Puri Experience: Puri is one of the ever popular hot spot destination with practically no off season. Situated in the state of Orissa, about 60 km from the State capital Bhubaneshwar, it is one of the most visited sea resorts in India.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Puri is home to delicious Bengal cuisine with variety of fish items. Although, the road side stalls, follow the reverse route as far as hygiene and quality is concerned, queue in front of every stall is a common site.Hotels & Restaurants selling pallatable food is very popular among tourists.The famous sweet of 'Madam Mohan' is all time favourite among sweet lovers. Puri has 2 eternal beauties - the Bay of Bengal and the Lord Jagannath Temple. The beach at Puri is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in India without any doubt. You will hardly come across such a lovely straight beach anywhere. The 12th. century Lord jagannath Temple structure will definitely make one stay at it with awe. One of the sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus, the temple remains more famous for the Chariot festival every year drawing millions from all over the country to witness the great procession.The \'pandas\' or the guides to the temples asuring you a \'darshan\' of Lord Jagannath is truly a menace for any new comer. You can be unlucky enough to meet and tolerate one, right from the station Once, you have registered with a \'panda\', you can take his name on your second visit and no one will disturb you.The \'mukti mandap\' inside the temple is the unofficial office of the pandas, Inside the city, Puri has little to offer to tourist. Apart from the sea and the temple, it has some more temples like the Hanuman temple, Buddha temple, Lord Jagannath\'s maternal house (where the chariot is kept for 7 days during the festival). A days outing from Puri has lot to offer.The Chandrabhaga beach enroute Konark on the Puri-Konark marine drive is wonderful stop to relax and cherish. The most important is the 12th. century Sun Temple at Konark, an UNESCO World heritage site.The structure, although destroyed reasonabely due to time, is enough to make one stare with aew and reverence. The Udaigiri & Khandagiri caves near Bhubaneshwar, are a delight to watch,These rock cut caves were believed to be residential blocks for Jain monks.The 18 caves at Udaigiri and 15 caves at Khandagiri curved during 1st. Century B.C belong to earliest Jain rock-cut temples. The Mukteshwar Temple in Bhubaneshwar, dating back to 950 AD is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another masterpiece to watch out. The Dhauli peace pagoda (8km from Bhubaneshwar) is in a place bearing the mute testimony of the Kalinga War involving Emperor Ashoka, an event that changed the course of Indian history.The peace pagoda, constructed in 1970s spreads the message of peace and non-violence of Bhuddist philosophy. The huge structure is a site not to be missed. The \'Nandan Kanan National Park, built at about 1000 acres is unique in India. In 2009, it became the first zoo in India to join World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.Set amidst the Chandaka Forests in Khurdha on 4.4 sq km of area, Nandan Kanan is an amalgamation of a wildlife sanctuary, animal zoo, botanical garden, Kanjia Lake, amusement park and nature trails. Easily accessible from Bhubaneswar (20 km), it is also quiet near to the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. Nandan Kanan enjoys a good reputation - both nationally and internationally to be the captive-breeding center for black panthers, Gharials and a sanctuary for white tigers that too were rescued from the brink of extinction. Last, but not the least, the village of \'Pipili\' (36 km from Puri), famous for the Applique work. Puri is also quite near to Chilika, the second largest laggon in the world.The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here.The Lagoon is also home to 14 types of raptors.Around 135 rare and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins have also been reported. Plus, the lagoon supports about 37 species of reptiles and amphibians. The nearest entry point from Puri is Satapada (about 50 km) where one can watch rare Irrawaddy Dolphins jumping out of the water before re0entering with a splash. Boat trips inside the lake is a wonderful experience. The authoities also runs regular free shows in the auditorium of the museum to educate and encourage people for saving mother nature. The museum is also a worth seeing place.

Activities & things to do: Although Puri does not have the beach sports activities like Goa or Vishakhapatnam, one can easily spend a week in Puri by mere relaxing and sun bathing. The sight seeing at Bubaneshwar and Konark would take a day while, a trip to Chilika can me made in another day. The intra Puri sight seeings will last maximum 4-5 hours.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Puri is very well connected with Kolkata and New Delhi.Kolkata is the nearest major international airport while the state capital (60 km) is the nearest domestic airport.Puri has its own station, which is well connected with Kolkata and New Delhi. Bhubaneshwar, is in important junction connected with nearly all the major cities of India. Bus services are also available between Kolkata and Puri frequently. Make it a point to carry mosquito repellant with you.