Puri - Wanna Confess?

Puri is located 60 km from Bhubaneshwar on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is one of the oldest cities in the eastern part of the country. It is considered as one of the four holy dhamas of India - Puri, Dwarka, Rameswaram and Badrinath. It is also agreed that a pilgrimage of the temples of India is not complete without making the journey to Puri. Puri is also called as Sri Purusottama Dham or Martya Vaikuntha.

Puri At A Glance
Puri is well known for its Jagannatha Temple, which is considered to be one of the major temples in India. The worship of Lord Jagannatha is very ancient here. The name Jagannatha literally means Lord of the Universe. It is said that the present temple was begun by King Chora Ganga Deva and finished by his descendent, Anangabhima Deva, in the 12th century. The main temple structure is 65 m high and is built on elevated ground, which gives it a larger look. Lord Chaitanya spent his quality time here in this temple. Non-Hindus or better say non - Indians cannot enter the temple complex.

Besides being an important holy town, Puri also has one of the best beaches for swimming in India. It is one of the most visited places in India by young foreign tourists.
Scoop
Place - Orissa
Area - Not Found
Population - 4,76808
Altitude - 18235 mts.
Best Season To Visit - October to March
Languages Spoken - Oriya, English and Tribal Languages
Local Transport - Taxis, Auto rickshaws and local buses.
STD Code - 06752

Climate
Puri experiences a Temperate climate and this makes the place worth a visit all the year round. You will find a low of 17 degree in the winter and a high up to 32 degree C in summer. You can swim in the ocean or sun bathe all the year .

Accommodation Facilities
The accommodation options in Puri are aplenty and offer a wide range of services to the tourists. The Hotels in Puri offer you the lap of luxury and comforts making you feel at home even away from your home. The various hotels include -

• Hotel Toshali Sands
• Hotel Hans Coco Palms
• Mayfair Beach Resort
• Hotel Subhadra
• Victoria Club
• Hotel Golden Palace
• Hotel Repose
• Hotel Sealand
• Holiday Inn
• Bay View Hotel
• Hotel Sri Balaji
• Hotel Love & Life
• Hotel Shankar International

Treat Your Tongue
There are a few vegetarian places in Puri as most of the residents in Puri are sustained by a diet of seafood. At the Birla Guest House you can get pleasing and delightful vegetarian meals with no onion or garlic. Give a treat to your tongue at the Coco Palms Restaurants that are masters of serving multi cuisine food.
Loosen Your Pockets
Puri may not turn out to be a true delight for the discerning shoppers. But take aways are in no way less than any other tourist destination. Puri has a rich tradition of handicrafts. Puri is a beach side destination, shells and oyster are available in abundance. The craftsmen of the place have mastered in making artefacts out of shells and oysters. You can get to see and buy a number of variety of saris like Passapali, Bomkai and Ikat. Stone Crafts, Silver works and Palm leaf painting are important items of Puri.

There are lots places for shopping in Puri. From government run emporia to private outlets - shopping joints are galore. You may choose to go on shopping from the colourful bazaars and stalls erected by the local vendors if you are comfortable with a little bit of bargaining.

Major Highlight
Ratha - Yatra ( Cart ) Festival
This is one of the most famous annual festivals of Puri which draws people from all across the world. This known festival takes place during the monsoon months. During this fest the Deities of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Lady Subhadra are carried out of the temple. It takes at least six big strongly built pujaris to carry these enormous forms of the Lord. The deities are then placed upon three gigantic chariots, thousands of devotees who come from all over India for this occasion.

Puri Times
http://www.purionline.com/news/

Puri Map
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/orissa/puricity.htm
Getting There
By Air
Puri can be reached by air as its nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, 56 km away. From Bhubaneswar, one can easily opt for either train or bus services that can be found easily.
By Rail
Puri railway station is a major railway station having links with several of the important cities in India. The railway station is easily accessible from the main town area.
By Road
Puri is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Orissa and surrounding areas