UNESCO's Konark - The Famous Sun Temple at the Bay of Bengal

Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Konark, also known as the Sun Temple, is a 13th century architectural marvel.  The temple at Konark is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of seven horses. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of India's most famous Brahman sanctuaries.

Highlights
•     UNESCO World Heritage
•     24 intricately carved chariot wheels - serving as accurate sundials
•     Seven might stone horses
•     Three images of the Sun God Surya

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Bhubaneshwar and driven to the Sun Temple (about 44 miles). The massive structure sits in solitary splendor surrounded by drifting sand on Konark Beach, less than 2 miles from the sea.  The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'. 'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combined, it becomes 'Sun of the Corner'. Konark Sun Temple is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.  There are three images of the Sun God at three different sides of the temple, positioned in the proper direction to catch the rays of the sun at morning, noon and evening. Konark Temple was conceived as a massive chariot hauling the Sun God across the heavens by the might of seven splendidly carved horses.  The chariot stands aloft on 24 intricately carved chariot wheels. The wheels of the temple are sundials which can be used to calculate time accurately to a minute.  Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and represents a stunning monument. Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore said, “here the language of stone surpasses the language of man”.   

In the evening, you will return back to your hotel in Bhubaneshwar by your air conditioned vehicle.