Konark
Travel Guide
![Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa, India. It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty[2] in 1255 CE.[3] The temple complex is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site[4] and has also featured on various list of Seven Wonders of India. The temple is 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar.
The name Konark derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner or angle) and Ark (the sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God Surya.[4]
The monument was also called the Black Pagoda'(Kaala Pagoda) by the European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda. Both temples served as important landmarks for the sailors.[5] Konark Sun Temple used Iron beams for its structure.
The temple was originally built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, but the waterline has receded since then. The temple has been built in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of the Sun god, Surya. It has twelve pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels which are 3 meters[4] wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses (4 on the right and 3 on the left).[6] The temple follows the traditional style of Kalinga architecture. It is carefully oriented towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise strikes the principal entrance.[4] The temple is built from Khondalite rocks.[7][8]
The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum (vimana), which was supposedly 229 feet[6] (70 m) tall. Due to the weight of the superstructure (70 m tall) and weak soil of the area, the main vimana fell in 1837.[9] The audience hall (Jagamohana), which is about 128 feet (39 m) tall, still stands and is the principal structure in the surviving ruins. Among the structures, which have survived to the current day, are the dance hall (Nata mandira) and dining hall (Bhoga mandapa).[4][6]
The Konark temple is also known for its erotic sculptures of maithunas.[10]
Two smaller ruined temples have been discovered nearby. One of them is called the Mayadevi Temple and is located southwest from the entrance of the main temple. It is presumed to have been dedicated to Mayadevi, one of the Sun god's wives. It has been dated to the late 11th century, earlier than the main temple.[11] The other one belongs to some unknown Vaishnava deity. Sculptures of Balarama, Varaha and Trivikrama have been found at the site, indicating it to be a Vaishnavite temple. Both temples have their primary idols missing.
A collection of fallen sculptures can be viewed at the Konark Archaeological Museum which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6156018/09fea146-89a8-4536-94db-75e3922ba387.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Konark
MAYFAIR Heritage, Puri
Chakratirtha Road Puri Orissa
The price is AED 562 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
AED 562
AED 663 total
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Puri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Jagannath Temple and Sudarshan Crafts Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
Heritage cultural touches add to the charm. Onsite very clean beach. Staff very helpful. Nice restaurants and bars onsite. Good sized room.
Reviewed on 14 February 2026
Hotel Holiday Resort
Chakratirtha Road Puri Orissa
The price is AED 157 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
AED 157
AED 165 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Puri. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and room service. Popular attractions Jagannath Temple and Sudarshan Crafts Museum ...
7.8/10 Good! (19 reviews)
Everything was amazing
Reviewed on 27 November 2025
MAYFAIR Waves
Chakratirtha Road Puri Orissa
The price is AED 477 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
AED 477
AED 565 total
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Puri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Jagannath Temple and Sudarshan Crafts Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (24 reviews)
Room good. Staff indifferent. Food moderately ok. Restaurant staff service below average.
Reviewed on 16 December 2025
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Shonar Kutir 1 Bhk AC Resort
Puri OD
Stay at this apartment in Puri. Enjoy free WiFi and balconies. Popular attractions Jagannath Temple and Narendra Sagar are located nearby.
2BHK Homestay @ Gundicha Temple Best 4 Ratha Yatra
Puri OD
Stay at this vacation home in Puri. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jagannath Temple and Sudarshan Crafts Museum are located ...
Sindhu Holiday Homes
Badasirei OD
Stay at this apartment in Puri. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jagannath Temple and Sudarshan Crafts Museum are located ...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Popular places to visit
![Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa, India. It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty[2] in 1255 CE.[3] The temple complex is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site[4] and has also featured on various list of Seven Wonders of India. The temple is 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar.
The name Konark derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner or angle) and Ark (the sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God Surya.[4]
The monument was also called the Black Pagoda'(Kaala Pagoda) by the European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda. Both temples served as important landmarks for the sailors.[5] Konark Sun Temple used Iron beams for its structure.
The temple was originally built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, but the waterline has receded since then. The temple has been built in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of the Sun god, Surya. It has twelve pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels which are 3 meters[4] wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses (4 on the right and 3 on the left).[6] The temple follows the traditional style of Kalinga architecture. It is carefully oriented towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise strikes the principal entrance.[4] The temple is built from Khondalite rocks.[7][8]
The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum (vimana), which was supposedly 229 feet[6] (70 m) tall. Due to the weight of the superstructure (70 m tall) and weak soil of the area, the main vimana fell in 1837.[9] The audience hall (Jagamohana), which is about 128 feet (39 m) tall, still stands and is the principal structure in the surviving ruins. Among the structures, which have survived to the current day, are the dance hall (Nata mandira) and dining hall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6156018/09fea146-89a8-4536-94db-75e3922ba387.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Konark Sun Temple
5/5(1 review)
After visiting Konark Sun Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gop. Take in the festivals and sunrises in the area.
