Puri, the land of Prabhu Jagannath, is a city of immense spiritual and cultural significance in the eastern state of Odisha in India. Home to one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world, the Jagannath Temple, Puri is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deep understanding of Indian culture and spirituality.
The Jagannath Temple, also known as the Shri Mandir, is a magnificent structure that has been standing for centuries. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The Rath Yatra, is one of the most important festivals in Puri and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. During the festival, the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in a procession in beautifully decorated chariots. The festival is a celebration of the divine power of Lord Jagannath and is a sight to behold.
Apart from the temple, Puri is also known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for relaxation and recreation. The Puri Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city and offers a picturesque view of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is also a popular spot for water sports like surfing and swimming.
Places to explore near Puri:-
Puri, the land of Prabhu Jagannath, is not just famous for its spiritual and cultural significance but also for its proximity to several scenic and historic destinations. Here are some places you can explore near Puri:
- Konark Sun Temple – Located just 35 km from Puri, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Chilika Lake – Located about 50 km from Puri, the Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can take a boat ride and spot some of the rare and exotic bird species that flock to the lake.
- Dhauli Hill – Located about 70 km from Puri, Dhauli Hill is a historic site that holds great significance for Buddhists. It is believed that this is the place where Emperor Ashoka gave up his warlike ways and embraced Buddhism.
- Bhubaneswar – The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is located just 60 km from Puri and is known for its ancient temples and vibrant culture. The city is also known as the “Temple City” due to its many ancient temples.
- Raghurajpur Artist Village – Located just 12 km from Puri, Raghurajpur is a small village that is home to some of the most talented artists in India. The village is known for its Pattachitra paintings, which are exquisite works of art.
- Pipili – Located about 20 km from Puri, Pipili is known for its beautiful applique work, which involves the stitching of colorful fabrics onto a base cloth to create beautiful designs. You can witness the artisans at work and purchase some of their creations as souvenirs.
- Satapada – Located about 50 km from Puri, Satapada is a popular destination for dolphin watching. You can take a boat ride and spot the playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
There are different types of conducted tours you can book from local agents. 1 day tour includes Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoo, Ligaraj Temple, Chandrabhaga beach, Konarak, Dhauli Hill. In the next day you can plan for Raghurajpur Artist Village and Pipili and you must not forget Sand Art Meuseum at Chakratirtha Road . For Chilka or Satapada you need a whole day trip.
Foods to explore in Puri
Puri, the land of Prabhu Jagannath, is famous for its delicious cuisine. Here are some of the must-try foods when you’re in Puri:
- Mahaprasad – The Mahaprasad served at the Jagannath Temple is a must-try when you’re in Puri. The meal is served on plantain leaves and consists of a variety of dishes, including dal, rice, vegetable curry, and sweets.
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- Khaja – Khaja is a crispy, layered sweet that is a specialty of Puri. It is made by frying dough and then dipping it in sugar syrup
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Chhena Poda – Chhena Poda is a popular dessert in Puri made with cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom. It is baked to a caramelized brown and has a soft, crumbly texture.
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- Seafood – Puri is located on the coast, and seafood is a specialty here. Some of the must-try seafood dishes in Puri include prawn curry, fish fry, crab masala, and lobster.
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- Dahibara Aloodum – Dahibara Aloodum is a popular street food in Puri, made with lentil dumplings and served with spicy potato curry and curd.
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- Malpua – Malpua is a popular dessert in Puri, made with flour, milk, and sugar syrup. It is served hot and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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- Pakhala – Pakhala is a traditional Odia dish that is popular in Puri. It is made by soaking cooked rice in water overnight and served with a variety of side dishes.
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In conclusion, when you’re in Puri, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine and try out these must-try dishes. The food in Puri is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and will leave you craving for more.
Blueflag Beach in Puri:-
Recently, Puri’s Golden Beach has been awarded the “Blue Flag” certification, making it one of the few beaches in India to receive this prestigious recognition.
The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognized eco-label that is awarded to beaches that meet strict environmental and sustainability criteria. To be eligible for the certification, beaches must meet several criteria, including clean water, sustainable management, and conservation of biodiversity.
Puri’s Golden Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag certification for its clean and hygienic surroundings, well-maintained public amenities, and the efforts made by the local community to preserve the beach’s natural beauty.
Visitors to Puri’s Golden Beach can expect to enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also home to several shacks and stalls that offer local cuisine and souvenirs.
The Blue Flag certification has not only boosted Puri’s tourism but also raised awareness about the need to protect our beaches and oceans. It is a proud moment for Puri and Odisha as a whole, and a testament to the efforts made by the local authorities and community to preserve the region’s natural beauty.
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How to reach Puri
Puri by Air
The nearest airport is Biju Patnail Airport which is located in Bhubaneswar almost 60 kilometers from Puri. It is quite easy to access Puri as airways are considered as one of the most convenient and hassle free transport services. The airport provide domestic services and you can find major Indian airlines here and regular flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai are operated.
Nearest Airport : Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
Puri by Rail
Puri is a last stop on the East Coast Railway which has direct express and other super fast trains which is well linked with major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Okha, Ahmedabad, Tirupati and many more. Some of the famous trains offer direct services to the city which includes Kolkata (Howrah) Puri Howrah Express, Jagannath Express; New Delhi Purushottam Express.
Puri by Road
Roadways is another one of the most appropriate option to reach Puri as the nearest bus stand is located close to the Gundicha Temple which provides direct connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and one can reach the place in just 10 to 15 minutes. Bhubaneswar is located at a distance of almost 50 km from Puri.
Where to Stay in Puri
There are a plenty of hotels, holiday homes and ashrams in Puri. So you can book them as per your budget. You can book them from Makemytrip.com, goibibo.com, agoda.com, booking.com and airbnb.com. You can also book OTDC Panthanivas ( Run by Odisha Govt.) by Clicking here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Puri is not just a destination in itself but also a gateway to several scenic and historic destinations. So, when you’re in Puri, make sure to explore these nearby destinations and make the most of your trip to this beautiful part of India.
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