Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Located on the eastern coast of India, Konark is most famous for its Sun Temple, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is one of the greatest in India and holds a repository of cultural and architectural treasures from ancient times. However, the town is not just known for the temple; it has many museums and galleries. Konark museums explore Konark’s artistic, cultural, and spiritual heritage through exhibits of ancient artefacts, sculptures, and historical items.
Konark Museums
Konark museums has different purposes and exhibits. To learn more about them, you must pay a visit when you are in the city.
1. Konark Archaeological Museum
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
The Konark Archaeological Museum was built to store and protect the sculptures and other artefacts that were once part of the original Sun Temple complex. Run by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the museum was officially opened in 1968 to preserve the remnants of the temple that were destroyed or damaged over time. About 260 objects are on display at the museum, divided into four galleries. These artefacts include sculptures and carved panels, Hindu mythology iconography, architectural components, musical instruments and more.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Museum Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Fridays)
How To Reach: The museum is located within walking distance of the Sun Temple. Konark is well-connected by road from Bhubaneswar (65 km) and Puri (35 km)
Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
2. Interpretation Centre
Photo: Satyanarayan Senapati / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The site includes an Interpretation Centre where visitors can learn about the history, architecture, and meaning of the Konark Sun Temple in more detail. Virtual reality tools, such as models, allow them to recreate the experience of actually visiting the temple in its ‘golden’ age before it was partially destroyed. The museum offers 3D models, audio-visual presentations, and optional virtual reality experiences as exhibits. This 3D experience allows visitors to take a virtual walk of the Konark temple as it used to be before parts of it got destroyed.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
How To Reach: The Interpretation Centre is located right next to the Sun Temple, easily accessible by road from Puri or Bhubaneswar
Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
3. Sun Temple Museum
Photo: Ankit Patel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Situated near the Konark Sun Temple, the Sun Temple Museum is dedicated to the history and art of the temple and its construction. The museum, managed by the ASI, attempts to preserve the numerous sculptures and architectural fragments that were part of the original temple. The Sun Temple Museum was built to house many of the artefacts unearthed during excavations at and around the Sun Temple. It deciphers the iconography of the Sun Temple’s art, explaining the religious and cultural significance. It also exhibits various sculptures made of stone, which depict deities, animals and mythological scenes.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Fridays)
How To Reach: The museum is located adjacent to the Sun Temple complex, making it easily accessible for visitors
Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
Where To Stay
Photo: Christopher Jolly / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For a comfortable stay in Konark, OTDC Yatrinivas would be the ideal option wherein you get clean rooms with government-trustee administrations near the Sun Temple. This is a budget-friendly choice for visitors. For a premium stay, Lotus Eco Resort offers cottages with see-through views and eco-friendly accommodation. If you want to be near nature, then Nature Camp Konark Retreat is an excellent option for a peaceful and rustic experience. Sun Temple Hotel is also another good option for travellers seeking affordability and proximity to major Konark museums nearby.
Where To Eat
Photo:Collab Media / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You can taste various traditional and international dishes at eateries close to the museums of Konark. Some of the top restaurants in Konark are Hotel Chandrabhaga & Restaurant, Kamat Restaurant, Bay Spirit Sea Side Café and Bar, WildDunes Restaurant, Geetanjali Restaurant, Water Grill Café, and more. Geetanjali Restaurant on Main Road is there to get authentic Odia flavours, delicious seafood, and a thali. Enjoy vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at Hotel Chandrabhaga & Restaurant in a serene environment. For a cheap bite, try the street food stalls around the Sun Temple area, where you can indulge in local snacks pakhala bhata and dalma.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Anete Lūsiņa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Generally, the museums have standard timings, between 10 AM and 5 PM. Visiting early would save you both from the crowd and your midday sunburn.
- You can attend guided tours especially to gain an insight regarding the exhibits related to historical artefacts and sculptures displayed in the museum about the Sun Temple .
- Entry tickets are required for most museums. Check if online booking is available to save time.
- Ask if photography is allowed inside the museum before venturing out to take pictures.
- You should stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, as facilities might be limited nearby.
Konark is not just a place of spiritual and architectural significance and a historical site, but the home of cultural heritage and a treasure trove of history and archaeological artefacts. The Konark museums offer tourists a cultural experience as a part of their visit to Konark. If you are interested in exploring more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, book your trip to Konark today with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Bhaskar Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
