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Puri: Sea, Sand and Sunshine
By Dipendra Mazumder
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When was the last time you watched the sun baptizing in long distant horizon, felt the soft gale against your face, gazed at the crushing waves sweep your feet, and picked up sea shells in the sunny dawn? If you are missing these precious moments then here is your chance to refresh your mind and body in the rejuvenating and magical seaport of Puri. HolidayIQ member Dipendra Mazumder takes you to a dream journey making you forget the time and place.
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Have you ever realized the amount of joy a conch shell can hold for you? Visit Puri to realize that. Puri is a perfect place for introspection as well as to pull one's life inside out. Being the abode of Lord Jagannath, this popular beach destination is one of the four holiest places (Dhams) in India, with the 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 Bhubaneswar (60 km from Puri). Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, it boasts of having one of the finest beaches in India. Considered to be a “round the year” destination, Puri comes alive during the annual Rath Yatra, generally held in the beginning of the monsoon. |
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Puri offers tourists with the rare opportunity of witnessing both sunrise and sunset from its long sandy beaches. Besides allowing one to become a pilgrim, the sea here is a major activity centre. The long and meandering beach, with its golden sands, offers a perfect place for honeymoon, more so on a full-moon night. Newly married couples can spend hours together on the beach gazing into each other's eyes, with the blue sea providing the perfect backdrop to paint all their wishes and the cool sea breeze blowing into them all the freshness to start a new conjugal life. |
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The “never to be missed” attraction of the city is the Jagannath Temple, a majestic structure residing in the heart of the city. The Konark Temple, a magnificent creation, is just 1 hour journey from the city centre. Put a visit to the nearby Nandan Kanan for some wild adventure! You can also visit the magnificent Chilka lake (about 70 kms from Puri) to watch dolphins. |
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If you have a sweet tooth, then don’t miss the “Chana Pora”, which is a unique processed milk product of Orissa. Also, try the special sea foods that are the hallmarks of the place. If you are coming from south of India or may be from some other parts, just leave your worries behind, as the native food items cater to all regions. |
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We had a great time shopping for Orissa’s unique handicrafts and artifacts. The typical Puri handicrafts worth mentioning are Sambalpuri cotton dress material, appliqué works of Pipli, and Potto-Chittra or paintings done in the unique style of the land in cloth. A lot of tourists like me utilized the opportunity to fill the shopping bags with souvenirs that showcase the art and heritage of this beautiful place. |
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How to reach |
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Puri is the oldest city in the eastern coast of Orissa. To reach Puri we can use air and rail. The closest airport to Puri is Bhubaneswar, which is just about two hours drive by road. The nearest railhead is Puri and the main routes are NH 203 and NH 203A. Bhubaneswar, the state capital, is well connected to all other parts of the country. Local buses (at every 10 to 15 minutes interval) ply between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
To travel within the city, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws as well as hired bicycles and mopeds are available. Puri is a tourist friendly location with most of the locals being cordial and helpful.
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» Book a flight |
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» Book a bus |
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» Book a train |
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Travel tips |
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Since the call of the sea is irresistible here, it is best to stay in a hotel near the sea beach to facilitate a fast bath in fresh water after a session in the saline waters. Probably this is the only beach destination in India, where we can find a sea-view hotel room at Rs.500/-. |
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Tips to remember |
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:: The gift shops charge very high, so good bargaining is needed. |
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:: Yatri Nivas has good lodging and food options at Rs. 800/-. |
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:: Avoid fried fishes at the beach. |
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:: Temples are opened from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
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:: Please do not let children and non swimmers to venture into the sea alone. The sea is rough sometimes and any slip might prove fatal. |
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» Puri hotels |
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