Holiday Destination: Puri

The abode of Lord Jagannath on the shore of Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the four Hindu Dhams flocked by millions of devotees through out the year to get a glimpse of the Lord and to purify the soul. The temple town oozes an ancient charm where the air is filled with purity and spirituality. Puri is one of the four most famous holiest cities of Hindus in India. The beach town of Puri is situated about 55 kms. from Bhubaneshwar. According to legends, Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath and known for its famous Jagannath Temple and Puri beach. The Jagannath temple is also known for its famous Rath Yatra or Car Festival which attract thousands of pilgrims. One of the most important festivals known as 'Ratha Yatra' is held at Puri with great pomp and gaiety. Particularly, during this time of the year, this town in Orissa is practically flooded by pilgrims.

Climate

Summer 19-45°C, Winter 3-22°C

Tourist Season

October to March

Accommodation

There are different types of hotels like luxury hotels, budget hotels, beautiful quaint little motels, lodges and guesthouses for its visitors

General Information of Puri

State: Orissa District: Puri Famous for/as: Pilgrim Languages: Oriya, Hindi, Bengali Best Season: Oct - Mar Weather: Summer 19-45°C, Winter 3-22°C Altitude: 0 m STD code: 06752

Tourist Attraction in or Near by Puri

Jagannath Temple Puri

Jagannath Temple or Sreekshetra is the major attraction. The temple covering 670x640 ft is surrounded by a wall of 20-24 ft high. On four sides there are 4 gates.

Gundicha Ghar

It is believed that,the Lord stays here for 9 days during the famous Rath yatra or chariot-pulling festival of Puri. On the day of the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken around in gorgeously decorated wooden raths (chariot) all the way from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple where they are welcomed by their aunt by feeding them.

Swargadwar

Swargadwar is situated on the seashore and is a sacred place. It is believed that a dip here in the sea is open the door of Swarga Heaven.

Puri Beach

Puri, being situated along the Bay of Bengal, is home to a large number of beaches. However, the beach known by the name of Puri commands the greatest popularity. A dip in its waters is believed to hold great religious significance, the beach and the result is a never-ending rush of pilgrims and tourists.

Chilka Lake

The lake supports a variety of aquatic birds which migrate from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and remote parts of Russia, Kirghizstan and Ladakh to feed and breed in its abundant waters. The shimmering blue lake attracts large numbers of tourists here year after year. The shoreline presents some thrilling trekking routes and beach camping facilities. For those in search of either leisure or adventure,

Accessibility

By Road

An excellent network of roads makes it available to travel to various destinations in and around Orissa.

By Air

The nearest domestic airport to the city is in Bhubaneshwar connecting the city to the International Airports in Calcutta and Delhi.

By Rail

Puri Railway Station is a major station of the state and is well connected to important cities of the country.