Vibrant, colorful, and delightfully chaotic is how we would describe Puri. Puri is a city that would bring a smile on the sorest of faces with the kind of vitality and energy it exudes! It is an amazing destination for all kinds of travelers- whether you are traveling solo or with family and kids. It is also one of the holiest and most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus. It is home to the world-famous Jagannath Temple that witnesses an impressive number of devotees everyday. Puri is also known globally for its famous Rath Yatra that attracts tourists and devotees alike from all over the world. The other major attractions here are its beautiful, sandy beaches. You can take a leisurely stroll along the beaches for a perfect evening.
There is no reason why Puri should not be your next getaway! It is peaceful and hep at the same time, a combination which is both rare and desirable. And since it is a touristy place, there are quite a number of hotels in Puri for people who are on budget as well as people looking to splurge. We have already said it before, and would reiterate as well- Puri has a lot to offer to every kind of traveller.
So, what are some places that you must visit in Puri?
– Jagannath Mandir
Who hasn’t heard of this mighty Hindu Temple? The Jagannath Mandir, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is not just one of the holiest places in the country for Hindus but also boasts of an impressive architectural style. This temple was built in 1198 and is accessible only to Hindus all over the world. This temple is a part of the pious Char Dham yatra, which it is believed that a Hindu must fulfill at-least once in their lifetime. The most distinctive feature of the temple is its 58 m high sikhara or spire that is embellished on the top with the flag and wheel of Vishnu. Many great saints of Hinduism such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramananda, and Ramanuja were associated with the Jagannath Temple.
If legend is to be believed, King Indrayumna- a Malava king and the son of Bharat and Sunanda- started the construction of the temple. This account finds its mention in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma-Purana, and other Oriya works of religious and spiritual significance. But even if we ignore the religious aspect of it, the temple is a visual treat. It is gigantic, and covers an area of 400,000 sq feet. Even though it might look really vibrant and intimidating from the outside, it is quite peaceful from the inside. In the central jagamohan or the assembly hall, you will see the idols of Jagannath’s brother Balbhadra and Subhadra. They are regularly garlanded by priests.
- Model Beach
Away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded beaches, Model beach is everything you could ask for. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It is an example of a sustainable beach, which is being run by a local community. The 700 m stretch of bright yellow sand is a treat to the eyes.
- Chilka Lake
This lake is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. It is the largest salt water lake in the entire Asian continent. A few small islands dot this amazing pear-shaped beauty, and make it look as pretty as a picture. Chilka lake covers the Khurda, Ganjam, and Puri district of Odisha, and a sandy ridge separates it from the Bay of Bengal. It is blessed with a unique ecosystem, and is an important breeding ground for both beautiful aquatic birds both resident and migratory. It is a place that you must visit when you are in Puri. It will not only expand your knowledge of birds and other flora and fauna, but also give you a much needed break from the humdrum city life. Yes, a boat ride here is magical!
- Puri beach
It won’t be an understatement to call this beach the life and soul of Puri. Every morning this beach comes alive with the chirping of birds.It is one of the most popular attractions in Puri. It is also lined with shops selling pearls and souvenirs, so if you are interested in shopping, you should definitely pay a visit here. But the best time to visit the Puri beach is in November when it hosts the annual five day Puri beach festival, which gives the spectators a chance to witness some of the most amazing displays of talent from around the country and the world.Puri is a perfect getaway for solo travelers, honeymooners, and families with kids alike. We offer best deals on hotels in Puri, so you should start packing already!
