Konarak

Konarak is one of the most famous historical and heritage sites in Eastern India. Located in Orissa, Konarak is only a few kilometers from Puri and Bhubaneshwar. Thus visitors travelling to Puri or any other cities in Orissa often visit this famous historical city. Not only travelers from India, but also many foreign tourists visit this wonderful historical site.

Konarak is most well known for the famous Sun Temple. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, it is said that the Sun Temple gets the first ray of the sunlight!

The most unique feature of this temple is that there is no God in this temple! The Sun Temple is built in the design of the chariot of Surya Dev, the sun god, with 24 wheels pulled by six horses. The entrance is guarded by two lions that stand on two elephants. Below the elephants are the structures of two men lying.

After crossing a few flight of steps you will enter the Nat Mandir. The whole temple is decorated with intricate carvings that reflects every stage of a man.

Some interesting myths are attached to this famous Sun Temple of Konarak. Apart from historical wonders you can witness some fabulous architects and sculptural work in each of the nooks and corners of the temple. A beautiful garden also surrounds the Sun Temple.

Other than the Konarak Sun Temple, the city is flocked with many tourists during Magha Saptami and Konarak Dance festivals that are two world famous festivals held annually at Konarak. The Konarak Dance festival is held in the month of December where participants come from all over the world to perform various Indian classical dance forms. Held in open air theater this is one of the most important cultural festivals held in India. The Magha Saptami festival or the Chandrabhage Mela is also another attraction of Konarak that is held in the month of February. Pilgrims come here at this time to take a holy dip.

How to reach Konarak: The best way to reach Konarak is by bus. The Orissa state road transport corporation ply every day bus services from Puri and other cities of Orissa. You can also avail any of the private buses also which are more frequent than the state bus. However the state bus journey is much more comfortable. The nearest railway stations are Puri and Bhubaneshwar. If you want to reach Konarak by air, then the nearest airport you can avail are at Bhubaneshwar. Indian Airlines, Air Sahara and Jet Air have regular flight services from major Indian cities to Bhubaneshwar.

For more information about historical sites in India just log on to indiatravelhouse.com