Konark Sun Temple

Built in 1250 by King Narasimhadeva and commonly referred to as Konark, the Konark Sun Temple is a shining example of Orissa’s architectural heritage. Located on the Bay of Bengal, just 35 kilometres north of Puri, it is one of the most magnificent structures of religious architecture in the world. A major draw for tourists from around the country, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Built to resemble a giant chariot, it is renowned for the exquisite stone carvings along its entire structure, and has been coined one of the seven wonders of India along with the Taj Mahal, Harmandir Sahib and several other sites in the country.