Dancing in tune to the past

Konark Beach, the site of the Sun Temple of Konark, seems caught in a time warp. The temple lies partially in ruins, standing aloft 24 gigantic stone wheel. The temple was envisaged as a chariot hauling the fiery young god 'Surya' across the heavens .The giant wheels of the chariot symbolize the division of time. Erotic art depicting union of love covers a major part of the temple area. As you leave the chaotic hustle and bustle of Puri for Konarak, it's as if the 33km beach road ('Marine Drive') has taken you to another world. It's much quieter here, almost as if to give even the most wired visitor time for introspection. The temple fell into disuse after its desecration by the Mughals and the salt laden winds of the coast whittled away at its stunning proportions. Its faded dignity gives you time to reflect upon the destructive forces of both man and nature.

HOW TO REACH

By air:

The nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar (64 kms), which is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur

List Of Airlines       Contact Numbers
Indian airlines        401084
NEPC                  413612

By rail:
Nearest railheads Puri (31 kms) and Bhubaneshwar (64 kms) are connected by rail with all the major places in India.

By road:
Konark is well connected by regular bus-services with Puri, Bhubaneshwar as well as all the major places in Orissa. It is only 32 kms away from Puri on Marine drive. This is also described as another sprawling beach. It steals the heart of thousands for its clean sands, cool blue sea making rapids in rolling waves. It abruptly can be said as the best in the eastern coast for its own serenity. At a strolling distance from the seashore, tourists find the magnificent architectural splendour of the Sun Temple, better known as "Black Pagoda of East" outside the home.

By sea:

There's a lot of water here. But pity you can't travel on it.

GETTING AROUND

Now's the time to check how fit you are. Considering that the only way you can get around is by relying on your good ol' feet.

WHERE TO SHACK UP

With Puri only an hour down the road, few people end up staying in Konarak. If, however, you want to enjoy the temple at a more leisurely pace or just fancy spending the night somewhere a little more peaceful, there's plenty of accommodation in the village. The rooms at the latter are neat and pleasant, and unlike the other two, cost less if you're travelling alone. In the unlikely event of these three being full, there are also a couple of shabbier places around the village.

If You Wanna' Blow Dough

If you want to blow your dough here, then we suggest you get with you some sticks of dynamite.

If You Wanna' Live Sensibly

Well you don't have an option as this place only has cheap accommodation.

If You Wanna' Rough It Out
The OTDC Panthaniwas
Tel. 06758/8823
Cost: Rs.100- Rs.150
Travellers' Lodge
Tel. 06758/8831
Cost: Rs225-350
Yatri Niwas
Tel.06758/8820.
Cost: Rs100-150

Labanya Lodge
Tel. 06758/8824
Cost: up to Rs100

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
For food you have a choice between the row of snack and tea stalls opposite the temple or a more substantial meal in one of the hotel restaurants. The Panthaniwas' very popular and inexpensive Gitanjali cafe serves the usual range of veg and rice dishes. Further afield, the Yatri Niwas is also open to non-residents and less likely to be packed out at lunchtime with tour parties.

THINGS TO DO

You could join one of OTDC's whistle stop tours; though as these combine Konarak with a string of other attractions they don't leave you nearly enough time to do the temple justice. The tour from Puri (Tues-Sat depart 6.30am, return 6.30pm; Rs75) takes in Bhubaneshwar and environs, while the one from Bhubaneshwar (Tues-Sat depart 9am, return 6.30pm; Rs85, a/c Rs130) includes Pipli and Puri. Both leave from in front of the Panthaniwas.

Ramachandi: 8 Kms from the Sun Temple is the temple of Goddess Ramachandi. It is here that river Kushabhadra meets with the sea. A nice picnic spot.

Beleswar: The Saiva shrine and the sea beach make Beleswar a tourist spot 20 kms from Konark.

Kurum: An important archaeological site. The excavated Buddhist site is 8 Kms from Konark.

Kakatapur: 25 Kms from the Sun temple is the shrine of Goddess Mangala on river Prachi.

Chourasi: A typical order of temple architecture. 35 kms from Konark is the temple of Goddess Barahi.

The Temple

To get a sense of the overall scale and design, stroll along the low wall that bounds the south side of the enclosure before you tackle the ruins proper. The seven horses straining to haul the sun eastwards in the direction of the dawn (only one is still intact) represent the days of the week, while the wheels ranged along the base stand for the twelve months. Originally, a stone pillar crowned with an image of Aruna, Surya's charioteer, also stood in front of the main door, though this has since been moved to the eastern gateway of the Jagannath temple in Puri.

Take a look at the carvings as amazingly elaborate sculpture embellishes every conceivable nook and cranny of the outside of the porch. Ofcourse here you'll find the infamous erotica. Look at any carved surface for long enough and you're sure to come across a voluptuous maiden striking an alluring pose or a richly bejewelled couple sharing a tender moment. Some of Konarak's most beautiful erotic pieces are to be found in the niches halfway up the walls of the porch, where a keen eye may be able to spot the tell-tale pointed beards of sadhus, clearly making the most of a lapse in their vows of chastity. Bawdier scenes also appear in miniature along the sides of the platform and around the two remaining intricate doorframes on the main building - just look for the groups of tittering teenagers.

WHERE TO SHOP

One can buy beautiful and exotic decorative pieces from Konark. The handicraft items from this place are quite popular. Items made from seashells and the Chattris can also be taken as souvenirs

GENERAL INFORMATION

STD Code - 06758
STD/ISD - PCO's negligible if at all- Try your hotel phone.

Money Matters:
You can either come here with a loaded wallet or with a prayer on your lips. (You guessed right - no banks or moneychangers here.)

Medical Matters:
If you're unlucky enough to fall ill here, only the greatest doctor of all times can help you - GOD. (So take all the medicines and repellants that you can manage.)

Tourist Office, Barkul - Dist. Khurda, Puri, Orissa - 752030,

Tourist Office, Behrampur - New Bus stand (1st floor), Puri, Orissa - 760004 Ph: +(91)-0680-203226;

Tourist Counter - Railway station, Puri, Orissa - 760004. Ph: +(91)-0680-203870

Tourist Office - VIP chhak, station road, Puri, Orissa - 752002. Ph: +(91)-06752-22664

Tourist Office, Government of Orissa, 55 Lenin Sarani (Beside Wellington Square), Calcutta, Ph: 244-3653.