Konark Sun Temple Must visit
The 13th-century temple built as the Sun god's chariot, with 24 carved wheels and seven horses.
Konark
The Sun Temple, a stone chariot carved in the 13th century, by the sea.
Reviewed by Ghumo Bihar team
- Best time
- October to March
- Days needed
- Half a day
- From Patna
- Via Puri or Bhubaneswar
- Good for
- History and art lovers, families
About Konark
Why visit Konark
The Konark Sun Temple, built around 1250 by King Narasimhadeva I, is designed as the giant chariot of the Sun god Surya, pulled by seven horses on 24 carved stone wheels. Its walls are covered in sculptures of dancers, musicians, animals and daily life. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features on the back of the ₹10 note.
Konark is about 35 km from Puri along a scenic marine drive, and most people visit it as a half-day trip. Chandrabhaga beach and the Ramachandi temple are on the way, and the Konark Dance Festival in December is one of India's best classical dance events.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Konark
5 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Chandrabhaga Beach Must visit
A clean, wide beach 3 km from the temple, known for sunrise.
Konark Archaeological Museum
Sculptures that fell from the temple, displayed up close.
Ramachandi Temple and Beach
A temple where the Kushabhadra river meets the sea, on the road to Puri.
Kuruma
A small Buddhist excavation site about 8 km from Konark.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Chandrabhaga beach, Ramachandi temple and beach, Puri and Bhubaneswar.
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Konark
Group trips from Patna on fixed dates. Join on your own or as a family.
Puri, Konark & Chilika Getaway from Patna
Jagannath darshan, the Konark Sun Temple and the sea.
- 23–27 Oct
From ₹12,500 View dates
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Konark
October to March is best. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft on the carvings and it is cooler.
Winter (best)
October–March
Pleasant
Best for sightseeing; Konark Dance Festival in December.
Summer
April–June
Hot and humid
Go early morning.
Monsoon
July–September
Rainy
Fewer visitors; carry an umbrella.
Festivals worth planning around
- Konark Dance FestivalFive days of classical dance against the temple backdrop, usually 1–5 December.
- Chandrabhaga MelaPilgrims bathe at Chandrabhaga beach on Magha Saptami (January–February).
Getting there
How to reach Konark
Drive from Puri (35 km, about 1 hour) along the marine drive, or from Bhubaneswar (65 km, about 1.5 hours).
- PuriCar or bus
About 35 km, 1 hour
Along the marine drive; buses run often.
- BhubaneswarCar or bus
About 65 km, 1.5 hours
Via Pipli.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
The temple, museum and Chandrabhaga beach are close together. A car from Puri for half a day is easiest.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Puri or Bhubaneswar and visit Konark as a day trip.
- Hotels in Puri35 km away · Most visitors
- Simple hotels and OTDC stay in KonarkNear the temple · An early start
Food to try
- Seafood: fresh fish and prawn curries at dhabas on the marine drive.
- Odia thali: dalma, rice and fish curry at local restaurants.
Travel tips
- Hire an ASI-approved guide at the gate to understand the carvings and sundial wheels.
- Go early to avoid heat and crowds.
- Combine with Raghurajpur and Pipli on the way from Puri or Bhubaneswar.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How far is Konark from Puri?
About 35 km, roughly 1 hour by road along the marine drive.
How much time do I need at Konark?
About 2 hours for the temple and museum, and another hour for Chandrabhaga beach.
Is Konark Sun Temple a UNESCO site?
Yes, it was listed in 1984.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Konark?
Yes, as part of our Puri trips.
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