Konark Sun Temple
Konark, Puri district, Odisha · Surya, the Sun God (no active worship in the main temple today)
A 13th-century stone chariot of the Sun with 24 carved wheels and seven horses – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sun Temple at Konark was built around 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty as a gigantic stone chariot for the Sun God, with 24 carved wheels drawn by seven horses. The main tower collapsed long ago, but the surviving assembly hall, about 39 m high, and the dense sculpture on every surface make it one of India's greatest monuments. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It is a protected monument rather than a functioning temple: there is no deity inside, and anyone may enter with an ASI ticket.
Timings
- Monument open: Sunrise to sunset daily (ASI); roughly 6:00 AM – 6:00/6:30 PM
- Light and sound show: Evenings, two shows of about 40 minutes; reported as about 6:30 and 7:20 PM (Dec–Feb) and 7:30 and 8:20 PM (Mar–Nov), no show on Mondays – check locally
- ASI museum: approx. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Fridays (check ASI)
Darshan types and costs
- ASI entry ticket – Indian / SAARC / BIMSTEC – ₹40 at the counter, ₹35 online (ASI listing; confirm on the ASI portal)
- ASI entry ticket – Foreign nationals – approx. ₹600 (sources differ: ₹600 online / ₹650 at the counter in one 2026 guide) – check ASI
- Free-entry days – Free
- Light and sound show – approx. ₹50 (fixed at reopening in 2020–22; check locally)
Sevas and costs
- Magha Saptami sunrise bath (Chandrabhaga Mela) – Free (Magha Shukla Saptami (Jan/Feb), at sunrise)
- Samba Dashami – Free (ASI has waived entry for the day) (Pausha Shukla Dashami (Dec/Jan))
- Light and sound show – approx. ₹50 (Evenings except Mondays (reported))
- Guided heritage tour – Varies – agree the fee with the guide before starting (During opening hours)
- Navagraha worship – Varies (dakshina) (Daily)
- Konark Dance Festival – Check Odisha Tourism (1 – 5 December 2026)
How to book darshan
Buy the ASI ticket at the entry counter (cashless/QR) or on the ASI online ticketing portal linked from the ASI website.
Archaeological Survey of India
Dress code
No formal dress code (it is a monument), but modest clothing is appreciated. Carry a hat and water.
Best time to visit
October to March. Early morning gives soft light on the stone; the Konark Dance Festival (1–5 December) is the most popular time.
How to reach
- air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, about 65 km.
- rail: Nearest stations: Puri (35 km) and Bhubaneswar (65 km).
- road: Frequent buses and taxis from Puri (by the scenic Marine Drive) and Bhubaneswar.
Festivals
- Konark Dance Festival (Konark Festival) – 1 – 5 December every year (2026: 1 – 5 December)
- International Sand Art Festival – Held alongside the Konark Festival (early December)
- Magha Saptami / Chandrabhaga Mela – Magha Shukla Saptami (Jan/Feb)
- Samba Dashami – Pausha Shukla Dashami (Dec/Jan)