ₹600
The UNESCO World Heritage 13th-century Sun Temple conceived as the sun god's colossal stone chariot, with 24 intricately carved wheels and exquisite friezes.
Chandrabhaga Beach
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A wide, clean beach 3 km from the temple, famed for its sunrise, the Magha Saptami fair and a calm setting away from the crowds.
Konark Archaeological Museum (ASI)
Museum · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
An ASI museum beside the temple displaying fallen sculptures and architectural fragments rescued from the Sun Temple, with helpful context panels.
Konark Marine Drive Viewpoint
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The scenic coastal road linking Konark and Puri, flanked by casuarina forest and beaches — a beautiful drive with several pull-over sea views.
Balighai Beach
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A casuarina-fringed beach on the Konark-Puri Marine Drive near the Nuanai river mouth, tranquil and good for a quiet seaside stop.
Ramachandi Temple
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A serene temple to the goddess Ramachandi at the mouth of the Kushabhadra river on Marine Drive, a peaceful spot with a small beach.
Konark Natya Mandap
Cultural · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
An open-air dance venue near the temple that hosts the annual Konark Dance Festival, celebrating Odissi and classical Indian dance against the monument backdrop.
Astaranga Beach
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A scenic fishing-village beach ~25 km away known for spectacular sunsets ("astaranga" means colour of sunset) and a lively morning fish market.
Kuruma Buddhist Excavation
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
An excavated 9th-century Buddhist site near Konark with a seated Buddha and Heruka images, a quiet stop for history enthusiasts.
Chaurasi Varahi Temple
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A rare 9th-century tantric temple at Chaurasi ~30 km away enshrining the boar-faced goddess Varahi, prized for its bold sculptural style.
Things to do
- Konark Sun Temple Guided Tour Cultural · 2 h · from INR 600 per person
- Chandrabhaga Beach Sunrise Nature · 1 h · from INR 300 per person
- Konark Sound & Light Show Cultural · 1 h · from INR 50 per person
- Konark–Puri Marine Drive Cycle/Drive Activity · 2 h · from INR 500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Puri–Konark Marine Drive Day Trip 8 h · from INR 1,500
- Konark Sun Temple & Chandrabhaga Tour 5 h · from INR 900
- Konark Heritage & Coast Tour 9 h · from INR 1,800
Where to stay in Konark
- Temple Town about INR 1,500 per night
Near Sun Temple with basic accommodation
Hotels
- Lotus Resort Konark 4-star · INR 4,000 to INR 7,500 per night
- Nature Camp Konark Retreat 3-star · INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 per night
- Toshali Ratnagiri Resort 4-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
- Panthanivas Konark (OTDC) 2-star · INR 2,000 to INR 3,800 per night
- Labanya Lodge 2-star · INR 900 to INR 2,000 per night
- Hotel Sun Temple 3-star · INR 2,200 to INR 4,000 per night
Where to eat
- Geetanjali Restaurant Odia, North Indian, Chinese · about INR 350 per person
- Sun Temple Hotel Restaurant (OTDC) Odia, North Indian · about INR 300 per person
- Chandrabhaga Beach Shack Seafood, Odia · about INR 300 per person
- Konark Dhaba North Indian, Odia · about INR 250 per person
- Annapurna Restaurant Konark South Indian, North Indian · about INR 200 per person
- Lotus Eco Cafe Cafe, Continental, Snacks · about INR 200 per person
- Nature Camp Restaurant (Marine Drive) Odia, Seafood, North Indian · about INR 450 per person
- Paradise Snacks & Sweets Sweets, Snacks · about INR 100 per person
Getting to Konark
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar (BBI), about 49 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Taxi
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Konark
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Konark?
- The highest-rated places in our Konark guide are Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark Marine Drive Viewpoint, Konark Archaeological Museum (ASI), Ramachandi Temple.
- Where should I stay in Konark?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Konark: Temple Town.
- How do I get around Konark?
- Ways to get around Konark covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Konark?
- The nearest airport to Konark has the code BBI.