Puri is a city in Puri district of Odisha, India. This place is well known for Lord Jagannath Temple. It is a holy city for Hindus. This place is also famous for architecture and arts of India. Earlier known as Purusotham Kshetra as, famous Purusotham temple is located here. Today this temple is known as Jagannath Temple. Puri Jagannath Yatra is most famous festival celebrates during June to July.
What to see in Puri:
Jagannath Temple: This is the major attraction of Puri. Height of this temple is 65meters. This was built in 12th century. 20foot high wall is surrounded this temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath incarnation of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Jagannath asked King Indradyumna to construct a temple. On the walls of the temple various scenes and stages of Lord Krishna’s life can be seen. Rath Yatra is the major attraction of this temple. Idols of Goddess Subhadra, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath will take to Gundicha temple during Ratha Yatra and again they will bring them back to the mandir.
Golden Beach: Several temples of this place located near this beach. Wall hangings, lamp shades, Jute shades, Souvenirs made up of shells are worth buying in this place.
Swargadwar: This is located near the beach. People believe that persons who pass away from this place will directly go to heaven after their death.
Gundicha Temple: This temple is shaped like a dome with Lord Vishnu’s Wheel on the top. This temple is considered as the aunt’s house of Lord Jagannatha. During the Ratha yatra period Lord Jagannatha shifted to this temple for 7 days.
Markandesvara Temple: Major attraction of this temple is a statue of Nataraja with ten arms.
Loknath Temple: Shiva Lingam in this temple was established by Lord Rama.
Sudarshan Craft Museum: Major attractions of this museum are a workshop, a library and a Buddhist temple of Japanese style.
Lakshmi Temple: It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi invited Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva to this place after their marriage.
What to see around Puri:
Chilika Lake: This is the Asia’s largest salt lake. This lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by only a small neck like piece of land. During the winter season plenty of birds come to this place on migratory basis. It is located 15kms away from the city.
Sakthi Gopal Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Idols are brought to this place by King Pratapruda Deva. It is located 17kms away from Puri.
Daya River: It is located 34kms away from the city. On the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, this river joins with Malaguni River and flows into Chilika Lake. Kalinga war fought on the banks of this river.
Getting to Puri: Puri is well connected with road and railways. From the cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi etc buses and trains are available to reach this place. Puri is the major railway junction. Biju Patnaik airport is the nearest airport which is located at Bhubaneswar.
Getting around Puri: Buses, autos, rented motor bikes, cycle rickshaws are available to visit the surrounding places of Puri.
Best time to visit Puri: Best time to visit this place is between June to March. Tourists rush will be more during June to November.
Where to stay in Puri: Plenty of accommodations are available to stay in Puri. Huge number of attractive packages is also offering to the tourists. Best price for double bed room of the budget hotel is between Rs.1000 to Rs.1500.
Where to eat in Puri: Huge number of restaurants in Puri. Most of the restaurants serve only vegetarian food. Most famous food in Puri is Bhaang Sharbat.