Tourist places in and around Puri
Lord Jagannath Temple
A visit to Puri, one of the holiest destinations in India, by default means a religious visit to the Jagannath temple, one of the four sacred dhams of the Hindu religion. The magnificent Jagannath temple is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord). 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.Jagannath Temple, a massive temple structure made in the style of Kalinga architecture. The Temple was constructed by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev in the 12th century. It houses the famous wooden images of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra.
The 65-metre-high temple structure always makes its presence felt. The 12th-century temple was built by Chodaganga to commemorate the shifting of hgis capital from south to central Orissa. The temple is surrounded by a 20-foot-high wall within which several smaller shrines are located.
The temple of Lord Jagannath was built during the 12th century AD by Chodaganga Deva in the typical kalinga style of architecture. The 65 metres high temple dominates the landscape visually as well as spiritually and is one of the most magnificent monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar known as Aruna Stambha, which was brought here from Sun Temple, Konark during the 18th century. Other shrines worth visiting in the temple precincts are devoted to Vimala, Vishnu and Lakshmi.
The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century AD. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple (65 meters) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent piece of monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar (11) meters high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century A.D. The Eastern main entrance is guarded by two stone lions and is called the Lion Gate. There is a pillar crowned by an image of the Garuda. The gates on the other sides are flanked by statues of men on horseback, tiger and elephants respectively. Hence the name Tiger Gate and Elephant Gate.
Gundicha Ghar
The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. Regarded as equally holy, this is considered as the place of Lord's aunt Gundicha. According to the local belief, Lord stays here for 9 days during the time of the famous Rath yatra or Chariot pulling festival of Puri. On the day of the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in gorgeously caparisoned wooden rath (chariot) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. At the garden house, their aunt greets them by feeding them padoapitha (specially baked rice cakes). This event also makes an important part of the famous Rath yatra festival of Puri.Gundicha Mandir is one of the temples closely related to the festicity of the Rath Yatra of Puri. Legend has it that God resides in this holy place for seven days during the festivals.
This small sanctum is said to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannath. During the Rath Yatra, the deities from the main Jagannath Temple are brought for a sojourn of one week to this shrine.
It is of the temples closely related to the festivity of the Rath Yatra of Puri. It is a holy place where Lord Jagannath resides for seven days during the festival.
Puri Beach
Puri Beach Perhaps the only walkable beach on the eastern coast of India is the Puri white sand beach. Puri beach is characterised by its utter simplicity, the sweets and snacks hawkers, the wonderful and loving people, and the widespread white sand with the waters from Bay of Bengal continuously washing your feet while you walk. Though dirty at some places 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 and made on the spot tea or tender coconut add up to that heavenly experience. Moreover, you can also request the local boatman for a boat ride into the sea.Sea Beach
The golden beach of Puri is one of the best in the country for Sun, Surf and Sand. The beach area has been a popular seaside resort for decades, and some of the old hotels capture the charm of bygone days. For this shining beach, Puri has got its dual importance of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important pilgrimage centre. A stroll along the beach or a much-desired bath here in the sea is very much refreshing. The beach goes festive on occasions like "Kartik Purnima" i.e. the full moon day of the lunar month of Kartik when Hindus gather here in the early morning to take a holy deep and pray sea God. The five days long Beach Festival in the months of February is now very popular in the Festival calendar. Beach clothes are appropriate for this seaside resortBeach Festival
Celebrated in the later part of March or early April, the Beach Festival showcases the best of Orissa's folk and classical dance forms music and handicrafts. Quite popular among the tourists, it is the best place to witness the cultural riches of the entire state at one place.Golden Beach
It is one of the finest beaches of the country. On ‘Kartik Purnima', the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (Oct/Nov), devotees gather here in the early morning to take a holy dip. The five day Beach Festival is celebrated here in the month of February.The fine white sands of Puri beach and the roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal have fascinated visitors throughout the year. The local fishermen, with their catamarans and wide-brimmed cane hats, are also expert masseurs. With excellent hotels and guesthouses, the Puri beach is an ideal spot.
Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank
One of the many places to visit in Puri is the Indradyumna Tank which 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. Located on the north western part of the Gundicha Ghar, this Indradyumna lake is one of the five sacred tanks of Puri.Atharnala Bridge
Atharnala bridge also makes another site to visit in Puri. It was built in the 13th century over the Mandupur stream. The bridge is situated at the entrance of the town and is considered to be an architectural marvel. This massive bridge of around 85x11 metres is still in use by the city dwellers here.Konark Surya Temple in Konark
Located at a distance of 35 kilometres from Puri, Konark 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 also makes a must visit, for it is regarded as one of the finest and most romantic beaches on the eastern coast. Just 3 kilometres from the temple site, the Bay of Bengal here is calmer than that in Puri. Konark makes one of the angles of the famous Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark presenting the best of Orissa's temple architecture. The local guides available here can explain to you the architecture and the stonework of the temple but you should not buy anything in the local stalls to avoid being cheated.The Sun Temple was one of the largest in all India. In a high-walled enclosure the temple consists of three main elements; a separate dancing hall (the Nritya Mandapa), the porch (Jagamohan), and the shrine with the spire (Deui) over it. These last two elements take the form of a huge carriage (like that of Jagannatha), having 24 wheels and being covered with sculpture, much of it erotic. While the stone of which the temple is mainly built has eroded badly, the architraves of the Jagamohan entrances and some of the statues are of harder, greenish chlorite, which gives a better idea of the original workmanship. Construction began perhaps as early as the ninth century AD, and it is uncertain whether the spire was ever completed; if so it would have been at least 70 m high - more than half as high again as the Jagamohan.
The temple was for centuries a landmark for sailors who called it the Black Pagoda, in contrast to the White Pagoda of Jagannatha in Puri. The use of wrought iron beams in the roof of the Jagamohan gave rise to a legend of the temple luring ships on to the shore.
Informaion. Asl booklet from local vendors.
Arrival and departure. Bus from Puri (1 hr), also jeeps and taxis from Bhubaneswar (1 ½ hrs).
Sakhi Gopal
Located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Puri, Sakhi Gopal is another holy place to visit during your excursion from Puri. According to a legend, 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 a life size image of the child Krishna to commemorate the legendary incident.Located on the outskirts of Puri, Sakshi Gopal is the place where a life-size image of child Krishna is being built. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Krishna came to this place as a witness to clear out a dispute of two Brahmans. It was constructed during the 13th century.
Chilika Lake
Popular among the locals as well as the tourists, 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 spread 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, a ride in the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation motor launches or private boats are some of the exotic past times you can indulge in. It is an ideal spot for a day out.Chilika is Asia's largest freshwater lake spread over an area of 1100 sq.km. Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. Dolphins could be spotted in the lake and an abundance of migratory birds come to the lake in winter. The lake is located few kilometers away from Puri.
Nestling in the heart of coastal Orissa, Chilika is a India's biggest inland lake. Spread over 1100 square kilometers, it runs along the borders of three districts of Puri, Kuhda and Ganjam and finally joins the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. It has been called as the "honeymooners' paradise" and "breakfast island". The simmering blue water makes it an excellent site to have a break from the monotonous daily routine. Satpada, a scenic spot on chilika is ideal for bird watching and viewing cavorting dolphins.
Around Puri
Balighai (8 km)
This Casuarina fringed beautiful beach is a popular picnic spot. It is known for its sea beach turtle research centre. The Sun and fun at the mouth of the river Nuanai is unforgettable.Brahmagiri (25 km)
It is famous for the living shrine of Alarnath.Brahmagiri is known for the living shrine of Alarnath. Streams of pilgrims visit Alarnath during Anabasara of Lord Jagannath. Nearby is the shrine of Baliharachandi on the solitary sand dunes.
Satyabadi (20 km)
A visit to the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal here is considered a must for devotees coming to puri.Satyabadi or Sakshigopal is known for the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal. It is believed that the visit to Puri is incomplete without a visit to Sakshigopal. The temple is only 2 km away from the main road leading to Puri and is convenient to visit.
Baliharachandi (27 km)
The temple of Baliharachandi (Durga) lies atop a sandy hill near the sea, adjacent to the mouth of the river Bhargavi. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic.Shrine of Harachandi on the desolate and a nice picnic spot.
27 km to the south-west of Puri is the temple of Baliharachandi. Situated on a sandy hill near the sea and adjacent to the mouth of the river Bhargavi, Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Baliharachandi. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic.
Pipli (37 km)
Pipli is famous for its handicrafts known as "Applique work" which is the art work of cutting small pieces of colourful cloth and stitching them together in the shape of animals, flowers, birds, trees and other decorative motifs. These appliqué works is used as wall hangings, bags, colourful canopies, garden and beach umbrellas and even an sarees and other ladies garments.Beleswar (15 km)
Shrine of Lord Beleswar Shiva on the sea beach.Raghurajpur (14 km)
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. Raghurajpur presents the typical picture of an east Indian village with the river Bhargavi flowing just by its side watering the green paddy fields, groves of coconut, palm, mango and jackfruit along with many betel leaf gardens in the backyards of the villagers. If you want to feel the pulse of the native Oriyas, you must not miss a visit to this cool and peaceful village.An artisan Village, famous for "patachitra" paintings. The inspiration is drawn from the decorations of the Rath Yatra. It is now a model of rural tourism. Orissa Tourist Craft Village (1 km) offers a wide range of handicrafts.
One of the most famous artists village in Orissa, the village of Raghurajpur boasts not only of the exquisite pattachitra's and talapattachitra's, but also of being the native place of Guru kelucharan Mohapatra, the famed Odissi dancer. Even today, under the tutelage of renowned Guru's, young boys can be seen practicing the Gotipua dance here. A visit to Orissa would definitely be incomplete without a visit to this little village.