Puri is beautiful city of Orissa where the famous Jagannath Temple is located. Situated on the eastern coastline of India, Puri is around 60 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar. A famous tourist destination of Orissa today, Puri had been a provincial outpost linking Southeast Asia with eastern India. With the passage of time, the city emerged as one of the important centers of pilgrimage in the country. The Jagannath Temple, a shrine built during 12th century AD, is one of the popular appeals of the city for those who travel to Puri. Puri is a renowned pilgrimage site in Orissa.The land has a rich history along with its religious association. Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu saint and philosopher, established the oldest math in the city.
HOW TO REACH
Puri in Orissa is a major pilgrimage destination for the Hindus. Several number of temples coupled with the beautiful beach on the Bay of Bengal are the biggest tourist attractions in Puri.
Myths and legends still linger in the sacred temples in Puri where devout Hindus throng is large numbers to pay homage. The most famous temple in Puri is that of Lord Jagannath that draws a huge number of visitors especially at the time of Rathyatra festival.
By Air:-
Puri does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is located in Bhubaneswar the capital city of Orissa. Bhubaneswar is connected by air to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad.
By Road:-
An important district in Orissa, Puri is civered by extensive network of roads. Main cities and tourist destinations, like Bhubaneswar, Konark in Orissa are connected to Puri by road.
By Rail
Puri has a Railway Station too. Many important stations link Puri to places like Kolkata, Rourkela.
WHAT TO SEE
Jagannath Temple:-
The Jagannath Temple, Puri is one of the most renowned places of interest that are situated in the town of Puri. There are a number of temples in the town, which form one of the major attractions of the place. The Jagannath Temple of Puri is one of the most popular temples of the place.
Konark :-
The Sun Temple situated at Konark is one of the most famous temples in the Indian state of Orissa. Since, Konark is situated in Orissa; it forms one of the three points of the so-called “Golden Triangle of Tourism”. The other two spots are the temple city of Bhubaneshwar and Lord Jagannath’s home, Puri.
Gundicha Ghar Temple:-
Gundicha Ghar Temple, Puri is one of the most important tourist attractions that are located in the town of Puri. There are a couple of temples in the town and this temple is one of the most well known temples of the place. To visit this temple of Puri, one has to travel to the town. The airport closest to Puri is situated in the city of Bhubaneswar. .
Loknath Temple:-
Loknath Temple is one of the most well known places of interest in the town of Puri. Puri houses quite a few temples, which are quite popular among the tourists who come to visit this place of India. The Loknath Temple of Puri has been put up to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Therefore, this temple of Puri is also referred to as the Shiva temple of the region.
Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple:-
The Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple is one of the most well known attractions for the tourists who often visit the Puri town to spend a vacation in leisure. There are many well known temples in this part of the subcontinent of India.
Ardhasani Temple:-
Ardhasani Temple, Puri is one of the most well known attractions for the tourists in the town. The main structure of the temple is not very big. The temple is completely whitewashed. It is located at a distance of only 3 kms away from the Jagannath Temple, which is another very important temple of the region.
Suna Goswami Math:-
The Suna Goswami Math is one of the most popular attractions for the visitors to the city. There are a number of maths at this place of India and the Suna Goswami Math is one of the most famous maths of the region. A couple of festivals associated with the religion of Hinduism are celebrated at the Suna Goswami Math of Puri. Some of the most important festivals that are celebrated at this math of Orissa are the Banaklagi, the Chandan Yatra, the Agni Utsava and the Snana Purnima.
Bauli Matha:-
uli Matha is one of the very famous Sikh pilgrimages in Puri. The matha is situated just 3.5 kilometers away from the main hub of Puri and is easily accessible through bus or car from Puri. The place is known for its exotic locale and serene environment. This place is an ideal for relaxation.
Jagannath Ballav Math:-
Jagannath Ballav Math is one of the most renowned places of attraction for the visitors to the town of Puri. There are quite a few maths in the popular tourist destination of Puri. The Jagannath Ballav Math is one of the most reputed maths of the region.
Govardhan Math:-
The Govardhan Math is one of the well reputed Maths that is situated in the tourist destination of Puri. This Math is of special importance to the pilgrims who visit this place of Orissa. The Govardhan Math of Puri was built around 1000 years ago in the 9th century. Sankaracharya, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, established this math.
Atharnala Bridge:-
Atharnala Bridge is one of the most well known places of interest in Puri. The tourists who travel to Puri generally do not miss to visit the Atharnala Bridge, as it is one of the tourist attractions of the place that bears testimony of the history of the region.
Puri Beach:-
Puri Beach is counted amongst the most beautiful beaches in India. The beach is visited by thousands of tourists every year for picnics and excursions. The beach of Puri is an ideal retreat for the people. This place is also a favorite of the honeymooners.
Puri Ashram:-
Puri ashram offers enlightenment on spiritual and religious issues. There are various ashrams in Puri. Out of them, four are linked with the rituals of Jagannath Temple. They are Pandu Ashram, Parasara Ashram, Angira Ashram and Markandeya Ashram.
Swargadwar:-
The Swargadwar is one of the most significant places of attraction for the tourists who come to visit the popular tourist spot of Puri. This place is often visited by many people due to the mythical stories that are related to the place. According to popular belief, a person who breathes his last at this place gets the privilege of being transported to the heaven directly. It is also widely believed that such a person easily attains complete salvation.
SHOPPING:-
Puri is a very popular destination in Orissa. For the discerning shopper, shopping in Puri may turn out to be a true delight. The state of Orissa has a rich tradition of handicrafts.
Being a beachside destination, shells and oyster are available in abundance in Puri. Over the years the ace craftsmen have perfected the art of making artifacts out of shells and oysters. A variety of utilities, decorative showpieces are definitely a feast to eyes and may leave you spoilt for choice. Do pick up a few items while shopping in Puri.
Weaving saris is a traditional craft of Orissa. Even in Puri you would find many outlets dealing in textiles where shoppers flock in large numbers. Do check out the exquisite Passapali, Bomkai and Ikat saris while shopping in Puri.
FOOD:-
Rice, both sun dried and par-boiled, is the staple food of the people of Orissa. However, in the urban areas, there is a shift in the eating patterns and people are turning towards chapati (wheat bread), as an alternative to rice. The sun-dried rice is usually cooked at the festive occasions.