Puri, with one of the most beautiful beaches of the world, on the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal attracts millions of visitors annually. Situated at a distance of 60 kms from Bhubaneswar, Puri is considered to be one of the four most sacred places for the Hindus, because of the shrine of Lord Jagannatha (Lord of the Universe) here. Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple

The land of Lord Jagannath meaning 'Lord of the Universe' is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. Puri is one of the four divine abodes lying on four directions of the compass. The Jagannath temple in Puri was built approximately 12th Century AD by King Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The completion was later brought about by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, during the 12th century AD.

One of the most revered of all temples of Lord Vishnu in eastern India, the jagannath temple was built in the classical temple building phase. Protected by two surrounding walls, the conical tower of the temple is 58 mts high on which the flag and the wheel of Lord Vishnu can be seen.

Dedicated to Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra the temple has these three as principal deities. Similar to the Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is also close for Non-Hindus who contend themselves by just viewing it from outside its precincts.

The Beach

Fine white sands, roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal and countless devotees flocking the place for a purification dip are the synonyms to the Puri Beach. The beach has continued to be a sacred venue for an endless number of pilgrims coming to pay homage to Lord Jagannath.

With the annual Beach Festival taking place in November, the beach has now become a favorite haunt of both Indian and foreign beach lovers. Located at a mere distance of 35 kms from the Sun Temple and 65 kms from Bhubaneshwar, the beach is an ideal place for an introvert holiday maker for the scarcity of crowd here. An entire beach stretch can be completely yours given the immense number of beaches in Orissa and a comparatively lower number of fun lovers, the city being a popular pilgrimage point for Indians. The beaches of Puri are also renowned for the sand sculptures created particularly by the internationally famed sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik. The subjects are generally inspired by sculptures covering the temple walls, characters and episodes from the mythology and also the contemporary events.

The beach at Puri offers a unique opportunity to witness the striking sunrise and the sunset on the same beach. The beach is often crowded, with holiday makers bathing in the afternoon, and enjoying the brightly lit kiosks in the night. The stretches parallel to the main Marine Drive Road, from the domain of the domestic tourists, with a row of hotels, food stalls and kiosks selling souvenirs. A comparatively clean and quite place for sun-bathing and a relaxed swim can be found at the eastern end. Local fishermen easily distinguishable by their triangular straw hats and dhotis serve as lifeguards on the beach, and take visitors out to sea in their boats to watch the sunsets. On the Chakratirtha side, the long stretch of golden sand is more tranquil and pleasant place to stroll. Take enough precaution while swimming as the currents can be treacherous in Puri. It is interesting to visit a fishing village along the coast, with dozens of boats made of solid trunks ply to the from off the coast during the day. Once landed, the rich catch of prawn, pamphlets and other fishes drawn into the nets is transferred to baskets. The best time to pay a visit is around dawn, when the fishermen head out from the village and row the fleet towards the rising sun over the sea.