Project Overview

The Cultural Heritage District is a conservation master plan for Konark’s UNESCO-listed temple town, balancing tourism infrastructure upgrades with sensitive restoration of 47 historic monuments and public open spaces.

Why This Matters

Rising visitor numbers without matching infrastructure investment put irreplaceable monuments at risk. Careful conservation protects heritage that cannot be rebuilt while sustaining the tourism economy the local community depends on.

Current Situation

Visitor numbers had tripled in eight years with no corresponding investment in infrastructure, concentrating pressure on the principal shrine and leaving secondary temples and village lanes overlooked.

How We’re Helping

31 structures were restored using traditional Kalinga stonemasonry, alongside eight new interpretive public spaces that redirect visitor flow to village lanes and secondary temples, reviving local heritage crafts.