One
of the four celebrated religious centers of India, Puri, the abode
of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. According to tradition Puri
was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan
and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The
sunny beach at Puri is one of the
finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours
is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side
resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably
relax.
Places of tourist interest
in Puri :
The Temple of Lord Jagannath built
during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the
landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple (65 metres)
in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments of
India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar
(11 metres high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front
of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century
A.D. Some of the other important temples are Gundicha, Lokanath,
Sunaragauranga, Daria Mahabir and Tota Gopinatt. There are also a
number of holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and
Indradyumna. There are many Monasteries locally known as Mathas
also of touristic interest.
|
Places around
Puri |
|
Balighai
(8 km)* |
The Casuarina fringed
Balighai beach is a famous
picnic spot. The Sun and fun at the mouth of the river Nuanai
is unforgettable. |
|
Brahmagiri
(25 km)* |
Brahmagiri is known for the living shrine of
Alarnath. Streams of pilgrims visit Alarnath during Anabasara
of Lord Jagannath. Nearby is the shrine of Baliharachandi on
the solitary sand dunes. |
|
Satyabadi
(20 km)* |
Satyabadi or Sakshigopal is known for the
shrine of Lord Sakshigopal. It is believed that the visit to
Puri is incomplete without a visit to Sakshigopal. The temple
is only 2 km away from the main road leading to Puri and is
convenient to visit. |
|
Satapara
(52 km)* |
Satapara, a
retreat in nature on Chilika
Lake, has been thrown open to visitors. Its location near
the confluence of the Lake with the Bay of Bengal, and
proximity to Puri (52 km), makes it an ideal spot to enjoy
Chilika. The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and
abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make it a
preferred place for a vacation with nature. |
* Indicates Distance from
Puri
