Konark, also known as Arka-Tirtha, is situated at 34 km north of Puri, on the smooth East Coast Road named Marine Drive. Konark, which derives its name from Konarka (presiding deity of the Sun temple), is actually an amalgamation of Kona (corner) and Arka (sun), meaning sun around the corner. The magnificent Sun Temple here is without doubt the paragon of Oriyan architecture. Although the Black Pagoda is partly in ruins, its colossal size and intricate stone artwork, executed with masterly touch and depicting a huge diversity of themes, simply takes one's breath away.

Tourist Attractions
Black Pagoda (The Sun Temple)
Visualized on the image of the Sun God coursing through heaven on his seven-horse-drawn chariot, the temple was built by Orissan king Raja Narasimhadeva, a Ganga dynasty ruler in the 13th century to celebrate a military victory. Legend recites that it took 1,200 masons and 12 years to complete the architectural epitome.

This impressive shrine resembles a hefty chariot with 24 giant wheels being pulled by 7 horses imitating the seven days of a week. Great pairs of large exquisitely carved wheels are engraved on both sides of the 4 m high platform on which the temple rests. The temple was once known as the Black Pagoda, by sailors, in contrast to the white-washed temples of Puri and was said to contain a great mass of iron which would draw unwary ships in to the shore. The serene atmosphere of Konark coupled with a quiet but majestic sea-shore is today regarded as an ideal place for holidaying by domestic as well as foreign tourists.

Konark Dance Festival
Situated on the shores of the river Chandrabhaga, Konark gears up in the winter to rejoice the Konark Dance Festival. Set on the backdrop of crimson-red sky and brilliantly lit "Black Pagoda", the broadway perks up to salute the beauty and harmony of the connoisseurs of classical Indian music for 5 days during the first week of December. The classical extravaganza invites aficionados from all over the country and includes dance presentations such as Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Chau and revitalization of ancient dance forms like " Abhinaya Chandrika"- an opulent jubilee that will surely leave you bedazzled.

Sun, Sand and Sea
A pristine beach is located at about 3 km from the temple. Coalesce with the golden sand and enjoy the beautiful blue dome with exquisite colour crossword over your head at dusk and dawn. The currents can be strong here, so swimming can be dangerous. Every year during the full moon phase in the month of Magha (Jan/Feb), there is a festival called Magha Saptami Mela when devotees from all over the state gather to take a holy bath in the pond and then shuffle off to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the Puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event is followed by the puja of the Navagrahas (Nine Planets).

How to reach there
Konark is situated at 65 km from Bhubaneswar, on Marine Drive, right next to ocean. There are regular buses to and from Puri, that take about an hour. From Bhubaneswar, with a change of bus at Pipli, it takes around two to four hours to reach Konark.

You can also hire coaches and taxis from Puri to get to Konark. Moreover, regular bus services including conducted sigthtseeing tours are available for Konark from Bhubaneswar and Puri.