PURI DESTINATION GUIDE



Puri, the spiritual capital of Odisha is considered as a major fulcrum of pilgrimage in India. As a tourism center, Puri is famous for its historic antiquities, religious sanctuaries, architectural grandeur, seascape beauty and moderate climate. Being a coastal district of Odisha, it is situated near Bay of Bengal. Its golden beaches are another attraction for world over tourists. Puri is a rich depository of attractions for its visitors from the 3rd Century B.C. Even today it does not loses its charm. We can say now it is becoming a major visiting destination from both tourism and religious point of view. The city is successfully entered its name in world map of tourism for its ancient Kalinga architecture and as a fourth Dham of Hindus. This hub of attractions include unique monuments like those of Lord Jagannath temple, the Sun God at Konark are famous in the world. It has the Chilika Lake--one of the largest brackish water lakes in India that holds a picturesque Seascape beauty. It offers an ideal resort for birds which migrate from different parts of the continent. By virtue of its geographical location, the climate of Puri and its safe beaches are welcoming world over guests throughout the year.

JAGANNATH RATH YATRA



The much famous Temple Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, takes place in Puri. Jagannath Rath Yatra In this festival the temple images are carried out of the temple to the street in three huge chariots in the name of Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra and Darpadolana for Goddess Subhadra. The chariots are pulled by devotees till the Gundicha temple which is believed as Lord's aunt house and three lords stays there for nine days. Nine days later, the journey is repeated in the opposite direction.

Sea Beach Puri



Beaches of Orissa are represented by a long Coastline of Bay of Bengal with golden sand,deep ThreeDDarkShadow sea and pleasant climent. The state of Orissa has a coastline of 480 km, due to its location it offers one of the most dynamic coastal environments and beautiful beaches. Most exquisite beaches of Odisha are Puri and Chandipur Beach along with Konark Beaches,Talasari Beach and Chandrabhaga Beach

Chilika Lake Dolphins



Satapada is a lake side resort located on the southeast side of Chilika lagoon which is the largest brackish water lake in Asia. 50 Km. From Puri, on the road leading to land's end you find Satapada. A tiny cluster of seven islands 'sata' means seven and 'pada' means village. This is where the lake meets the Bay of Bengal. Chilika covers an area of 1,165 square Kilometers over the district of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam. Chilika is home to more than a hundred species of fish and dolphins. With the onset of winter, birds begin to arrive in Chilika.

Konark Sun Temple



Konark Sun Temple is a must visit place in Odisha and also featured on various list of Seven Wonders of India. The complex is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with great carved stone wheels, pillars and walls.

From Puri, one can visit the World Heritage Monument-- Konark Temple, 35 Km on the Marine Drive. Konark One can enjoy the natural beauty of the Marine Drive Konark while driving. On the way, there are a few scenic spots with Temple, like Beleswar (14Km) and Ramachandi. While driving from Puri, you can cross Tosali Sand Resorts, a luxurious hotel. On approaching Konark, one can see the beauty of the sea at Chandrabhaga, which is regarded as Tirtha also. Here, sunrise is very beautiful and enchanting. This is 3 km away from Konark. Now you can enter in the marvels of time and space, the elegant stone house of art and architecture -- the Sun Temple of Konark. The entrance ticket may be purchased (Rs 5/- per Indians and US $ 5 for foreigners) from ASI ticket Booth. Konark since ancient times is a celebrated centre for Sun worship. Konark as ArkaKshetra finds mention in SambhaPuran. Sambha, the son of Sri Krishna as the Puranic story goes, worshiped the Sun here and installed the image and got cured from Leprosy. It has a long tradition of Sun worship interwoven with many legends and stories.