The most sacred pilgrim center for Hindus in India, Puri also known as the Jagannath (the Lord of Universe) and is credited with the famous Jagannath temple and is along the coast of Bay of Bengal in the state of Orissa in India. The Hindu mythology contained in the Skanda Purana describes Puri as the resting place of Lord Vishnu.Puri is a large depository of art and architecture of India, especially that of Orissa.Major attractions nearby Puri include the Chilka Lake, renowned as the biggest inland salt-water lagoon, Puri beach, Gundicha Ghar and the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary. Many tourists make it a point to visit other attractions like Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank, Markandeswar tank, the Museum and Sudarshan Workshop and Atharnala Bridge. The famous Sun temple of Konark is in the close proximity of less than an hour journey. A major celebration in Puri is Rath Yathra (Car/ Chariot festival), conducted every year. Puri is an emerging industrial area with the major industries like rice milling, handicrafts and fish curing. Puri is a religious place and a most wanted holiday attraction. Puri engulfs all cultural heritages of ancient India and traditional Hindu beliefs. With historical temples and sacred rituals, Puri draws all the enthusiast tourists to its lap for a lifetime experience.
Sea Beach, Puri
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Pilgrim
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 752001
STD Code: 6752
Info Website: orissatourism.gov.in/puri.htm
Best Time to Visit: October – March
HistoryEdit
Puri has a fascinating history that involves mythology and facts in perfect harmony. In the pre historic times, Puri was colonized by the Sabaras, a tribe belonging to the Pre Aryans. Puri has been an important link between the Eastern and Southern India in ancient times.According to the works of Huien Tsang Puri was earlier known as Charitra. However, nothing concrete can be said about the fact. Historians are also of the opinion that the name of the city to be Purusottam Kshetra after the famous Purusottum temple, today known as Jagannath Temple, that was built here during the reigns of Choganga Deva. Mughals too declared their rule on the city during the 15th century. During their reign the state of Orissa was divided into three revenue collecting circar, wherein Puri was part of the Kataka Circar.The history of Puri also suggest invasion by the Afghans who destroyed and reduced the temple to the ruins. The temple was thus restored by the Marathas who ruled here before the city went to the controls of British. During the British rule, the temple was managed by the King of Orissa.Puri was incorporated as a part of Orissa in 1948.
Places to VisitAdd
Jagannathpuri Sightseeing
How to ReachEdit
By Air : Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Puri, which is nearly 56 km away from the heart of the Puri city. It costs about Rs 900 by taxi. The airport is connected to Delhi and Mumbai and the tickets are moderately priced. International travelers need to get connections through Delhi or Kolkata.
By Train : Puri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from Puri to many cities in India, including Bhubaneshwar (Puri Durg Exp), New Delhi (Purushottam Exp), Chennai(Coromandel Exp), Bangalore (Prasanti Exp) and Kolkata (Puri Hwh Duronto).
By BUS : Orissa road transport corporation buses connect Puri to many cities in Orissa. Frequent bus services are available from Bhubaneswar (56 km, Rs 120), Cuttack (32 km, Rs 90), Konark (36 km, Rs 90) and Kolkata (495 km, Rs 800). Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) offer deluxe buses for sight seeing tours in Puri, which costs about Rs 250 per person.
By Taxi : Taxis are the best means of moving in puri.
By Other : Cycle Rickshaw : Cycle rickshaws are prevalent in Puri and these are the locally preferred mode of transport. Cycle rickshaws in Puri can charge you anywhere around Rs 10 to 20, depending on the distance traveled. Cycle rickshaws are quite slow, so opt for cycle rickshaws only if you have ample time in your hands. Cycle rickshaws are also the cheapest mode of transport.
Auto Rickshaw : Auto rickshaws in the city of Puri do not run on meter, and you should negotiate a prior rate before getting into one. Make sure you talk to the locals first and figure out what the actual rate will be, as this will help you avoid paying too much out of your pocket for a short trip. There are no separate night rates included, and travelling through an auto rickshaw is actually very safe. You can also reach your destination faster this way.
Rented Motorbike : You can rent out motorbikes in order to roam around Puri, and this can give an adventurous streak to your trip. Enfield motorbikes are available for rent for around Rs 400 to 500 per day, and the major locations in Puri are close by, so you can travel through the city without getting confused.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
Hotel Golden dust, Puri ; Baliapanda, New Marine Drive, Puri 752001 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Room service.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Arya Palace, Puri ; Chakratirth Road, Puri 752001 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Room service.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Prabhupada, Puri ; New Marine Drive Road, Near Light House, Puri 752001 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Restaurant, Room service.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
- MAYFAIR Beach Resort ; Chakratirtha Road, Puri 752002 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Restaurant, Room service, bar, internet, Business center, gym, pool
Top RestaurantsAdd
- pink house hotel and restaurant ; Chakratirtha Road, Puri 2, OD 752002; M – 06752 222 253; Food Serve : Indian
- Wildgrass Restaurant ; VIP Rd Puri, OD ; M – 094 37 023656 ; Food Serve : Indian
Must Eat FoodAdd
- Meetha Anna(sweet rice) – Jagannath temple ; Jagannath temple behind shop, Puri. ; Ph/M – N.A ; Cost – N.A ; Famous for – Famous For
- Abadha – Jagannath temple ; Jagannath temple, Puri. ; Ph/M – N.A ; Cost – N.A ; Famous for – Famous For
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
- Sarees ; Boyanika ; p.j.n. marg, unit iii, bhubaneswar, puri, odisha, 752001. ; Ph/M: N.A
- Patachitra and Palm Leaf Painting ; Raghurajpur ; Raghurajpur, Puri, Odisha, 752001 ; Ph/M: 91-99372-68401 / 91-97429-46774
- Applique Lamps ; Pipli ;Pipili, Puri, Odisha, 752104 ; Ph/M: 91-674-2395387
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
- Fort Mahodadhi Bar ; Fort Mahodadhi Hotel Puri – 752001 ; Ph/M: 06752-220440, 220880 ; Cost: N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
- Pyassa Bar And Restaurant ; Marine Drive Road, Inside Of Hotel R L, puri ho, Puri – 752001 ; Ph/M: 91-9861066699 ; Cost: N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Puri Beach Festival ;
Venue:
- Puri ;
Period :
- November ;
Details:
- The Puri Beach Festival is celebrated each year at Puri, Orissa in the month of November and lasts for about five days. In recent years, the beach festival has gained popularity as tourists from all over the country visit here during the Festival. Lots of entertaining events like exhibitions, fashion shows, cultural programs, delicious cuisine, etc are organized for the visitors. As per tourism prospects the Puri Beach Festival has always had a good response. The festival provides an opportunity for the locals to showcase their talent and prosperous culture to the visitors.
Ratha Yatra / Car Festival ; Venue: Puri ; Period : June or July ; Details: The Puri Rath Yatra is world famous and attracts more then one million pilgrims every year, not only from India but also from the different parts of the world. Rath Yatra in other words the Chariot Festival is the only day when devotees who are not allowed into the temple can get a chance to see the deities. This festival is a symbol of equality and integration.The 3 deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra are worshipped within the temple, on this festival they are taken to the streets of Puri so that everyone can have the fortune to see them. The 3 deities make an annual journey to their aunt’s temple (Gundicha Temple), 2 km away from Lord Jagannath temple.
Safety / WarningEdit
N.A
HelplineEdit
- Police Control Room – 100,06752-222039,06752-222025.
- Fire Station – 06752-222101 / 101,
- Ambulance Tel : 102, 06752-223742, 06752-222062
ItineraryEdit
Day 1 :
10:00 am – Jagannath Temple;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Bamboo ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Puri Beach ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
6:00 pm – Dakshin ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 2 :
10:00 am – Markandesvara Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
12:00 pm – Loknath Temple ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
1:00 pm – Swargadwar Beach ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
4:00 pm – Wildgrass Restaurant ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 3 :
10:00 am – Museum and Sudarshan Workshop ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Chung Wah Restaurant ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Ganesha Temple ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
4:00 pm – Lakshmi Temple;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
5:00 pm – Harry’s Cafe ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs