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Town in Odisha, India
Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Vinayreddym, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Konark or Konarak (Odia: 6କଣାର୍କ Koṇārka) is a small town in Coastal Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple and the Chandrabhaga River.
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A , built in the 13th century in the honour of the sun-god Surya, is in ruins. The entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels about 3 m high and pulled by seven horses, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period.
Chandrabhaga is rich in its marine resources. A light house, close by Chandrabhaga is an added histrionic to the splendour of the place. A climb to its top truly takes you to a world of utopia. A natural deer park is recent additions to the riches of Chandrabhaga. There is an ancient Matha believed to be the Ashram of Chandrabhaga's father and two small temples. The sight has aesthetic and importance.
A popular Buddhist site. The site was built between 9th–10th centuries CE. The monastery, now abandoned, containing an excavated statue of Buddha seated cross legged with right hand in Bhumisparsa mudra while the left hand placed over his left knee. The image also wears a beautiful crown and a beautifully carved necklace.
Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti Pithas. The beach is often crowded by local students as a romantic escapade or families picnicking at the weekend. The main temple along with its Mukhasala had been built on one platform 3'2" (96.5 cm) high. On the three sides of the temple walls, i.e., south, west and north, there were three figures of Sun god as side Gods. Now one can see these side gods in north and southern side, whereas the figures on the western side have been displaced and are said to have been preserved in the National Museum at New Delhi. This image is said to have some sculptural specialisation and is regarded to be one of the beautiful images of the Sun god. Though smaller in size, the side-gods of this temple are of similar type in all respect with the side-gods in the Sun temple. The side images of the northern side are in somewhat good condition while the image in the southern side has no head and broken hands.
A light & sound show is held at the Konark Sun Temple complex the temple acts as a projector. The entire history of the temple, including parts of the Kalinga history, is brought to life through light and sound effect. Photography is not allowed during the show.
It has a very wide and distinctive selection of handicrafts. It is a small village. On the main road at Pipili there are many shops selling Applique work products, tourist visiting Puri buy these products from Pipili.
This place is good for families and backpackers alike. There are tidy rooms with bathrooms and rooms without (the cheapest). Set in an area of comparatively uninspiring hotels, the lodge is an exceedingly short stroll from Konark Sun Temple (turn left) and a very long march from Chandrabhaga Beach (turn right — the only time you'll actually need an auto in Konark). Weak signal Wi-Fi available only in the area near reception and the adjacent veranda. All bathrooms are mosquito-ridden, so opt for a room without. Service no better or worse than what you'd expect in the north of India. This is the best you can expect in such a small town.
Only air-conditioned rooms.
By plane
The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar (BBI), which is about 64 km away. It is linked with Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Nagpur and operates several direct flights.
By train
The railway stations nearest to Konark are in Puri and Bhubaneswar. These stations are linked with almost all the major destinations in India by train.
By car
The National and State Highways link Konark with Puri and Bhubaneswar forming a virtual triangle popularly known as Golden Triangle of East.
Auto-rickshaws, taxis and cycle rickshaws are there for roaming around in the town. State bus services are rickety and uncomfortable while traveling unless you are on a budget.
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