What to Wear in Konark

For the Sun Temple

The Sun Temple is a monument, not a working shrine, so there is no strict dress code and you keep your shoes on. What matters is the sun. The courtyard is open stone and reflects heat, so a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a loose long-sleeved cotton shirt will keep you going longer than shorts and a vest. It is still a sacred place to many Indian visitors, so avoid very revealing clothes.

For Ramchandi and other shrines

Ramchandi is an active goddess temple. Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off at the entrance. A scarf in your bag solves this in seconds.

For the beach

Chandrabhaga is a pilgrim beach as well as a holiday one, especially around Magha Saptami. Most people paddle in clothes rather than swimwear. Flip-flops or sandals are best; the sand gets very hot by late morning.

By season

• November to February: light cotton by day. December evenings at the Konark Festival can feel cool by the sea, so bring a light shawl or jacket.
• March to mid-June: hot and humid. Light colours, a hat, and a spare shirt.
• Mid-June to September: heavy showers. Quick-dry clothes and an umbrella; the stone paths are slippery when wet.

Colours for photos

The temple is grey-brown stone, sometimes almost black. White, coral and teal stand out against it without clashing. At the beach, bright colours pop against the pale sand and sea.

What to buy

Konark's stone carvers sell small copies of the wheel and temple figures in shops around the gate. Handloom sarees and gamuchas come from the same markets as Puri, and Pipili appliqué is sold along the road.