Konark Sun Temple, a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture, is one of the well-known tourist attractions of India. UNESCO has declared it as a world heritage site. Konark, which is also known as "Konaditya", is located on the north eastern corner of the sacred city of Puri. The name Konark is derived from the words "Kona" - "Corner and "Arka" - Sun. The temple of Konark is dedicated to the Sun God or Surya.

The Sun Temple was built by King Narasimha Deva of the Ganga dynasty to celebrate his victory over the Muslims. The ruins of this temple were excavated in late 19th century.

The stunning monument stands with its disfigured beauty in an isolated track of ever- drifting sands of the Chandrabhaga river. In Konark, the "Natya Mandir", the dance hall probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa. Only two subsidiary temples of the 22 that originally existed inside its boundaries exist today.

Construction of the huge structure is said to have taken 12 years revenues of the kingdom. The main tower has same general form as the towers of the "Lingaraja" and "Jagannath" temples. The "Jagmohana" (porch) structure itself exceeded 120 feet in height. Both tower and porch are built on high platforms, around which are the 24 exquisite giant stone wheels of the chariot.

The major attraction of the temple is not only its architectural grandeur but also its intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter. The spokes of these wheels serve as sundials, and the shadows formed by these can give the precise time of the day. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants.

The Sun Temple of Konark is also known as the "Black Pagoda", owing to the black granite used in the construction of this 700-year old temple.

Konark Dance Festival
Konark dance festival is held in an open-air theatre built near the Sun Temple every year in the month of December. The world famous event brings together eminent classical dancers of India who perform various dance forms like "Odissi", "Bharatnatyam", "Manipuri", "Kathak" and "Chhow". The dance festival is followed by Crafts Mela and Food Mela, where people can savour various delicacies while going through the ethnic craftsmanship of artists who are there to display their wares. The classical extravaganza is a journey through ecstasy, with art, craft, fun and frolic.