Puri

Puri, also known as "Sri Purusottama Dham" is a sacrosanct centre for Hindus all over the globe for the Jagannath temple and is also known for the good stretch of the beautiful white sand beaches on Bay of Bengal. Thousands of pilgrims visit Puri for the Lord Jagannath temple and the annual Rath yatra festival. Puri, the abode of Vishnu as Jagannath which contributed the word " Juggernaut" to the English language, represents its integrated individuality as its cultural heritage, a unique blend of claims of time and eternity with a power answerable only to wisdom. The beatifying effect of the temples, wide beaches that offer scenic view of sunrise and sunset, traditional fishing farms where the clasical old methods of fishing are used by the local fishermen and fabulous resorts and hotels makes it a distinctive tourist destination.

Places of Interest

The Jagannath Temple

The majestic temple of Jagannath is a major attraction for the Hindu tourists visiting Puri. The Jagannath Temple is one of the four most important Hindu pilgrimage sites or the Char Dham, along with Dwarka, Badrinath and Rameshwaram. This 65-meter high structure was built in 12th century and stands in the Nilgiri Hills. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built in the 14th and 15th century. The meals in temple are made out of the donated raw materials only. Only Hindus are allowed entry into the Jagannath Temple.

Gundicha Ghar

The Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. This temple is said to be the home of Lord Krishna's aunt 'Gundicha'. A myth goes that the Lord stays here for 9 days during the Rath yatra in Puri. During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in lavishly designed wooden chariot (Rath) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha Ghar. At the house, the aunt welcomes them by offering them the padoapitha (rice cakes).

Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank

The Indradyumna Tank, famous for being related to Lord Krishna, has a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Odisha. There is a temple of Child Krishna nearby too. It is one of the five sacred lakes of Puri and is situated on the north western part of the Gundicha temple.

Chilika Lake

Asia's largest freshwater lake (spread in 1100 sq km area) is situated 50 kilometers from Puri. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colorful names such as 'honeymoon islands' and 'Breakfast island', Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance of migratory birds in winter make it an ideal place for vacations.

Konark

Situated 35 km from Puri, Konark is home to the Sun Temple, also called the Black Pagoda. Konark is a must visit for its historical and architectural importance. The Konark beach is said to be one of the finest and most romantic beaches on the eastern coast. Everyday the Sun God rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts Hisfirst gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the Morning Sun, the Mid- day Sun and the Setting Sun. Konark is a many splendoured gem of Odishan art.