KONARK SIGHTSEEING

Konark beach is calmer than the Puri beach, which tends to get very rough. However, the waters tend to be trickier - even strong swimmers need to be wary. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple looks breathtaking when illuminated in the evening.

CHANDRABHAGA BEACH

Close to the Sun Temple of Konark, is the lovely quiet beach - of Chandrabhaga. The beach is not crowded and one can spend a few quite moments contemplating the beauty of the surroundings. In the month of Magha Saptami (february), the Chandrabhaga Mela, is celebrated with much fanfare. On this day pilgrims come to take a holy dip in the pool and then converge on the beach to watch the sun rise over the sea.

KONARK DANCE FESTIVAL

Dance has always been an integral part of worship in Orissa. Nearly all temples in Orissa incorporate a dance hall. Odissi, the traditional classical dance of Orissa owes its revitalisation to the discovery of the ancient treatise on dance, the 'Abhinaya Chandrika' and the study of ancient sculptures on the walls of temples by dedicated artistes. Konark Dance Festival, a mega-celebration of classical dance forms in India, is held in winter every year.