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FACTS AND FIGURES Best Time to Visit : October to March INTRODUCTION Apart from the renowned Jagannadha temple, Puri also holds celebrity for its ideal beach. Puri beach is at its heights, in the means of aesthetic appeal. Being a lovely expanse of golden sun, surf and sand the Puri beach is already hailed as the world's most spectacular seacoast, ideal for surf riding. Being a famous pilgrimage center one can also enjoy the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the land by visiting the temples scattered around Puri. Besides the foreign visitors many domestic tourists, especially the pilgrims are also being part of the crowd in beach. |
Puri is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal in Orissa, an eastern state of India. Puri is just 65 km off the capital city, Bhubaneswar. Puri is just 35 km away to Konark, famous for its Sun Temple.
SEASON
The best time to visit Puri is between October and march. Most of the visitors are flocking into this magnificent beach from November to January, which is the peak season. Here the climate is a tropical one.
HISTORY OF POPULARITY
Ages ago Puri was a busy port for merchants and sailors. The Buddhist pilgrims set their voyages from here by carrying the messages of Lord Budha into Java, Sumatra, and the Philippines. Today Pury is one of the busiest beaches of Orissa. Considering its large number of tourists as well as pilgrims innumerable hotels and resorts have mushroomed that definitely shows the popularity of Puri as a busy destination. But, as a result of the uncaring activities of visitors heavy environmental pollution has occurred in the beach in the bygone years. The current efforts of environmentalists and government have started to yield fruitful results in protecting the beach from its destruction.
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ACTIVITIES The Puri beaches are very long and sandy. One is always invited to be idle on the beach under the smiling sun being busied themselves of doing nothing except sunbathing. There are two distinct beach areas - for the Indians to the west and to the foreigners to the east, which is locally known as "traveler's beach". The marine activities such as sea cruising, angling, surfing are also advised. Further east to the 'traveler's beach' there is the local fishing village. Most of the visitors are finding enjoyment in mingling with fisher folk. The visit of local boat making yard is interesting. PRIVATE BEACHES As Puri beach is one of the major tourist destinations of Orissa, many resorts and hotels are situated right on the beach. The Puri Hotel, situated on the beach is biggest middle class hotel worth mentioning that owns rather a clean private beach. The Lodge Sagar Saikate is an old mansion looks like a small yellow castle belong to the British period is right on the beach, is also have a clean beach. |
The Jagannath Temple is a distinctive temple, which makes Puri one of the four major pilgrimage centers in India. The temple is dedicated to Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Being an exquisite piece of architecture, constructed in the 12th Century, this temple has a conical tower of 58 m. high with magnificent carvings, is topped by a flag and wheel of Vishnu. Like most of the other temples non-Hindus are not allowed to enter inside.
The Lingaraja Temple of Bhubaneswar, 60 km away Puri is built in 11th century is described as " the truest fusion of dream and reality ". Every inch of the surface of the fifty-five meter Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. The popular belief is that prior to the visit of Puri Jagannath temple one must have to offer worship at the Lingaraja temple.
The small and beautiful village Pipli, 23 km from Puri is specially noted for its unique appliqué craft. One can witness "the blessed villagers with artistic skills" on their work. The colored patches of fabric cut into animal and flower shapes have been sewn into the bed covers, curtains and other household cloths.
The famous Konark, is situated 35 km away from Puri. It is one of the precious religious and cultural sites in India, which has been listed among the world heritage sites by UNESCO for the presence of its marvelous Sun temple of 13th Century. Apart from this, a beautiful stretch of beach is attracting those who are in search of complete seclusion.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Rath Yatra or Car Festival is the most spectacular festivals of Orissa is celebrated according to the regional Solar calendar, which is either at the end of June or at the beginning of July. The idols of Lord Jagannatha and other idols of main deities are being carried out by a huge chariot in a massive possession pulled by a huge number of people.
TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
Rather than just a beach resort Puri is also a pilgrim center due to the proximity of Jagannatha Temple. Decent dress code is advisable here. Though one can wear the swimming suite in the beach while being in the public it must consider the local sentiments also.
SHOPPING
The best buys unique to Puri are painted wood sculpture, stone figurines, and other objects. The "papier mache" masks, "patta chitra", palm leaf paintings, solapith work, horn objects, appliqué works etc are available in Puri. Grand road, Station road, the beach market are the best shopping centers in Puri beach's vicinity.
ACCOMMODATION
The luxury hotels are there in Chakrathirtha Road, Puri-Konark Marine Drive and in V.I.P.Road. There are some hotels at Puri beach too with clean private beaches. In the Marine Parade and CT Road one can find medium budget hotels. The checkout time of most of the hotels is 7 am.
HOW TO REACH
Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, which is 60 km away. The airport is connected with Calcutta, New Delhi and other important cities of the region. Puri is an important terminal of South Esatern Railway. Puri is connected with Calcutta, New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Ahmadabad and Dwaraka. The Puri- Bhubaneswar road is a state highway and frequent buses are available in this route. There are night bus services to Culcutta, which is 500 km away.
OTHER FACILITIES
The foreign exchange is possible at the State Bank Of India. The Andhra Bank near to the post office is handling Credit cards. Internet facilities are available on the Chakra Theertha Road.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
Though trained lifeguards are always vigilant in the beach one should be careful with the sea waves. The under currents can be treacherous hence deep swimming should be avoided.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Possession and consumption of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited here.
