5 Things To Do In Konark

Konark, the beach town of Odisha is merely 60 km away from Bhubaneswar and Puri, making it an ideal destination for day trips. However, Konark is a town that deals with identity crisis day in day out! People recognize it by the attraction it holds, more than anything else. I believe there are many cities and towns all over the world that go through a similar identity crisis every day. To beat this crisis here’s a list of things that you can do in Konark that would show you the city beyond the famous Sun Temple.

But before we jump into the things you can do in Konark, here’s a quick video of our time exploring Konark.

Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend a night at the Nua Nai Nature Camp and enjoy the divinity of this place. Hike through the jungles, walk by the shores of pristine beaches and boat up until the Nua Nai river mouth. Sleep in the lap of nature and wake up to the sound of birds. I am sure it would be worth your time!

Location: Puri-Konark Marine drive road. The entry point is 3 km away from Puri, opposite to Toshali Sands resort main gate.

Beaches

Bordering the coasts of Bay of Bengal, Puri-Konark Marine Drive is one of the most beautiful driveways in Asia. The 3 km long coastline is home to three famous beaches in Konark, Ramachandi beach, Chandrabagha beach and Konark beach. Ramachandi is the most beautiful amongst the three. Whereas the Chandrabagha beach being the most popular and crowded of all. The beachside market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and to try out the beach snacks! The Konark beach is peaceful and home to the famous Fisherman’s village.

Fisherman’s Village

Interact with the local fishermen to understand their routine and how they make a living out of fishing. Watch them while they lay a trap in high tides. The rawness of this place will surely strike your chords.

Festivals

Konark is famous for two of its cultural festivals, the Music and Dance Festival and the International Sand Art Festival. The Konark Music and Dance Festival is a 5-day long festival that showcases the various classical dance forms of India. The International Sand Art Festival, on the other hand, brings artists from different parts of the world to create magic with sand. Both the festivals are magnificent to watch.

Time: Konark Music and Dance Festival held every year from 19th to 23rd February.
International Sand Art Festival held every year in the first week of December.

Sun Temple

The most loved spot of Konark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gigantic ‘Chariot shaped’ temple will boggle your mind with its brilliant architecture. The European sailors called it the Black Pagoda as it appeared black from the seaside. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and has been built by Narasinga Deva I who was the king of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. What now remains is mostly ruins of the temple. However, a visit to Konark is incomplete without paying a visit to this magnificent monument. Also, while you’re here, don’t forget to watch the Light and Sound Show.

Light and Sound Show: Monday-Sunday | 7 pm and 8 pm | 50 INR per person.
Entry Ticket Price: Monday-Sunday | 6 am to 8 pm | 35 INR per person