Every year during the first week of December, the Konark Dance Festival is held against the backdrop of the world-famous Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural brilliance. This five-day cultural festival celebrates India’s rich heritage of classical dance and music. Renowned dancers and musicians from across the country gather here to present mesmerizing performances in styles like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Manipuri.
Adding to the charm, the festival also features an International Sand Art Exhibition at Chandrabhaga Beach, where talented artists create stunning sculptures from sand, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Time: 1st to 5th December, Every Year
The Konark Dance Festival offers an immersive experience into the soul of Odisha’s cultural heritage. The rhythmic beats, graceful movements, and spiritual ambiance create a magical atmosphere for visitors. The illuminated temple backdrop enhances the performances, making it a once-in-a-lifetime cultural spectacle. Tourists also get a chance to interact with artisans, taste regional delicacies, and witness the living traditions of India.
Road: Konark is well connected by road to major cities like Bhubaneswar (65 km) and Puri (35 km) via regular bus and taxi services.
Railway: The nearest railway station is Puri Railway Station, about 35 km away, with good connectivity to major Indian cities.
Airport: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, approximately 65 km from Konark.
For more information and customized Odisha tour packages, please contact us at bubu@heritagetoursorissa.com or Call/WhatsApp 94370 23656.
Visit of Bhubaneswar will depend on your time of arrival. Evening enjoy the light and sound show at the Buddhist peacepagoda on the Dhauli hilltop to know the rich Kalingan history. Overnight stay in a homestay /hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Bhitarkanika national park, on the way, we will stop to Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri sites of Buddhist heritage.
Overnight stay in an eco resort close to the nature in the national park.
Early morning, enjoy the boat ride into the meandering creeks amidst the mangrove biodiversity to meet the various crocodiles, deer, kingfisher etc. if desire take the walk in the deep forest to enjoy the nature at her best.
Then proceed to Konark to enjoy the dance and music festival in the evening. Enjoy the stay in an eco-resort along the river backwater.
Morning walk along the peaceful Chandrabhaga beach.
Late afternoon see the sand art exhibition on the beach and evening enjoy the dance and music performance by the eminent artist at the backdrop of the Konark temple.
Morning, witness the world heritage repute the stunning sun temple – a thirteenth century wonder.
For lunch, we will drive to Raghurajpur, to admire many different talents, like village of painters, bell metal artisan, weavers etc… You will have lunch in the village.
Then drive back to Konark to enjoy the Dance Festival.
This morning, we will drive early to Chilika Lake, which is the largest backwater lagoon and home to migratory birds. You will take lunch in a fishermen’s village.
After lunch, we will drive back to Puri, to explore this pilgrim and holy city with our Green rider (intiative of Barefoot, local NGO) rickshaw ride to see the daily happenings, the majestic views of Jagannath temple and the Old city small lanes’ life.
In the evening, you will be back to enjoy the Dance Festival in Konark.
Depending on the time of your flight, you will be able to have a relaxing breakfast before we drive back to Bhubaneswar. If we have time, visit the various ancient temples in the old city like artistic Mukteswar temple, raja rani temple, Yogini temple.
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