Konark Beach - Orissa - कोणार्क बीच उड़ीसा

Co-ordinates 19.932041, 86.204224 State Orissa Nearby Stations Bhubaneshwar and Puri Nearby Places Puri Wikipedia Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konark_Beach

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Konark is one of the precious historical sites in India, which has been listed among the world heritage sites, by UNESCO for the presence of its marvelous Sun temple of 13th Century. Once a curious traveler listen the very name of Konark, immediately spring up in his mind is that of the Sun temple. Apart from this, a beautiful stretch of beach is attracting those who are in search of complete seclusion with sea waves. The Konark beaches are known for their long stretch of clean and uncrowded areas.

Konark Beach is one of the most popular as well as most magnificent tourist attractions of Orissa. It is located at a distance of three km from the famous Sun Temple and is known for its amazing views of sunset and sunrise, which are so enchanting that they cannot be described in mere words. You can also catch a glimpse of the local fishing fleet. If you want to relax or soak in the sun, then Konark beach is the ideal destination for you.

The beach stretches over a large area and allows visitors to undertake long, soothing walks. The ambience is so serene that for a few moments, you completely forget the tensions of everyday life. A visit to this place is the perfect way to revitalize your energy and re-energize your spirits. Swimming at the Konark Beach is not really advisable, as the waves come with a great force sometimes, which may prove quite dangerous for you.

Konark beach holds the distinction of being one of the finest beaches of the world. It is bordered by clean white sands. Located nearby is the pond where Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was cured of leprosy. On the festive occasion of ‘Magha Saptami Mela’, people come to the Konark beach, from various parts of the country, to take a dip in its holy waters. The beach looks marvelous, especially during the evening when it is illuminated.

History Of Popularity

As the sun temple is located nearby the beaches, from earlier times the pilgrims arrived here for "holy bath". In the modern times, as the Puri beach got crowded, the popular tourist beach 35 km away, those who wanted completely secluded beach holidays have found the Konark beach. Now several tourists are visiting and preferring to stay in the beach of Korark. The place is famous for it's sun temple. The population size of this small town is 12,000. Although most people make a day trip to Konark from Puri or Bhubaneswar, it's a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a few days. However, there isn't a lot of accommodation here as yet.

Vicinity

The Konark Sun Temple is situated 3 km from the sea coast, which is the major landmark of Konark. This 13th Century temple was just near to the sea when it was built, but as the sea has receded the temple got its present spot. It is also known as the Black Pagoda by the ancient sailors due to the contrast appearance of it from the white colored temples of Puri. The temple is a wonderful architectural marvel. It is in the shape of a celestial chariot for carrying Surya, the sun god, across the heavens. Seven horses pull the chariot, with twelve wheels on either side. These symbolize the divisions of time. The seven horses representing the number of days in a week, each wheel representing an hour or a fortnight. The temple is illuminated between 6:00 to 9:00 pm. UNESCO counts the temple in the list of world heritage monuments.

The Navagraha temple is situated just outside the Sun temple walls. The Indian tradition of worshipping nine planets is the theme of the temple. The figures represent the Sun, moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Kethu. Ramachandi temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ramachandi, situated at a distance of 8 km at a place where the river Kushabhadra meets with the sea. The Archeological Museum outside the temple has many sculptures and carvings those date back to the time of the Sun temple's construction.

Activities

The clean beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The local fishermen can arrange other marine activities like sea cruising, angling etc. The idle walk through the beaches are also pleasure inviting.

Fairs And Festivals

Konark Dance Festival is celebrated in the month of December every year, which is a mega-celebration of classical dance forms in India. Dance has always been an integral part of worship in Orissa. Nearly all temples in Orissa incorporate a dance hall. It is an open air festival hence a great mass is gathered to witness the event.
Magha Sapthami is a fair to Sun God that is conducted in the late January or the early February every year in Konark.

Local Traditions And Dress Code

Rather than just a beach resort Konark is also a pilgrim center due to the proximity of Sun temple. Decent dress code is advisable here. Though one can wear the swimming suite in the beach while being in the public it must consider the local sentiments also.

Shopping

Orissa is famous for its ethnic handicrafts. There are stalls along the beach with a wide variety of handicrafts especially the crafts of fabric, beads and bamboo. The paintings on palm-leaves, and engravings are popular here along with the stone made images of gods.

Other Facilities

Konark is yet to be discovered as a popular beach resort, but the basic facilities are available. There is a good communication network of STD, ISD, FAX and Internet.

Security Precautions

It is advised to avoid some of the areas for swimming those are indicated by danger warnings. There are no lifeguards. Keeping one's ears and eyes wide open while roaming in the beaches always pays. It is advisable to keep the belongings well locked and should not left behind carelessly.

Do's And Don'ts

Avoid littering the beach with polythene bags and garbage, as the beach of Konark is one among the most pristine and unpolluted beaches in India. Possession and consumption of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

Konark can be visited throughout the year. But the best season is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. The summer months get very hot.

Konark beach is located on the eastern coast of Bay of Bengal in the eastern part of Orissa. Orissa is a tropical state on the eastern part of India generally famous for its typical seaside temples and beaches.

The Konark beach is 3 km away from the famous Sun temple along the Puri road.Konark Beach is rated one of the finest beach in the world.one can have the glimpses of the local fishing fleet at work.The sunrise at this beach is a feast for the eyes and an ideal spot for sun-bathing. Situated about 32 km from Puri on Marine Drive,It is nice and quiet beach to spend few days. With a long stretch of clean sands and a lovely serenity of its own, this beach is considered as one of the best in the eastern coast.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport to Konark is Bhubaneshwar, 65 km away, which is connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Madras and other cities.

By Road

Konark is well connected by rail to Bhubaneshwar and Puri. Puri is just 35 km away.

By Road

The well-laid road to Konark is connecting from Bhubaneshwar and the coastal town of Puri. It is 85 km from Puri if one take a diversion via the colorful village of Pipli, which is famous for its appliqué work. From Konark one can also travel by road to other places in Orissa.

Accommodation

In Konark beach midrange and budget accommodation is available. Opposite to the Sun temple's main entrance there is a tourist bungalow, which offers rather well mid range accommodation. The government runs here a lodge and it is quite reasonable. At south of the bus stand cheapest accommodation is available.

The long stretch of beach has no private beaches, as it has not yet polluted by massive tourism activities. But in the vicinity there are some other beautiful beaches. Chandrabhaga beach, close to the Sun Temple of Konark, is a lovely and quiet beach. The beach is not crowded and one can spend quite moments contemplating the beauty of the surroundings. About 20 km from Konark, Baleswar is also popular for a beach and the Siva shrine.