Konark Sun Temple: A Complete Visitor Guide
The Konark Sun Temple is one of the most famous places in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was built in the 13th century. The whole temple is shaped like a giant chariot of the Sun God, with 24 carved stone wheels and seven horses.
If you are planning a visit, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Timings
The temple complex is open every day, from early morning to evening. Most visitors come between 6 AM and 8 PM. Early morning is the best time — the light is soft, the weather is cooler, and there are fewer people.
Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to see the temple properly.
Ticket prices
- Indian visitors: ₹40
- Foreign visitors: ₹600
- Children below 15 years: Free
You can buy tickets at the counter near the entrance. Prices can change, so it is a good idea to check the official Odisha Tourism website before your trip.
Best time to visit
The best months are October to February. The weather is pleasant and good for walking around the large temple complex. Summer months (April to June) can be very hot, so carry water and a hat if you visit then.
What to see
One of the 24 carved stone wheels. Photo by Subhrajyoti07, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- The 24 stone wheels — each wheel is about 12 feet wide and works as a sundial. Even after 700 years, it can still tell the time.
- The carvings — the temple walls are covered with detailed carvings of dancers, musicians, animals, and scenes from daily life.
- The seven horses — they stand for the seven days of the week, pulling the Sun God’s chariot.
One thing many visitors do not know: the main tower of the temple collapsed centuries ago. What you see today is only a part of the original structure. This is where our AR and VR tour helps — it shows you how the full temple looked in its glory days. You can book a slot here.
Simple tips
- Hire a guide or take our AR/VR tour. The carvings have stories behind them. Without help, you will miss most of them.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The complex is large and you will walk a lot.
- Carry water. There are shops outside, but it is better to keep a bottle with you.
- Stay for the evening light and sound show if you have time. It runs after sunset and tells the story of the temple.
How to reach
Konark is about 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. The road from Puri to Konark runs along the sea and is a beautiful drive. Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are easy to find from both cities.
If you are visiting Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark together, read our 3-day Odisha Golden Triangle itinerary to plan your full trip.
See the temple like never before
Walking around Konark is special. But seeing the temple as it stood 750 years ago — complete with its main tower — is something else. Our AR/VR walking tour at the temple does exactly that.
A family on our AR walking tour at the Konark Sun Temple.
Book your slot and walk through history.