PLACES TO VISIT IN PURI

Puri is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The Temple of Lord Sri Jagannath is the most electrifying tourist attractions in Puri where people across the world falls in throughout the year. A total of 24 festivals held every year in the temple. The annual Ratha Yatra and its related festivals are the most important and historic festival of Puri which are attended by millions of people across the world.

The splendid destination is situated on the Bay of Bengal and is 60 km south of the state’s capital city of Bhubaneswar. Besides, the temple and the long beach for the tourists, the God’s own Home also houses Gundicha Temple, Ramachandi Temple, Vimala Temple, Sudarsham Crafts Museum, Bedi Hanuman Temple and a Buddhist Temple among others.

Lord Jagannath Temple: Situated at around 60 km from Bhubaneswar, Puri’s Jagannath temple is one of the most electrifying religious sites across the world. Lakhs of tourists, devotees throng the ancient shrine famously known as Srimandir in local parlance on a daily basis. Home to Lord Jagannath, a form of lord Vishnu the shrine is one of the four great 'Char Dham' pilgrimage sites, found at India's four cardinal points. People from all across the world visit the pilgrim city to witness the majesty of the beauty, culture, tradition of the people here and the Lord Jagannath revered as the presiding deity of Odisha. Some of the biggest occasions which attract even huge more huge numbers of tourists are the famous annual Ratha Jatra, or chariot festival, Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra and Nabakalebara. Some of the most interesting phenomenon which happen here are yet to be scientifically explained which is why people oftentimes are more attracted to the shrine. Comprising of a humongous temple complex, the shrine encompassed numerous other temples. It has a kitchen which has been touted as the largest kitchen in the world and open food market where thousands of devotees have food at a single time.

Mahodadhi: Located on the exotic coastline of Odisha, Puri Beach is one of the wonderful destinations for holidaying where sun kissed beaches wet your feet and gentle wind simply elevates you from the earthy odor to the clouds. Known for its sacred identity due to presence of Lord Jagannath temple, beach in Puri enamors a bewitching opportunity to undergo its wild sea waves and enjoy water sports activities far more than that. With romantic sunrises and sunsets, white sands and the thunder of the breakers appearing from the Bay of Bengal have mesmerized tourists throughout the years. It hosts a number of events on a daily basis including sand art displays, beach festivals. What is more interesting is that you can enjoy the luxury of holidaying in a pilgrim city like Puri while you can still get pumped with full enjoyment thanks to this beach. Situated just few minutes of drive from the Puri Srimandir, it is just two km away from Puri railway station. This beach amazes its visitors by its colors of festivity with excellent arts & crafts and the cultural dance programs. Right from honeymooners to backpackers, accommodation in the hotels and resorts of Puri offer packages that meet the requirement of every visitor. There are all ranges of hotels and resorts offering all facilities and that too at reasonable cost. Some are even located in beachside that offer a picturesque view of the golden beach.

Gundicha Temple: This Hindu temple is a significant for considered as the destination celebrating annual Rath Yatra of the town. Referred to as the Garden House of Lord Jagannath, it is standing at the centre of an amazing garden hemmed in by compound walls from all sides.

Maushima Temple: This small temple is dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini and is located at the mid-way of the grand road of town. It is closely linked with the Rath Yatra held annually or the Chariot festival. There is a famous saying that the Goddess saved Puri from the floods by drinking half of the sea water.

Siddha Mahavir Temple: This small temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is about 1 km away from the famous Gundicha temple of Puri. From religious perspective, it is one of the most important shrines of the town. The temple is made up entirely of sandstone.

Sonargaurang Temple: It is a significant pilgrim centre of Puri and is located at the Northern end of the city and at an about 3 km distance away from Lord Jagannath Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Gauranga and is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

Sakhigopal Temple: Formerly been famous as Satyabadi Gopinatha temple, it is dedicated to Lord Gopinatha. It is made up in the Kalinga style architecture and is acknowledged for its annual Navami festival celebration. The prasadam offered here is made up of wheat.

Raghurajpur Craft Village: This amazing heritage crafts village is popular for its master Pattachitra artisans, the exquisite art having its history dating back to 5 BC. The village is also a home to different crafts including palm leaf engravings, Tussar paintings, wooden, stone and wood carvings, cowdung, masks, paper mache toys, etc.

Piple Applique Market: It is having one of the most colourful and exquisite handicrafts and artwork, and is held at the Pipli Crafts Village, situated at 40 km away from Bhubaneswar. The village was founded by the King of Odisha, accommodating artisans and craftsmen famous for making appliqué canopies and umbrellas for the annual Lord Jagannath temple yatra.

Location: Puri
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (60km)
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (4km)
Nearest Bus Stand: : OSRTC Bus Stand, Puri