Konark is a fascinating town on the eastern coast of India that is famous for its magnificent Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the 13th century, this architectural wonder is regarded as an emblem of Odisha’s cultural and historical richness. The temple, built as a colossal chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels, remains a site of pilgrimage for tourists and history buffs, presenting a window to its era of glory.
Whether you boast of an architectural bent, a spiritual inclination or just someone out for a lark, Konark gives you an experience of a lifetime with gorgeous sunsets, peaceful beaches and brimming local customs. So, how do you get there? So put your seatbelts up (not literally), because we are taking you on a trip to get to this magical place.
How to Get to Konark: Nurturing Your Way to The Sun Temple →
By Air:
For those flying in from major cities, the closest airport to Konark is that of Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik International Airport), which is around 64 kilometers away. This airport is popular among Indian major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. A flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar takes about 2 hours, Mumbai takes around 1.5 hours. After you arrive, you can easily take a taxi or order a cab through services such as MakeMyTrip or ClearTrip to reach Konark. The one and half to two hour drive is a scenic one through the greenery of Odisha.
By Train:
If you’re someone who loves the charm of travelling by rail, Konark doesn’t have its own railway station. But the nearest major railway station is Puri, which is around 35 kilometers away. Puri is well-linked to various other cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, and even Delhi. To reach Konark, you can take a local bus, an auto-rickshaw, or a cab from Puri. The train journey from Kolkata to Puri will take you about 8-9 hours, and if you are traveling from Bhubaneswar, it will only take you around 2 hours. The current train timings are available, and you can also buy your ticket on sites like IRCTC or EaseMyTrip.
By Road:
If you are a road trip lover, then reaching Konark road is a trek itself! The town has access to highways coming from the surrounding areas. It is approximately 64 kilometers from Bhubaneswar to Konark, the drive is quite scenic through the countryside. If you want to rent a car, or take a bus, it’s possible; state-run buses run frequently enough that you can hop on and off whenever you like. If you are driving from cities like Kolkata, it would take about 12-14 hours drive, so ensure you pack snacks and your favourite playlist for the commute.
From Nearby Cities:
— From Delhi: Fly to Bhubaneswar (about 2 hours) drive to Konark (about 2 hours).
— From Mumbai: Fly to Bhubaneswar (about 1.5 hours) and taxi to Konark (about 2 hours).
– From Hyderabad: A flight to Bhubaneswar takes about 1.5 hrs, then a 2-hr drive.
– From Bangalore: Take a flight to Bhubaneswar (approx. 2.5 hrs) and drive through the scenic route to Konark
From Chennai: A flight to Bhubaneswar (1.5 hrs) followed by a drive (2 hrs) to Konark
– Via Trivandrum: Flight to Bhubaneswar (approx 2.5 hrs) + drive to Konark
IN KOLKATA — TRAIN TO PURI (ABOUT 8-9 HRS) + 1-1.5 HRS DRIVE TO KONARK
How to Maximize Your Visit
Now that you have an idea about reaching this historical destination, let’s discuss how you can enrich your journey even more!
1. BY THE STAY: Pick hotel options that reflect the kind of traveler you are. Hotels are available near the Sun Temple, ranging from budget to luxury resorts, on platforms like MakeMyTrip and ClearTrip.
2. Local Cuisine: You have to try the local delicacies! Local cafes serve Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice), Rasgulla and fresh seafood. Ask the locals what they recommend as they usually know the local hot spots!
3. Explore some of the other sights in the area: the Sun Temple is incredibly beautiful, but it would be a shame not to go see the nearby Chandrabhaga Beach, which is less crowded and is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset. Konark Beach is famous for its colorful fairs held during the Konark Dance Festival.
4. (200-400 words) Let us experience the culture of the land, to connect with the local entrepreneurs, artisans, local artists that make the rich stories. You may even get to see their process in action!
Explore platforms including TripAdvisor or Thrillophilia for more ideas on what to do and where to stay in Konark.
From describing before the gorgeous Sun Temple to experience the sea breeze on Chandrabhaga Beach, your Konark tour is going to be simply wow! So come on, pack your bags, set up an itinerary and let the mystique of Konark take you through! Safe travels!
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