PURI
Puri is a very famous and one of most religious centres for Hindus and attracts tourists for it’s the good stretch of the white sand beaches on the banks of Bay of Bengal. A trip to Puri takes tourists to wide beaches that present overwhelming view of sunrise and sunset, fishing farms. Apart from that, it uses the traditional methods of fishing by its local fishermen. For being full of wonderful resorts, it has grown into an important tourist destination. Thousands of pilgrims flock here to visit the renowned temple of Lord Jagannath and the annual Rath yatra festival. The Jagannath Temple features among the four most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites or the Char Dham, the other three being Dwarka, Badrinath, and Rameshwaram. After witnessing the dominance of Kalinga kingdom and Mauryan Empire and after passing through the hands of various dynasties, it was taken over by the British rule in the year 1803. The Jagannath temple is world renowned temple in Puri and attracts a vast number of Hindu devotes from all across the globe.
Location
In Orissa, India
Significance
Famous for its Jagannath Temple
Climate
A typical tropical climate with pleasant winters, hot and humid summers and heavy rainfalls marks the climate of Puri.
Best time to Time
The best time to visit this place is therefore from October to April.
Places to see
Puri has lot of tourist attractions in the form of temples and beaches. Some of best tourists’ attractions in Puri are:
Jagannath Temple
Jagannath temple, featuring among the four sacred Dhams of the Hindu religion, is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe. The name is in fact a blend of two words - Jag meaning universe and Nath meaning lord. One of the tallest temples in India, the temple was built in the Kalinga style of architecture.
Gundicha Ghar
The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is considered as sacred as the Jagannath temple itself as it the place of Lord's aunt Gundicha. It holds immense prominence for its part in the famous Rath yatra festival of Puri.
Puri Beach
Puri prides for its soft white sands and simple people. The extensive waters of Bay of Bengal incessantly wash tourists’ feet as then walk. A stroll on the seaside, sips of hot tea, coconut pleasures and a boat ride all make the beach a totally exhilarating experience for tourists.
Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank
Aptly situated on the northwestern part of the Gundicha Ghar, this Indradyumna lake is easily ranked among the five sacred tanks of Puri. For its spiritual significance and its connection to Lord Krishna, it attracts a good number of religious tourists.
Atharnala Bridge
Atharnala Bridge is simply considered to be a wonder in architecture marvel. This gigantic bridge of around 85x11 metre is still in use by the natives of the city.
Rath Yatra
Puri is a world popular destination for its Rath Yatra festival held once a year. In June-July every year, the famous Rath Yatra at Puri takes place where the installation of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra takes place. A Puri Rath Yatra sees sumptuously decorated chariots and a great number of devotees come here only to pull the three gigantic chariots through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Mandir.
Beach Festival
Hosted in the month of March or early April, the Beach Festival exhibits the best of Orissa's folk and classical dance forms, music and handicrafts.
Nava Kalebara
Nava Kelebara is an intensely popular religious local ritual and attracts a good number of tourists here. The festival marks the time to change the external forms or the statues of the three temple deities: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
How to reach Puri
By Air
Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport i.e. 60kms from Puri. It is well connected to the other major cities of India.
By Rail
Puri is well connected to the major city of Orrisa by regular and few express trains.
By Road
Puri is well connected by road with important cities in and out of the state, Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Berhampur, Taptapani, Sambalpur and Kolkata.
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