On the coast of Bay Of Bengal, 60 Kms from the capital of Odisha, Bhubaneshwar lies the small town of Konark, a World Heritage Site. The name Konark comes from the combination of the Sanskrit words Kona (corner or angle) and Ark (the sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, built in black granite during the reign of Narasimhadeva-I and a very beautiful beach Chandrabhaga .
The journey from Bhubaneswar via Puri Konark Marine drive road to Chandrabhaga beach will fill you up absolute joy of a road trip as you drive in the smooth road, coconut trees, cashew trees, horizon wide green fields, rivers meeting the sea, fisherman putting their net and fresh air.
Before you know, you will be giggling unknowingly as you pass through Balukand forest witnessing the wonders of nature. If you listen closely suddenly sounds of rolling waves crashing on the shore will accompany you for the next 5 km along Puri-Konark Marine drive road. Where you will be driving parallel to the sea. Stop anywhere, climb the sand wall, and watch the rolling waves amidst absolute solitude.
Drive ahead to Chandrabhaga Beach and walk along the shoreline to the fisherman's village and watch the colourful boats landing ashore one after another. The Sea here is blue and the sand is very clean due to fewer tourists and less activity. Witness an amazing sunset at end of the trip is a must!
After enjoying the sea for a while it's time to travel back in time and witness the grand Konark Sun Temple.
It's been told that sun rays would enter the Garbha Griha and shine on the diamond placed the Idol which used to float and a giant magnet on top of the Garbha Griha would keep it floating and hold the structure together. Some many more stories and mysteries surround this spectacular temple.
It took 12 years 1200 sculptors to build this. The temple is unique in its architecture and is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses on 12 pairs of decorated wheels which act as sundials and tells time, date accurately.
Although the grabha griha has collapsed the after being in the sands for 700+ years some of the other structures survived. For me information please visit Unseco Site .
The temple is like a book of life that is written in 5 stages. Please have a guide with you who will surely take you back in time by explaining the scriptures and sculptures.
Other than these there are Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Reserve Center, Chandrabhaga Temple, etc are places worth visiting.
Now how do we go there?
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar(BBI) and the train station is Puri. You can rent a cab or take buses to reach Konark but I would suggest get a self-drive car or rent one to enjoy the roads. Drive along NH 16/ 316 towards Puri and then take a left diversion along with Puri- Konark Marine Drive road.
Follow this Map !
If you want to spend some night along this beautiful beach below are some best options are below,
Lotus Eco Beach Resort Konark, Marine Drive Eco Retreat
Please book your tickets for Sun Temple in -> https://asi.payumoney.com/
