Puri Tour

Facts and Figures
» Location from Major Cities : Bhubaneswar (60 km), Delhi (1321 km), Kolkata (541 km ), Chennai (1285 km).

» Known for : One of the four holiest points of pilgrimage for Hindus

» Climate & the best time to visit : Puri has a typical tropical climate which makes it a place suitable for visiting during the winters. It become very hot and humid in rainy season. The best time to visit this place therefore would be, from October to April. Mild woolens will do, though the nights by the sea could be slightly chilly.

The city
Puri, is located in the state of Orrisa and is known for the Hindu pilgrimage center. This holy town is located on the eastern coast of India. It is one of the four Dhams of Hinduism and the hallowed seat of Lord Jagannath. Besides being a religious center, Puri is also known for the good stretch of the white sand beaches on the banks of Bay of Bengal. Touched by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and embraced by causarina-fringed beaches, it is located at a distance of 60 km from the state capital Bhubaneshwar. It is a famous beach on the eastern coastline of peninsular India. The famous Rath Yatra or the Car Festival is held every year as a part of the festival of the great Jagannath temple; it draws good number of pilgrims from all over the world.

Attractions in the city
» Jagannath Temple : This temple is one of the most holiest places in India. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Jagannath and is one of the four sacred dhams of the Hindu religion. It was built in the 12th century and is considered as one of the tallest (65 m) temples in India. Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple consists of Jagmohan (hall) and the Deul (main shrine) in its front. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built later in the 14th and 15th century in the typical Orissa style. The provision of having meal made of the ingredients donated to the temple is a unique feature of the temple.

» Gundicha Ghar : The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. It is dedicated to the Lord Jagannath's aunt Gundicha.

» Puri Beach : It is the only walkable beach on the eastern coast of India is the Puri white sand beach. This beach is very simple and wonderfully widespread by white sand. Though there are some places at the beach which are dirty because of the commercial set ups nearby, you can still have the much needed evening walks in the remaining clean stretch. A lazy walk by the sea with few sips of hot tea add to the enjoyment. You can also go for a boat ride into the sea.

» Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank : This temple is located on the north western part of the Gundicha Ghar. It is one of the five sacred tanks of Puri. It is famous for its religious importance and its relation to Lord Krishna. The temple has a Child Krishna temple nearby and a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Orissa.

Other places of interest
» Raghurajpur : Raghurajpur, a craftsmen's village located at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Puri, is another must visit to be included in your excursion. It is the birthplace of the famous Orissa Patta chitra textiles or fabrics decorated with the art of Orissa. The village is a literally picturesque place with painters or chitrakars living in it. It is a village that ignites your senses and calms you from within.

» Konark : This temple is located at a distance of 35 kilometres from Puri and is famous for the Temple of the Sun God also known as the Black Pagoda. Located on the sandy land of Konark it is a must visit for its historical as well as architectural importance. Apart from the sun temple, the Konark beach is also a must visit, as it is regarded as one of the finest and most romantic beaches on the eastern coast. Konark complete the angles of the famous Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark presenting the best of Orissa's temple architecture.

» Sakhi Gopal : It is located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Puri. Sakhi Gopal is another holy place to visit during your excursion from Puri. It is said that, Lord Krishna came to this place as a witness or sakhi (the reason behind the place's name Sakhi Gopal, gopal meaning Lord Krishna) to sort out a dispute of two Brahmans. Later, Lord liked this place so much that he decided to stay here for a while. Sakhi Gopal has an enormous image of the child Krishna to mark the legendary incident.

» Chilika Lake : Chilika lake is very popular among the local tourists, but now it is also known by the foreigners. Chilika Lake is the largest freshwater inland lake in Asia. The Chilika lake, also called the "honeymooners' paradise" is dotted with small islands called breakfast islands by the locals. The entire lake is sprawled over an area of 1,100 sq. km. and has a rich variety of aquatic fauna. During winter season, the lake becomes a bird watcher's paradise as a large number of migratory birds arrive here. Sunset and sunrise, boating, fishing, view of the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara and a ride into the lake, makes for a perfect day out.


How to reach
» Air : The nearest airport from Puri is 62-km away at Bhubaneswar. There are Indian Airlines flights from Puri to Delhi, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Madras, and Bombay.

» Rail : Puri has direct train service to and from Calcutta, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati.

» Road : Puri is well-connected to all the major cities of Orissa and surrounding areas through extensive network of roads. The bus stand is by the Gundicha Mandira on Grand Road in Puri. There are regular hourly buses to Konark. Some of the private buses leave from the junction of Grand Road and Hospital Road.