Bhubaneshwar, INDIA
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The most glowing specimen of Odisha temple architecture, the Sun Temple at Konark lives to surpass every expectation associated with a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the 13th-century, it is iconic for its design as a giant chariot of the Sun God. Designed with precise engineering, it was ensured that the first sunrays of the day fell on the main deity – the sun God’s idol inside.
Take your luxury holiday in India to a new level with a visit to Konark from Bhubaneshwar. Konark (from Sanskrit words Kona+Ark, meaning angle of the sun), the temple is designed like a gigantic chariot with seven horses and 24 wheels (10 feet high) carrying the Sun God. The horses are symbols of the seven days of the week, while the 12 pairs of wheels represent the 12 months and work like sundials. It is believed that 1200 artists worked for 12 years to complete the construction of this gigantic 13th-century Kalingan style structure.
The main shrine (originally 70 meters in height) has lost the tallest tower, but it dazes the sight with its magnificent scale, intricate sculptures and imposing entrance steps. The sanctum sanctorum is constructed with such precision that the first rays of the sun illuminated the idol of the Sun God within. Every inch of the monument is decked with extensive bas-relief and fine sculptures celebrating life in all its glory, including dance, art, faith, war, court life and erotic scenes.
Besides the main shrine, the complex has many subsidiary monuments, each reflecting sculptural creativity at its finest form. The most impressive one, the Nirtya Mandapa (dancing hall) is a big pillared hall built on a high plinth. Pillars and walls are profusely carved with dancing male and female figures in various poses, playing musical instruments and carrying incense burners.
As part of your day tour, you will visit the Interpretation Centre and Museum for an overview of the temple design, architecture and history and see a 20 minute documentary on the story of Konark.
Transport: Private Car 
Activity level: Easy
Accessible to wheel chair: Yes 
Kid friendly: Yes 
Languages: English and Local Language 
Inclusions: •Professional Guide •Entry fees (if any) •Mineral water bottle •Pick-up drop from hotel by AC Vehicle 
Exclusions: Personal Expenses and Souvenir. 
Gratuities: Not included in tour cost;payable at guest's discretion 
Meet up location: Hotel Pick Up 
End of tour location: Hotel Drop Off Duration: 3 Hours Price: upto 2 adults ₹3120 | Price upto 2 adults | : ₹3,120 |
| Children | : Complimentary for children below 10 years |
25% of the total cost will be charged, if cancelled 15 to 10 days prior to the tour date.
50% of the total cost will be charged, if cancelled 9 to 5 days prior to the tour date.
No refund if cancelled less than 5 days prior to the tour date.
For group size more than 4 adults, write to us at info@footprintholidays.com
We can arrange other language speaking guides based on your request and availability
The tour can be customised to suit your needs like change of time, change of pick-up point, etc. You can write to us to info@footprintholidays.com customise your tour as per your preferences.
I will begin by saying that I had a FANTASTIC time in India. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken and I'm truly looking forward to hopefully having you book other trips for me in India.
I must say everything was planned to perfection. Each guide in every city was knowledgeable; especially the guide you arranged for us in Udaipur. We really enjoyed getting to know our guides Musheer and Kishore. We experienced the real India and appreciated the detailed itinerary your team created for us. The hotels were fantastic! In every hotel, the chef paid us a visit to make sure that we had meals suitable for us. We also enjoyed all the extra shopping excursions that were suggested.
The trip was a mega success and your team did a great job. Thanks to Footprint for everything. The entire family had a great time! The exclusive kalaripayattu demonstration was absolutely engaging and we loved every bit of the special private stand-up by Alex Babu (of Alex in Wonderland fame).
Thank you for a great trip! We especially enjoyed driving through the desertland into Jaisalmer; we also thoroughly enjoyed Bikaner, its Havelis and the Fort. Catching the daily life in Mumbai was a unique and eye-opening experience! All the hotels chosen are excellent with wonderful staff. Thank you!
Thank you for a wonderful trip to Kerala. We loved the village life walk and Fort Cochin walk. The backwater cruise in a traditional country boat was an incredible experience. A meal with the local family, living on an island in the backwaters, offered us an excellent opportunity to interact, learn and share. We loved every minute of our holiday! Thanks!
As a solo traveller, I felt safe and was exceptionally well taken care of. The cooking class in Jaipur was extremely enjoyable. The food, chef, and his wife were all exceptional and made for a lovely evening. Also, our expectations were definitely exceeded at a private residence, spending time with the elephants and lunching. Thanks!!
I loved India and thank you very much for arranging everything. It was a fabulous trip. Big kudos to you and your team. The tour guides and drivers were excellent. I loved the artisan walk, discovering the artistic treasures of Udaipur, meeting local potters and painters.
Thanks for arranging everything to precision – it was super smooth and we had a very good darshan!
Thanks for organising a great trip to Lucknow and Varanasi. The hotels at both the places were excellent; we had a great guide in Varanasi who went beyond the designated tour route and showed us around. The food tour in Lucknow was amazing and re-discovering the Awadhi Cuisine was a great experience – the kebabs were out of the world!
It was a terrific experience to spot the King of the jungle in all their glory at Gir. We had a very good experience overall.
It was a perfect leisure getaway – thanks for organising this! We loved the French Connection Trail; the guide took us through the French quarter sharing some incredible stories from the colonisation. We enjoyed the hotel and the service!