Tourist attractions in Konark are varied and several. On your trip this place you will be ensured a fulfilling experience with the visits to the following sites of interest:

Situated 64 km from Bhubaneswar, the splendid Sun Temple is one of the prime tourist attractions of Konark. Believed to have been constructed by Narashimhadev I in the mid-13th century, the temple, designed in the form of his huge chariot, is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.

The huge structure of the renowned temple of Konark, now dilapidated to a large extent, has huge intricately carved wheels of the chariot, around the base. The spokes of these wheels serve as sundials, and the shadows formed by these give you the accurate time of the day. The pyramidal roof of the temple made of sandstone rises up to 30 meters in height. Like the temples at Khajuraho, the Sun Temple at Konark is full of erotic sculptures.

During the medieval era when the temple was situated on the shore, till before the sea receded, it was actually used well as a navigational aid by the European sailors en route to Calcutta. They used to denote it as the �Black Pagoda� to set it apart from the Jagannath Temple at Puri.

Besides the above mentioned Konark tourist attractions there are several other spots worth visiting in this place. Home to a large variety of antiques, the Konark Archaeological Museum is situated on the northern part of the Sun Temple. The museum preserves 260 antiquities, collected from the complex of Sun Temple.

One of the most visited tourist attractions of Orissa is the Konark Beach, located at a distance of 3 km from the famous Sun Temple. The amazing scenery of the lovely sunrise and sunset are extraordinarily enchanting.

Christened after Goddess Ramachandi, positioned on the southwestern part of Sun Temple, the Ramachandi temple is believed that the temple is devoted to Goddess Ramachandi and so it is known as Ramachandi temple.

To the south-western of the temple, located at the back the sanctuary, are the ruins of the Mayadevi temple. The temple was believed to be devoted to one of the Surya�s wives but is now believed to be an older Surya Temple.

Events and Festivals:

Konark Dance Festival:
Held every year in the month of December in an open-air theatre constructed near the Sun Temple; the Konark dance festival brings together renowned classical dancers of India who perform various dance genres like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow.

Magha Saptami:
On the seventh day (saptami) of the brighter half of the month of Magha (January/February) Magha Saptami (Sun Festival) is held at Konark. During this festival, the pilgrims take a dip in the sea at dawn before they proceed to the temple to worship.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on Tourist Attractions in Konark on your tour to India.