Puri is one of the four pilgrimage destinations sacred to the Hindus. Devotees believe that Lord Vishnu bathes at Rameshwaram, dines at Puri, spends the night at Dwarka and does penance at Badrinath. While Puri is synonymous with the Jagannath Temple, its religious significance dates back to ancient times. Sages like Atri and Brighu had their hermitage close to this place.
Wrapped in antiquity and art, a trip to Puri is a must for those who appreciate the richness of tradition, the significance of culture, the wealth of mythology and the serenity of ancient temples. The exquisite Sun Temple at Konarak and the Chilika Lake are a short distance away. Dont forget to take a leisurely stroll on the beach, before you leave Puri.
State: Odisha
Destination Type: Beach and Heritage
Destinations Nearby: Bhubaneswar 67 km, Kolkata 497 km
Languages: Oriya, Hindi, Bengali and English
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneshwar
Summer: March to May. Temperature varies between 19°C and 45°C.
Monsoon: June to September.
Winter: December to February. Temperature ranges between 10°C and 18°C.
Odisha is a treasure trove of exquisite handicrafts and traditional art forms. It upholds the rich legacy of an ancient culture. A short distance from Puri are villages where craft is the sole source of livelihood.
The Jagannath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is mentioned in the Rig Vedas.
Being the largest saltwater lagoon in Asia, Chilka Lake can easily be mistaken for a sea. Spread over 1100 sq. km., the lake is home to the Irrawaddy dolphins and over 2000 migratory birds.
The Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the oldest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Harihara, a combined form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The Konark Sun Temple is an architectural marvel and a symbol of India’s rich heritage. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God.
During the cooler winter months, Odisha comes alive with festivals devoted to traditional music and dance.
Sakshi Gopal temple is a medieval temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Temple is Built in the Kalinga Style of Architecture.