Konark is a small town of Orissa, located on the coast of Bay of Bengal. The town 65 Kms, from state capital Bhubaneswar, has the richness of the ancient art and architecture of the Suntemple. The 13th century black
granite temple was built by King Narasimhadeva (1236-1264) of the Ganga dynasty. Sun temple is one of the most important Brahman sanctuaries and has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some parts of the temple are in ruins and its sculptures and carvings are housed in the Sun Temple Museum.
Festivals
The town is famous for annual Konark Dance festival held every year during December.
The festival is devoted to various classical India dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow. During the festival the art and culture of India comes at a single platform. Apart from the Dance festival the city also hosts the Sun Festival (Magha Saptami) on the bright half of the month of Magha (January-February). The devotees have the auspiciousbathe in the sea, before the sunrise. After the holy bath the devotees say their prayers and worship Lord Surya at the temple.
Attractions in and around Konark :
Konark beach - Konark beach is a famous tourist attraction, lies at a distance of 3 Kms from the Sun temple. One can enjoy the walk along the beach, and it offers the spectacular view of the temple.
Kuruma -
The small village 8 Kms from Konark, is famous for the recent archeological discoveries. The excavations have unearthed the ancient Buddhistantiquities, such as the image of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra (posture) along with the image of Heruka.
Balighai Beach - It is located around 8 Kms east of Puri, on the Marine Drive. The beach is a famous picnic spot. One can see the shy Baliharina deer here. Another attraction is the Sea Turtle Researchcentre.
Ramachandi - The beautiful little beach lies on the confluence of the river Kushabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The beach is an ideal place for picnic. The people worship Goddess Ramchandi, the presiding deity of the Konark region here.
Excursions :
Pipli - The town lies at a distance of 23 Kms from Konark, on Bhubaneswar road. Pipli called as the Orissa's applique capital, offers the colourful splashes of bright colour in the shops. It is the beautiful shopping place to buy bedspreads, cushion covers, bags, wall hangings, small awnings and umbrellas.
Chaurasi -
The place located at a distance of 30 Kms from Konark, is the abode of 9thcentury deity Barahi, the Mother goddess. It is said that the goddess with the face of a boar was worshipped here according to tantrik practices. Thedeity is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another hand. Inaddition there are shrines of Amareswar and Laxminarayan.
Astranga - Astranga is located 35 Kms away from Konark. Astranga literally means eight colours, is situated on the seashore and offers a panoramic view of sunset. The place is also famous as a fishing harbour.
Kakatapur - Kakatapur 35 Kms away from Konark is located in the Prachi Valley. It is famous for the shrines of goddess Mangala and Banadurga.
Accessibility :
Konark has not its own airport or railway station but it lies very close to Bhubaneswar (65 Kms) and Puri
(36 Kms).
» Air - The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (65Kms), which is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,Chennai and Hyderabad etc. From there one has to take the road journey.
» Rail - The nearest railheads are Puri (36 Kms) and Bhubneswar (65 Kms). The train from all major cities of the country are available for these cities. From there the journey to Konark can be covered in a bus or a taxicab.
» Road - The OTDC operates regular buses for Konark from nearby cities like Puri (36 Kms) and Bhubaneswar (65 Kms). One can hire a car on rent from Bhubaneswar for a round trip of Konark.
Accommodation :
Visitors can stay at the OTDC run hotels next to the Sun Temple. The town is very close to Bhubaneswar and Puri so one can stay there. As there are several hotels in Bhubaneswar and Puri.
Best Time to Visit :
The town is situated very close to the sea, so the climate is never very harsh. The place witness heavy rainfall in monsoon. One can visit Konark anytime in the year, however the best season to visit the place is between October and March.
Customize your Tour Package >>>
Basic Inclusions of the package :
- Assisted transfers from airport to hotel and back
- Accommodation in Hotels (as per the category selected)
- Daily Breakfast Buffet
- City tour + Drives by private car
- An English / Language speaking well mannered guide during sightseeing trips
- All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions :
- Any meal unless mentioned above, personal expenses like telephone /laundry bills etc.
- Entrance fees and still camera or video camera charges at various monuments and museums.
- Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, and bellboys at hotels
- Departure taxes or Visa handling fees (A Visa is required to visit India)
- Any International Air fare, Airports tax and travel insurance etc. and other services not specified above.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Remarks
» All prices quoted per person in INR. on twin sharing basis. Rates subject to change without notice Rates are applicable for a minimum of two (2) persons travelling at one time.
» Rates are applicable for Indian market only.
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