Puri

Fast Facts
Location : Orrisa, 60 kms from Bhubaneshwar
Attractions : Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Swargadwar, Bada Danda, Puri Beach etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to March

Introducing Puri
One of the major cities in Orissa, Puri is a historic place and a renowned pilgrimage site as well. Puri forms the 'Golden Triangle' in eastern India alongwith Bhubaneshwar and Konark. Puri is one of the four holy dhamas of Hindus, the other three being Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameswaram. Pious Hindus believe that the pilgrimage of temples across the country is incomplete without paying a visit to Puri.

Set on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the city is dotted with numerous temples, ashramas and mathas. Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu saint and philosopher had established the oldest math in Puri city. Jagannath temple is the landmark of the city, the 65 mtr high temple greets you on your arrival to Puri. Apart from its religious significance the temple is also known for its excellent architecture. Puri has also a fine sunny beach, you may pass some good time on the beach.

So, plan a trip to the beautiful city of Puri and refresh your mind and soul amidst the tranquil and spiritual environs.

How to Reach Puri
By Air : Puri does not have its own airport, nearest airport is located in Bhubaneshwar (62 kms). Flights are available to Bhubaneshwar from Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.
By Rail : Puri railway station is an important railway of East-Coast Railway. Puri is served by several trains from Kolkata, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Vijaywada, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai and other important places of the country.

By Road : Good network of roads connect Puri with important places of Orissa, neighbouring states of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and rest of the country. The main bus stand of the city is located adjacent to Gundicha Mandir on Grand Road. Regular buses ply to and from Puri to Bhubaneshwar, Konark and other nearby towns.

Local Transport : Taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are modes of local transportation in Puri.

Places Where You Can Stay
Puri is dotted with a large number of hotels which offer comfortable stay at reasonable rates. Here you find a wide array of hotels including luxury and budget hotels. Most of the hotels are located in the city, while some hotels are located close to the beach. Some of the famous hotels of Puri include Mayfair Beach Resort,Toshali Sands Resort, Hotel Coco Palms, Country Inn & Suites, Pearl Beach Resort and Club, Hotel Nilachal Ashok (Ashok Group), Hotel Arya Palce and Shreehari Hotel.

Tourist Attractions in Puri
Jagannath Temple : Jagannath Temple is the main toutist attraction of Puri. Constructed by Chodaganga Deva during the 12th century AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. With a height of 65 mts the temple dominates the surrounding area. One of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India, the temple is a superb specimen of Kalinga temple architecture. Jagannath temple has tall shikharas (spires) and the pillars supporting the building are carved with scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Just in front of the main entrance stands a 11 mts high,16 sided monolithic pillar. Called Aruna Stambha the pillar was earlier stood in front of the Sun temple and was being brought here during the 18th century A.D. Jagannath Temple is also famous for the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). Thousands of pilgrims visit Puri during the Rath Yatra which takes place in the month of June - July.

Gundicha Temple : Located 3 km northeast of the Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple is another major attraction of Puri. Built during the 16th - 17th centuries, the temple is dome-shaped having Vishnu's wheel on the top. During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannatha is brought to the Gundhicha temple and stays there for seven days and returns back to his original temple.

Swargadwar : Set along the seashore, Swargadwar is a sacred place and one of the prime attractions in Puri. A holy dip in the sea at Swargadwar is believed to open the gates to heaven. Here you can pick seashell items miniature stone sculptures, woodcarvings and several other items.

Holy Tanks : Puri is home to a number of holy tanks such as Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna.
Bada Danda : Bada Danda is the grand road and it is ideal for a leisurely walk and shopping. The grand road extends from the Jaganntah temple to the Gundicha temple. Along this road you will find shops dealing in typical Puri handicrafts like miniature stone-sculptures, woodcarvings, seashell items, patta paintings and colourful applique work.

Puri Beach : Puri Beach has always fascinated the visitors with its white sands and roar of the breakers rolling in from Bay of Bengal. An ideal holiday spot, Puri Beach is dotted with a number of hotels and guest houses. During your trip to Puri, you can bathe and relax around on its golden sands for hours. Don't miss the rare opportunity of viewing the colourful sunrise and sunset on the same beach. Puri beach is the venue of the annual 'Puri beach festival', a dance and music festival. Pilgrims also throng the beach in large number for taking the traditional holy dip in the sea.

Tourist Attractions Around Puri
Balighai : Situated 8 kms away from Puri, Balighai has a fine beach and the Sea Turtle Research center. Located on the mouth of Nuanai river, Balighai is a famous picnic spot. Far from the crowds of Puri town, Balighai offers a peaceful retreat. You may also get a glimpse of the shy Baliharina, a kind of deer who inhabit the area.

Chilika Lake : Located southwest of Puri, Chilika is Asia biggest fresh water lake. Chilika Lake offers numerous leisure options for tourists. You may enjoy boating on the blue waters of the lake or enjoy angling. The shallow waters of Chilika lake surrounds a vast area of lowlands, marshes and islands. You may spot cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose and porcupines in the surrounding hills and sandy stretches. Snakes, turtles, lizards inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth. Dolphins may also be spotted near the channel meeting the sea.

Raghurajpur : An artists' village, Raghurajpur is situated at a distance of 14 kms from Puri. Raghurajpur village is famous for its Patta Chitra paintings. The village preserves India's priceless skills with its thatched, brick, houses on high plinths and artists busy at work.

Sakshigopal : Sakshigopal or Satyabadi lies at a distance of 20 kms from Puri. The shrine of Lord Sakshigopal houses the sacred feet of Shri Radha which can only be seen on 'Anala nawami' day.

Bhubaneshwar : Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Oriss is 60 kms away from Puri. The city is home to a number of attractions that include ancient and modern temples. Lingaraj Temple, Vaital Deul Temple, Parasurameswar Temple, Orissa State Museum are some of the major attractions of Bhubaneshwar.

Shopping in Puri
Puri is famous for rich tradition of handicrafts and artefacts made of shells and oysters. Hence, shopping in Puri may be a delightful for the discerning shopper. Here you will find a variety of utilities made out of shells and oysters. Puri has lots of shopping places, from government run emporia to private outlets you will find a variety of options here. Weaving sarees is a traditional craft of the state, in Puri you will find many shops dealing in these sarees. Also check out the Passapali, Bomkai and Ikat sarees. While shopping in Puri, Palm leaf painting, Patta Chitra, Stone crafts and Silver works are other must buy items.