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Situated on the eastern coastline of the country, Puri is most well known as
an important Hindu pilgrimage center. The Jagannath Temple, one of the four
most important Hindu pilgrimage sites or the chardham is located here. Also,
Puri’s wonderfully wide white-sand beaches, fishing farms and superb resorts
make it an inviting tourist destination. The surf on the beaches here is one
of the best on the entire eastern coastline of India, and dawn is a
breathtaking sight. Visiting the Lord Jagannath temple, walking on the beach
and experiencing the beauty of the sunrise and sunset are probably some of
the best things to do in Puri. One could also visit the nearby small
villages to look at the folk art and handicrafts, which are bright,
colourful and exquisitely crafted items. The traditional methods of fishing
used by the local fishermen are of interest, as is visiting nearby historic
sites to garner a sense of the city’s history and the lifestyle of the
locals.
Puri has a typical tropical climate and is best visited during the winters
between October to April after the monsoon clears all the dust and dirt
around. Light woolens may be required, for nights by the sea can be slightly
chilly.
A place with many names over the centuries - Hilgiri, Niladri, Hilachal
Purushottam, Sankhakshetra, Srikehetra, Jagannath Dham, Jagannath Puri -
Puri is dominated by two great forces: the sea (Bay of Bengal) with its ever
changing shape of constant motion, the other, the great temple of Lord
Jagannath, a static, but no less dominant force.
Very few cities are so dominated by a single factor in so many diverse ways
as Puri is, influenced by Lord Jagannath. A very large part of Puri's
population is connected with the temple in one way or the other. Some are
involved in the service of Lord Jagannath (the Pandas and Purohits, others
have gainful employment indirectly generated because of the deity.
Most people go to Puri for religious reasons - it being one of the four most
holy Hindu 'Dhams' (meaning a holy place). But a very large number also go
for both adventure as well as restful holidays. Drawing the maximum number
of visitors as compared to any other place in Orissa, Puri not only has
scores of hotels, but also hundreds of holiday homes owned by various
organisations and business houses.
The never ending beach, the sea and the glorious skyscapes at dawn and dusk
are to be experienced to be believed. There is the added attraction of one
of the few remaining relies of the British period - the South Eastern
Railway Hotel, There must be very few places left in India with such
spacious rooms and so much living spaces. The lifestyle at this hotel can be
an experience of a life-time for those coming from crowded cities.
Apart from Jagannath temple, the other two most important temples around are
Lokanath Temple and Gundicha Temple.
Puri is an important pilgrimage and tourist center in the state of Orissa.
Located towards the eastern coast of Orissa near Bay of Bengal, Puri is also
part of the four Hindu pilgrimage cities, known as Char Dham. In the ancient
times, Puri was once part of the kingdom of Kalinga, formed by Emperor
Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in 260 BC.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport i.e. 60kms from Puri. It is
well connected to the other major cities of India.
By Rail - Puri is wel connected to the major city of Orrisa by regular and
few express trains.
By Road - Puri is well connected by road with important cities in and out of
the state, Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Berhampur, Taptapani, Sambalpur and
Kolkata.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Puri is between October and May.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Jagannath Temple - The magnificent Jagannath
temple is regarded as one of the Chardhams (four pilgrimage sites) of
Hindu religion, which are situated on all the four corners of the
country. This temple is regarded as the Dham of eastern India. Dedicated
to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord), it was built
during the 12th century. One of the tallest (65 m) temples of India,
this temple dominates the skyline and the townscape of Puri. It is a
living example of the Kalinga style of architecture.
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Gundicha Mandir - The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha
temple is an important part of the famous Rath Yatra festival of Puri.
It has some interesting legends related to it. According to one the
Gundicha Ghar is the house of Lord Krishna’s loving aunt. On the day of
the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken in
gorgeously caparisoned wooden rath (chariots) from the main gate of the
Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. At the garden house, their aunt
greets them by feeding them padoapitha (specially baked rice cakes).
This place is regarded as equally holy as Lord stays here for nine days
during the festival.
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Atharnala Bridge - The magnificent Atharnala
Bridge that was constructed during the 13th century is a living example
of the engineering marvel of the ancient times. The size of the bridge
is around 85x11 m, and even after so many centuries it is still in use.
Situated at the entrance of the town, pilgrims offer prayers here as
well.
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Beaches in Puri - Puri’s white sand beaches are
well known all over the country. They are perhaps the only walkable
beaches on the eastern coastline that are carpeted with clean white
sand. It is also worthwhile to request the local fishermen for a boat
ride into the sea.
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AROUND PURI |
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Chilka Lake - Chilka Lake of shimmering blue
waters and the playfully jumping fish is the largest fresh water lake in
Asia and is also called the ‘honeymooners paradise’ and ‘breakfast
island’.
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Pipli - If one has an interest in handicrafts of
the locals, one must not miss a visit to the small village near Puri
called Pipli. This place is famous for the appliqué work of the
traditional Orissa style.
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Raghurajpur - The hamlet of Raghurajpur is famous
for the patta chitra (paintings done on specially prepared cotton cloth
which is coated with a mixture of gum and chalk and polished, before
natural colors are applied) art of Orissa. You can watch the
traditional, intricate process, which goes into the making of a
treasured patta chitra here.
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Caves of Wonder - The sixty odd caves of 2nd
century BC caves set in the Udaygiri-Khandagiri hills with their ornate
carvings and delicate friezes are major tourist attractions.
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The cities of Bhubaneswar and Konark should also be
visited for their temples and beaches, and the beach of Balighai when on
a trip to Puri. |
WHERE TO EAT
There are good restaurants which serves food from every part of India &
world. You can also try the multi-cuisine restaurant at the luxury hotels.
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