Visit to Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar - Part III

Sun Temple at Konark

Amazing stone carving at Konark

After having our lunch on Dec 26th, drove to Konark (65 Kilometers from Bhubaneswar), to visit the Sun Temple. 13th-century Sun Temple is also known as the Black Pagoda. The temple is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site. The temple takes the form of the chariot of Surya, the sun god, and is heavily decorated with stone carving. The entire complex was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels.


After our Sun temple visit, we had an option of either visiting the beautiful beach at Konark or go for local shopping. Beach is about 3 Kilometers and it one of the most clean and beautiful beaches of India. The guide mentioned that it is a delightful beach which is a pleasure haunt for tourists visiting Orissa, but advised against swimming as currents can be strong.

Instead of beach, we opted for shopping and the best way to enjoy shopping in Konark was to take a leisurely stroll through the markets which is near the temple complex. Souvenir options includes miniature stone sculptures, wood carvings, sea shell items, beautifully embroidered umbrellas (attracted me the most). One other place suggested for shopping in Konark is the Government run emporiums. Relish the local delicacies fish fry prepared in Bengali-style if possible.

After shopping for few hours, drove back to Bhubaneswar for the night stay. Most tourist prefer staying either in Puri or Bhuaneswar even though Konark provides decent lodging facilities.

Sun Temple at Konark

Early morning on Dec 27th, drove to Cuttack, one of the oldest cities of Orissa. We took a dip in the River Mahanadi before visiting the Aishwarya Ganesh Murugan Temple, which is very close to Cuttack Barabati Cricket Stadium. Next we visited the famous Chandi Temple on the Chandi Road (Near Baramunda Bus stand) In the evening we visited Praja Devi or Biraja Devi temple in Jajpur. Jajpur is about 130 Kms from Bhubaneswar and once the capital of Orissa. This temple is also referred as Navi gaya. It is one of the 51 Shakthi Peetam. This temple was build in the 13th Century. After having our dinner at Jajpur, drove back to Bhubaneswar.

Like to share the two unpleasant experiences too. One on our way back from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar, the vehicle broke down and we were stranded on the road for 3 hours. Second was at the Bhubaneswar railway station when we had to take the Coromandel express train to Chennai the next day morning. We reached the railway station 1 hour in advance. We were waiting at Platform 4 as suggested by the railway authorities. Thanks to the railway authorities, they have to divert our train to Platform 3 at the eleventh hour and we (25 members - most of them are above 50 years old) were made to  run from one platform to the other as our train was approaching the station. We knew, train stops only for 5 minutes at Bhubaneswar station, so it was one of the most exciting 5 minutes.  Luckily all of us boarded the train and the ordeal came to an end.

Magnificent Wheel around Sun Temple



Carving on the Wheel

Special Thanks to D. Anuradha, ( a lawyer by profession), who put extra efforts and  arranged excellent tour for a small fee. She can be reached at 9445232661. She arranges food, accommodation and train tickets for all the tours she undertakes. The cost of this Orissa tour worked out to be Rs. 5500 per person.

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