Location : Orissa
Tourist Attractions : Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach
Local Tongue : Oriya, Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 6752
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Puri
The
divine district of Orrisa, Puri is located on the coast of the Bay of
Bengal. It is the South Indian state of Orrisa and is considered as one of
the sacred Hindu Pilgrimage center. Puri is blessed with the adorable place
of Lord Jagannath, where devotees from all over the world visit and make a
holy tribute to the God and Goddesses. The land is remarkable for its
sun-kissed beaches, religious shrines and favorable climate. According to
history, Puri is a land of several bygone rulers like the Kalinga, the
Maurya and others. This famed pilgrimage destination is also known to be one
of the four Dhams (cardinal institution)of India. A pilgrimage to Puri also
gives you an opportunity to witness thousands of pilgrims during the
festival of RathYatra, when the wooden chariot are beautified with
procession of Godly Balabhadra, Jagannath and Subhadra.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Puri, being a coastal town on the tropics, it experiences a long summer
month when the climate counts the high humidity level. The peak season to
visit the place comes with winter days, when cool breeze blows way the
weariness of the life. The ideal time to make a Puri tour is anytime between
October and March.
Pilgrimage Attractions in Puri
Jagannath Temple
Built during the 12th century, The Jagannath temple in Puri is one of the
oldest and most popular shrines in the whole world. It was built in 12 th
century King Ananga Bhima Deva in the year 1174 CE. The temple is
constructed following the Kalinga style of architecture. The temple complex
measures an area of over 400000 square feet, and is bounded by a 20 feet
high fortified wall. The whole complex has has been subdivided into four
chambers namely the Bhogmandir, the Nata-mandir, the Jagamohana and the
Deul. About 120 small shrines are within the complx, of which major one
holds the enshrining wooden image of Krishna- Jagannath. The temple is
intricately carved with shikara calculating an height of 214 feet, thereby
marking it as the tallest one in the state. A remarkable event linked with
the Jagannath temple is the rath yatra held during the month of July every
year. It is believed to be the return of Lord Jagannath in his home.
Thousands of devotees take part in this chariot procession and welcome the
lord during their pilgrimage.
Gundicha Temple
Gundicha temple is among the most well known shrines in Puri. Various myths
and belief are related to the temple. Pilgrims believe that it is the home
to the Gundicha, the aunt of Lord Krishna. Legends according to Hindu
religion says that Krishna has spend 9 days of the Rathyatra festival in
Puri. Since then the place is best known for this occasion, when the
mythical image of Balabhadra, Jagannath and Subhadra are carried from the
Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Ghar Temple of Puri.
Other
Travel Attractions in Puri
Atharnala Bridge
Atharnala Bridge is one of the most popular religious sites in Puri. The
bridge holds the testimony of ancient period dating back to the 13th
century. Pilgrims visit the spot and offer morning prayers to the Almighty.
Chilka Lake
One
prime tourist attraction in Puri is the awesome Chilka Lake, located ion the
eastern cost of Orrisa. Its stretches area of 1,100 sq km and is one of the
largest fresh water lake in the entire Asia. The lake offers a great picnic
spot and adventure sports like boating, fishing and bird watching. The place
caters a number visitors and as such nearby shops are set up in queue to
provide interesting food stuffs and necessities.
Puri Beach
The exotic coastline in Pure acts as an ultimate tourist destination
addition to a number of temples the land is best known for its charming
beach. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the spot and splurge
themselves with the holy water of Puri. The scenic beauty turns incomparable
during the dawn and dusky period of the day. The beach is mostly looked for
its cool breeze and clamoring sea waves. The beach jitters with the colorful
festival, organized every year between the days of October and November.
Tourist Preferred Hotels in Puri
With a range of historic relics and religious shrines, Puri has become one
of the most visited pilgrimage center in India. Catering to its demand a
number of hotels is being introduce in recent years. Some landmark place of
stay are Hotel Vijoya International (3 star, situated on Chakratirtha Road
just 65 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 1.5 km from bus
stand), Sterling Resort (3 star equivalent, situated in Sipesarubali Village
just 65 km from airport, 5 km from railway station & 4 km from bus
stand), Hans Coco Palms (3 star, situated in Swargadwar just 65 km from
airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 3 km from bus stand), Toshali
Sands (4 star, situated on Puri - Konark Marine Drive just 65 km from
airport, 8 km from railway station & 3 km from Puri Beach) and Mayfair
Beach Resort (3 star, situated on Chakratirtha Road just 65 km from airport,
0.5 km from railway station & 1.5 km from bus stand). Beside these, a
number of tight budget inns have been set up in close proximity to the
railway station and bus stops
Puri Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air :The pious land of Puri is not facilitated with
any of its aerodrome. Yatris can look for a flight from the nearest airport
is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa. Regular flight
connects the airport to the major Indian cities. From there one can board a
bus or hire a taxi to reach Puri.
By Rail :One easy route to reach Puri lies by train. The
railway station at Puri connect the town from the neighboring cities and
states in the country.
By Road :Highway No. 5. connects Puri to the neighboring
cities in Orissa National. Also the State transport buses operate regularly
between Puri and major towns at Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar.
Distance from Major Cities
- Delhi : 1306 Km
- Bhubaneshwar : 61 Km
- Calcutta : 397 Km
- Hyderabad : 817 Km
- Mumbai : 1367 Km
- Vishakhapatnam : 354 Km
