Konark means Sun and this is one of those few cities in India that experienced a total solar eclipse. This is one of the must visit cities in Orissa. This town is quite close to the Bay of Bengal and is famous for all the ancient temples plus monuments. Visiting this town during December and January is the best idea because the weather is quite cold and pleasant. So, if you are planning for a trip to Konark, then here are some of the spots you should see…
- The Sun Temple –Constructed by King Narsimhadeva I who belonged to the Ganga Dynasty, this temple is counted in the list of the 7 wonders of the country. The temple was designed as a chariot with wheels and pillars and was completed during the 1250 AD. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site so you know that you must give this place a visit!
- Archaeological Site Museum – Established in the year 1968, this museum was made as a home for several archaeological excavations and also the fallen sculptures from the well-known Sun temple. There are several antiquities, which are displayed here. You will also find paintings, sculptures and manuscripts from the Konark Sun Temple here. So, if you want more information and history regarding the Sun Temple, you can find everything in this museum.
- Kuruma – This is a hidden and unknown Buddhist spot, which is almost 8 kilometres away from the Sun Temple. This is also one major archaeological excavation spots in the state of Orissa. It is also mentioned in several Buddhist texts from Ceylon and Asoka. Famous Chinese traveller and writer Hieun Tsang had also mentioned about it a lot. The site was discovered during the 8th or 9th century AD and is quite an important spot in India. If you love history and want to go to a new place to explore, then you should head to Kuruma. You can explore the insides of the history of our country and also know more about Buddhists.
- Astranga –The Astranga is a picnic spot, which is almost 20 kilometres away from the main city of Konark. It is a fishing village, which is quite known amongst the locals. You should visit this place when the sun is about to set as the panoramic and multi-coloured views are to die for. This is a great place for those who love photography and is also a major centre for salt production. You can also enjoy fishing here in case you have all the equipment.
Even though Konark is a small town, it has so much to offer. The Sun Temple is a must visit without fail. If you are travelling from Delhi, you can take a train to Bhubaneswar and then take a cab till Konark. Also, don’t forget to order food from train for the journey.
