Bhubaneswar: Sun Temple at Konark, a Unesco World Heritage Site, witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist footfall in Dec 2024, breaking all previous records.
According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temple earned around Rs 1.48 crore from the sale of offline tickets during the month. Out of it, ASI collected Rs 1.45 crore from Indian tourists and over Rs 2.58 lakh from foreign visitors.
Sources revealed that online ticket sales contributed nearly an equal amount, highlighting the growing popularity of the 13th-century architectural marvel among domestic and international tourists. During Dec last year, ASI collected Rs 1.42 crore from ticket sales, sources said.
ASI officials attributed the increased footfall to a number of factors, including the temple’s continued allure as one of India’s most iconic heritage sites, growing interest among people in travelling, and pleasant weather. “Undoubtedly, heritage tourism is on the rise in Odisha, with the Sun Temple remaining a prime attraction. Thus, the increase in footfalls,” informed D B Garnayak, ASI superintendent, Puri circle.
The entry fee to the world-famous Sun Temple of Konark is Rs 40 per person for cash payment and Rs 35 for those who make payment through card. For foreign tourists, the entry fee is Rs 600 per person if paid in cash and Rs 550 per person for card payment.