The Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, saw an exceptional rise in tourist visits in December 2024, surpassing all previous attendance records.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reported that the Sun Temple generated approximately Rs 1.48 crore in revenue from offline ticket sales in December 2024. Of this, Rs 1.45 crore came from Indian tourists, while foreign visitors contributed over Rs 2.58 lakh.
Sources indicated that online ticket sales generated a similar amount, underscoring the increasing popularity of the 13th-century architectural marvel among both domestic and international tourists. In December 2023, ASI had collected Rs 1.42 crore from ticket sales, according to the sources.
ASI officials attributed the surge in footfall to several factors, including the temple’s enduring status as one of India’s most iconic heritage sites, a rising interest in travel, and favourable weather conditions.
D B Garnayak, ASI superintendent, Puri Circle, said, “Undoubtedly, heritage tourism is on the rise in Odisha, with the Sun Temple remaining a prime attraction. Thus, the increase in footfalls,”
The entry fee for the renowned Sun Temple of Konark is Rs 40 per person for cash payments and Rs 35 for card payments. For foreign tourists, the entry fee is Rs 600 per person for cash payments and Rs 550 for card payments.
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