UNESCO World Heritage Site / 13th Century Architectural Masterpiece
Konark Sun Temple
Konark, Puri
About this place
Built 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I, the 227-foot temple features 24 stone wheels serving as functional ancient sundials with astronomical precision. Uses three stone types (laterite, khondalite, chlorite) without mortar using gravity-balance engineering. The main sanctum partially collapsed over centuries but Jagamohana (entrance hall) remains magnificent.
Why it matters
227-foot Sun Chariot; 24 functional sundial wheels; 4000+ sculptural panels; gravity-balance engineering without mortar
c. 1250 CE · Kalinga Rekha Deula in chariot form
couple friendlyfamily friendlykid friendlysenior friendlysolo friendlycrowded on weekendsinstagrammablefestival hubUNESCOheritagetemplewinter best
Getting there
Nearest railway
Puri RS (35 km)
Nearest airport
Biju Patnaik Intl Airport, Bhubaneswar (65 km)
By road
Excellent — NH-316; OSRTC buses from Puri (1 hr) and Bhubaneswar (1.5 hrs)
Plan your visit
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2–4 hours needed
₹40 entry
October-March (15-28°C); December peak with Konark Dance Festival (Dec 1-5)
Extremely crowded
Kid friendly Photo spot 10/10