UNESCO World Heritage Site · Odisha
Konark Sun Temple
The 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark is Odisha's most iconic monument — a colossal stone chariot of the Sun God Surya, with 24 carved wheels and seven galloping horses. This guide covers timings, tickets, the best time to visit, and how to reach Konark by taxi from Puri, Bhubaneswar and BBI Airport.
Konark Sun Temple at a Glance
The Chariot of the Sun God
Built around 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot pulling the Sun God Surya across the sky. Twenty-four intricately carved stone wheels line the base, seven straining horses draw the chariot forward, and every surface is covered in sculpture — deities, musicians, dancers, animals and scenes of everyday life. Its scale and craftsmanship earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1984 and a place on the reverse of the Indian Rupees 10 note.
The temple's most celebrated feature is its wheels, which double as sundials — the spokes and axle cast shadows that can be read to tell the time of day. The main tower (deul) that once rose over 60 metres has collapsed over the centuries, but the surviving audience hall (jagamohana) and the sculpted plinth remain among the finest examples of Kalinga architecture anywhere in India.
Today Konark is a monument rather than a place of active worship, cared for by the Archaeological Survey of India. Visitors walk freely around the complex, though the sealed sanctum cannot be entered. Local guides at the gate bring the carvings to life with the stories behind them.
Timings, Tickets & Entry
Opening hours
Open every day, including Sundays and public holidays, from roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Arriving between 7:00 and 9:00 AM gives soft light for photography and thinner crowds before tour buses arrive.
Entry ticket
A nominal ASI ticket applies for Indian and SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors, with a higher rate for other foreign nationals. Children below 15 enter free. Buy at the gate or online on the ASI portal. Ticket prices are set by the ASI and can change.
Light & sound show
An evening light-and-sound show narrates the temple's history on selected days (weather permitting). It is ticketed separately. Check timings locally, as schedules vary by season.
Tip: carry a hat, water and comfortable shoes — the complex is open and the stone plinth gets hot by midday. Photography is allowed; tripods and drones need permission.
How to Reach Konark Sun Temple
Konark has no railway station or airport of its own, so almost everyone arrives by road. A private taxi is the most flexible option because it lets you pair the temple with Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramchandi Temple and the Marine Drive scenery.
From Puri
~35 km / 45-60 min along the coastal Marine Drive. The most popular way to visit, ideal as a half-day roundtrip.
Puri to Konark roundtrip taxi →From Bhubaneswar
~65 km / 1.5-2 hours. Good for a city-based day trip, often combined with a Puri drop via Konark.
Bhubaneswar to Konark taxi →From BBI Airport
~65-70 km. Fly in and head straight to Konark, then continue to Puri — a smooth arrival-day plan.
Airport to Konark taxi →Best Time to Visit
October to February is the most comfortable window, with mild coastal weather ideal for walking the open complex. The Konark Dance Festival (early December) fills the temple grounds with classical performances. Avoid the peak afternoon heat between April and June; early morning or late afternoon is best year-round.
Sunrise at Chandrabhaga
Just 3 km away, Chandrabhaga Beach — India's first Blue Flag beach — is famous for its sunrise. A pre-dawn taxi from Puri lets you watch the sun rise over the Bay of Bengal, then enter the Sun Temple as it opens. It is one of Odisha's most rewarding early-morning trips.
What to See Near Konark
Chandrabhaga Beach
Blue Flag beach 3 km away, famous for sunrise and Magha Saptami mela.
ASI Museum
Houses sculptures recovered from the temple; a short walk from the gate.
Ramchandi Temple
Riverside shrine and beach on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive.
Kuruma & Marine Drive
Buddhist excavation site and the scenic coastal road back to Puri.
Plan Your Konark Visit by Taxi
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