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FACTS AND FIGURES Best Time to Visit : October to March INTRODUCTION Konark is one of the precious historical sites in India, which has been listed among the world heritage sites, by UNESCO for the presence of its marvelous Sun temple of 13th Century. Once a curious traveler listen the very name of Konark, immediately spring up in his mind is that of the Sun temple. Apart from this, a beautiful stretch of beach is attracting those who are in search of complete seclusion with sea waves. The Konark beaches are known for their long stretch of clean and uncrowded areas. LOCATION Konark beach is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal in the eastern part of Orissa. Orissa is a tropical state on the eastern part of India generally famous for its typical seaside temples and beaches. |
Konark can be visited throughout the year. But the best season is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. The summer months get very hot.
HISTORY OF POPULARITY
As the sun temple is located nearby the beaches, from earlier times the pilgrims arrived here for "holy bath". In the modern times, as the Puri beach got crowded, the popular tourist beach 35 km away, those who wanted completely secluded beach holidays have found the Konark beach. Now several tourists are visiting and preferring to stay in the beach of Korark.
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ACTIVITIES The clean beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The local fishermen can arrange other marine activities like sea cruising, angling etc. The idle walk through the beaches are also pleasure inviting. PRIVATE BEACHES The long stretch of beach has no private beaches, as it has not yet polluted by massive tourism activities. But in the vicinity there are some other beautiful beaches. Chandrabhaga beach, close to the Sun Temple of Konark, is a lovely and quiet beach. The beach is not crowded and one can spend quite moments contemplating the beauty of the surroundings. About 20 km from Konark, Baleswar is also popular for a beach and the Siva shrine. |
The Konark Sun Temple is situated 3 km from the seacoast, which is the major landmark of Konark. This 13th Century temple was just near to the sea when it was built, but as the sea has receded the temple got its present spot. It is also known as the Black Pagoda by the ancient sailors due to the contrast appearance of it from the white colored temples of Puri. The temple is a wonderful architectural marvel. It is in the shape of a celestial chariot for carrying Surya, the sun god, across the heavens. Seven horses pull the chariot, with twelve wheels on either side. These symbolize the divisions of time. The seven horses representing the number of days in a week, each wheel representing an hour or a fortnight. The temple is illuminated between 6 to 9 pm. UNESCO counts the temple in the list of world heritage monuments.
The Navagraha temple is situated just outside the Sun temple walls. The Indian tradition of worshipping nine planets is the theme of the temple. The figures represent the Sun, moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Kethu. Ramachandi temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ramachandi, situated at a distance of 8 km at a place where the river Kushabhadra meets with the sea. The Archeological Museum outside the temple has many sculptures and carvings those date back to the time of the Sun temple's construction.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Konark Dance Festival is celebrated in the month of December every year, which is a mega-celebration of classical dance forms in India. Dance has always been an integral part of worship in Orissa. Nearly all temples in Orissa incorporate a dance hall. It is an open air festival hence a great mass is gathered to witness the event.
Magha Sapthami is a fair to Sun God that is conducted in the late January or the early February every year in Konark.
LOCAL TRADITIONS AND DRESS CODE
Rather than just a beach resort Konark is also a pilgrim center due to the proximity of Sun temple. Decent dress code is advisable here. Though one can wear the swimming suite in the beach while being in the public it must consider the local sentiments also.
SHOPPING
Orissa is famous for its ethnic handicrafts. There are stalls along the beach with a wide variety of handicrafts especially the crafts of fabric, beads and bamboo. The paintings on palm-leaves, and engravings are popular here along with the stone made images of gods.
ACCOMMODATION
In Konark beach midrange and budget accommodation is available. Opposite to the Sun temple's main entrance there is a tourist bungalow, which offers rather well mid range accommodation. The government runs here a lodge and it is quite reasonable. At south of the bus stand cheapest accommodation is available.
HOW TO REACH
The nearest airport to Konark is Bhubaneshwar, 65 km away, which is connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Madras and other cities. Konark is well connected by rail to Bhubaneshwar and Puri. Puri is just 35 km away. The well-laid road to Konark is connecting from Bhubaneshwar and the coastal town of Puri. It is 85 km from Puri if one take a diversion via the colorful village of Pipli, which is famous for its appliqué work. From Konark one can also travel by road to other places in Orissa.
OTHER FACILITIES
Konark is yet to be discovered as a popular beach resort, but the basic facilities are available. There is a good communication network of STD, ISD, FAX and Internet.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
It is advised to avoid some of the areas for swimming those are indicated by danger warnings. There are no lifeguards. Keeping one's ears and eyes wide open while roaming in the beaches always pays. It is advisable to keep the belongings well locked and should not left behind carelessly.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Avoid littering the beach with polythene bags and garbage, as the beach of Konark is one among the most pristine and unpolluted beaches in India. Possession and consumption of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
