Sightseeing Highlights:
The magnificent Lord Jagannath Temple, which was named White Pagoda by the European sailors, is the prime attraction of Puri. Built in 12th century AD by Ganga King Chodaganga Deva, the temple is one of the finest examples of the Kalinga style of architecture with a 65 m soaring spire dominating the skyline of the city. Spread over an area of 10.7 acres, the exquisitely carved temple boasts the largest temple kitchen complexes in the world where 500 cooks prepare 56 different types of offerings or Mahaprasad for Lord Jagannath daily.
Inside the temple, the idols or deities are built of margosa wood unlike other Indian deities where metal is used. Lord Jagannath is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who along with his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra are the main deities in this ancient temple. Gundicha Ghar is another important temple which gains a lot of importance during the famous Rath Yatra when according to a legend, Lord Jagannath and his siblings stay here for nine days at their aunt's house before returning to their palace.
Atharnala Bridge at the entrance of the city is of architectural interest. Built in 13th century, the colossal bridge is offered prayers by the locals.
Beach Activities:
Puri boasts of white sandy beaches stretching over a long distance along the Bay of Bengal. Known for beautiful sunrise and sunset views the beach draws tourists from all over India. Activities one can indulge in at Puri Beach are swimming, surfing, catarman rides and fishing.
Food & Shopping:
Hotels remain the best option for dining in this town. Most of them serve fresh and economical seafood dishes. One can shop for souvenirs at the small town of Pipli, on the way to Konark, famous for Orissa-style applique work. Ananda Bazaar is an enormous market where besides fruits and vegetables, hand-carved statuettes of the deities on wood, paintings, seashell souvenirs and Patta-paintings on cloth canvas are sold.
Excursions:
Asia's largest freshwater lake, Chillika is 50 Km away. Chillika is a bird watchers paradise as a lot of migratory birds visit it during winters besides the year-round attraction of dolphins. Konark which is well known for its Sun Temple, just 35 Km from Puri.
Tourism info:
Tourist Counter
Railway Station, Puri
Orissa - 760004
Telephone: 06752-203870
One of the oldest cities on the eastern coast of Orissa, Puri has the usual highlights of a beach town and is soaked in history. Better known for the world-famous Jagannath Temple, Puri is one of the four dhams (sacred religious centres) in India, others being, Rameswaram, Badrinath and Dwarka. This port city was ruled by the Kalinga rulers before the British took over. Dotted with temples, maths and ashrams, Puri largely remains a holy city and is part of the Eastern Golden Triangle which comprises Puri, Konark and the capital city of Bhubhaneswar, which is 60 Km from Puri. |
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