Odisha Tourism

Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark

Close to the famous Sun temple (3 kms) of Konark – a World Heritage Monument, it is a lovely and quiet beach. Rated as one of the finest beachs with a long stretch of clean sands and cool blue sea making rapids in the rolling waves, the beach has its own lovely serenity.When the sky is clear, watching the golden sun rising above the blue waters is a life time experience. In the past river Chandrabhaga joined the sea here but now only the confluence remains to be seen. Religious people in large number take holy dip in this confluence on the Magha Saptami day which falls in February-March every year. There is also a functional light house here.

Where to Stay -

Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed at Konark which is the nearest tourist point of Chandrabhaga Beach.

The list of the hotels are here :

Hotel's Name & Address	Hotel's Name & Address
Panthanivas, OTDC, Konark Dist: Puri, Ph.- 236831	Marwari Hotel, Konark
Yatrinivas, At/P.O.-Konark. Dist. Puri, Ph.- 236820	Labanya Lodge, Konark, Ph.- 236430
Banita Lodge, Konark. Ph.- 236491	Tarini Lodge, Konark, Ph.- 236857
Hotel Sunrise, Konark	Konark Lodge, Konark, Ph.- 236502
Royal Lodge, Konark, Ph.- 236818	Aristo Lodge, Konark.
Bijoy Lodge, Konark, Ph.- 236748	Open Air Auditorium,(Sun villa) Konark.

Excursions -

* Distance from Konark

Kuruma (8 km)* -
8 km from the world famous Sun Temple of Konark, Kuruma is a small village. Recent excavations here have brought to light the reminiscence of some ancient Buddhist antiquities like the image of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra along with the image of Heruka, and a 17 metres long brick wall (brick size: 22 cm X 17 cm). Scholars are of opinion that this was one of the sites containing Buddhist stupas described by Hiuen T'sang.

Chaurasi (30 km)* -
30 km from Konark one can visit the shrines of Amareswar, Laxminarayan and Barahi at Chaurasi. Barahi is the Mother Goddess with the face of a boar. Pot-bellied, she holds a fish in one hand and a cup in the other. The deity belongs to 9th century A.D. and is worshipped according to tantric practices.

Ramachandi Beach (7 km)* -
On the confluence of the river Kushabhadra and the Bay of Bengal, Ramachandi, the presiding deity of the Konark region is worshipped here with reverence. On the Marine Drive, the place is ideal for weekend picnic.

Astranga Beach (25 km)* -
Right on the seashore,Astaranga presents a panoramic view especially during sunset on a multi-colored horizon as if to justify the literal meaning of its name. It is a centre of fishing.

Other Activities -

Magha Saptami or Magha Mela, also known as Chandrabhaga Mela in February is the most important traditional festival here.
Tourism festival known as Konark Festival,held here from the 1st-5th December every year in the "Open Air Auditorium" with the Sun Temple as the backdrop, displays a magical ensemble of India's classical and traditional dance forms. Eminent dancers and their troupe delight visitors in the wintry evening of early December with dramatic and riveting choreographies. Another such festival is the Konark Dance & Music Festival, organized by Orissa Dance Academy and Konark Natya Mandap from 19th to 21st February.

Shopping in Konark -
Stone and Woodcarvings, Patta paintings, the famous appliqué work of Pipili, and many other handicrafts of Orissa can be selected as souvenirs from the local market in Konark.

Do's and Don'ts -

Rules for lakes, rivers and the ocean :

1. Swim within visibility of a lifeguard.

2. Supervise children at all times.

3. Don't allow anyone to swim alone.

4. Never dive without knowing the depth of the water and never dive into shallow water.

5. Don't swim so far that you don't have the energy to swim back to shore.

6. Don't drink alcohol while swimming or supervising children.

7. Don't swim against the ocean's current. If caught in a current, swim across - not against - it. You will gradually swim out of it.