Puri Excursion

Puri is the holiest place in Odisha (Orissa), the ninth largest State India located on the east coast of India. Situated on the shoreline of Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the prime pilgrimage centers in India. The religious center Puri in Odisha (Orissa), India is one of the four Dhams of Hinduism- Puri, Dwarka, Rameswaran and Badrinath. Puri is one of the rarest religious sites which combine the religious sentiments and the outdoor pleasures. The Pilgrimage Trip to Puri can be made more pleasurable by doing Darshans in the great temples- Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Swargadwar and then enjoying at the sea and beaches. Visit the places in and around Puri to get a glimpse at the Oriyan culture.

Tourist Attractions in and around Puri

Jagannath Temple: Puri Jaganath Temple is one of the most sacred religious sites in India. It is the main attraction for all the tourists, Indian as well as foreigners, visiting Puri, Odisha (Orissa). Life of people in Puri revolves around the Jaganath Temple. The 214 feet spire of the Jagannath Temple can be seen from very far, even before reaching Puri. Architecture of the temple is unique and the tall spires of the temple and pillars with images of Lord Krishna are breathtaking. The temple is worldwide famous for its Rath Yatra, a Chariot Festival popularly known as Car Festival in the west.

 

Gundicha Temple: Located 3kms from the Jagannath Temple, the Gundicha Temple is another famous and important temple in Puri, Odisha (Orissa). During the festival of Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra are brought to the Gundicha Temple in chariots and they remain here for seven days. The temple, surrounded by a wall, stands in the middle of a beautiful garden.

Swargdwar Beach: Swargdwar is a pious beach in the abode of Lord Jagannath, Puri in Odisha (Orissa). As the name, Swargdwar meaning Gateway to Heaven, suggests Hindu pilgrims bathe here with the belief that it will open the door of heaven for them.

 

Chilka Lake: Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon covering an area of 1100 sq feet. Chilka lagoon is the second largest lagoon in the world and the largest lagoon in India. In winters thousands of migratory birds of different varieties come to Chilka. Home of various endangered species of plants and animals, Chilka is a great tourist hub in Puri in Odisha (Orissa). Kalijai Island, Birds Island, Honeymoon Island etc are some of the fascinating spots inside the Chilika Lake. To make your trip more memorable, cruise trip in Chilka Lake is a great idea.

Nandan Kanon National Park: Nandankanon is a picturesque biological park in Odisha (Orissa). Located 20kms from Bhubaneswar, across the Chandaka Forest, Nandan Kanon is world famous for its white tigers. Flora and Fauna of Nandan Kanon make it unique from other National Parks in India. At the Nandan Kanon National Park, you can enjoy boating and white tiger and lion safaris. The Nocturnal Animal House, Reptile Park, Aerial Ropeway and cable car together make the Nandan kanon National Park unique.

 

Konark Sun Temple: Konark is a small town in the district Puri and is 65 kms from Bhubaneswar, the Temple City of India. Konark is the site of World Heritage Sun Temple. Built in 13th century, Sun Temple is popularly known as the Black Pagoda. It was built by king Narasimhadeva in black granite. The temple is made in the form of Chariot of Surya(the Sun God). The Sun Temple is as unique as Taj Mahal in Agra. The breathtaking architecture of the Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha (Orissa) attracts large number of tourists all around the world.

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha (Orissa), India. Designed by the German architect, Otto Konigsberger in 1946, the city is called the Temple City of India. The city offers a large variety of Hindu temples. Lingaraj Temple is one of them. The famous Lingaraj Temple is more than 1000 years old. The magnificent temple Lingaraj is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 55 meters in height, Lingaraj Temple dominates the surrounding landscape.

Hotels & Resorts: There are numerable hotels and resorts In and Around Puri.

Toshali Sands, Gandhara Puri, Sterling Resorts Puri, Hotel Sonali, Hotel Saphire International are in Puri.

Ginger Hotel, Hotel Kalinga Ashok, Hotel Swosti Plaza are some reputed hotels in Bhubaneswar.

Konark Lodge, Panthanivas-Konark, Royal Lodge are the main accommodations in Konark.

The list of places to visit In and Around Puri is not small. Above are the best of those places. A tour the above places is a combination of Pilgrigmage, Heritage and Wildlife tour. To make your tour more interesting and a life-long memorable tour of East India, do visit Toshali Sand Resort. It is a village resort that brings you close to the nature and culture and traditions of Odisha (Orissa). The Resort with 50 ethnic villas and cottages has luxurious suites too. Facilities like Ayurvedic treatments, Backwater Boating, organization Wedding Ceremonies, all are available under one roof.