Puri

The abode of Lord Jagannath- Puri is known for its historic antiquities, religious sanctuaries, architectural grandeur, moderate climate and spiritual significance. With a rich historic heritage dating back to the 3rd Century BC, the beautiful coastal town of Puri in Odisha State is home to various glorious temples. Attracting a number of visitors every year, this coastal district of Odisha is popular due to its many tourist places including the Jagannath Temple.

Attractions

A visit to Puri helps the tourists explore the traditional temple architecture of Odisha. The ancient Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated within close proximity to it. Another prominent temple here is the Shri Jagannath Puri Temple that houses the statues of Lord Jagannath (who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and his sibling Devi Subhadra and Balabhadra. The temple is an integral part of Hindu pilgrimage, Char Dham. Puri is also famous for its Rath Yatra festival that draws thousands of people, including devotees as well as tourists.

For those who want to spend some relaxing moment amidst nature, Puri Beach is the ideal choice. The beach is a popular venue for annual beach festival, and it holds a sacred place among Hindus. Another major attraction here is the sand art creations by renowned artist Sudarshan Patnaik.

The marvelous views of the Chilika Lake are a treat to the eyes. A relaxing boat ride on the lake will make you forget all your worries. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a safe haven to wide variety of fauna and avifauna species. Spot over 160 different and rare species of birds here from November to February. The sanctuary, which is a delight for nature lovers, is a great place for photography enthusiasts.

Markandeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another must visit temple here. Built during the 13th century, a magnificent 10 armed statue of Nataraj adorns the entrance of the temple, and is notable for its intricate architecture.

Other major attractions in Puri are:

• Gundicha Ghar Temple
• Shree Lokanath Temple
• Chandrabhaga Beach
• Bedi Hanuman Temple

Puri is also famous for producing handicrafts ranging from appliqu work of Pipili to patta chitra (palm-leaf arts) of Raghurajpur. Puri is also famous for its stone and wood carved items among the tourists.

How to Reach:
By Air: At about 60 km, Bhubaneswar Airport, also known as Biju Patnaik International Airport, is the nearest airport to Puri.

By Rail: From Puri Railway Station, regular trains connect the city to other metropolises of India.

By Road: One can easily get buses to Puri on a regular basis.