Konark Sun Temple
କୋଣାର୍କ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ମନ୍ଦିର
A 13th-century World Heritage Site carved as the sun god's chariot, with 24 stone wheels and seven horses; its stonework is exquisitely beyond compare.
The temple was built around 1250 by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Its main tower has collapsed, but the surviving front hall (dance hall) and plinth are covered with carvings of dancers, musicians, animals and amorous scenes. The stone wheels can serve as sundials to tell the time. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1984. It is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, and foreigners pay a higher admission fee, so hiring a licensed guide is recommended. It lies 35 km from Puri, about one hour's drive along the coastal road, and there is a sound-and-light show in the evening.
Opening hours
06:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Konark Archaeological Museum
- Chandrabhaga Beach
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ramachandi Temple & Beach
- Beleswar Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village
- Atharanala Bridge