Puri

State :

Orissa

Climate :

The city has a temperate climate with the mercury rising to 36° Celsius or sometimes above in summers and never drops below 16° Celsius in winters. Being close to the sea, Puri becomes very humid in the monsoon season between June and September.

Significance :

A Hindu Pilgrimage Centre

Puri - the city of temples :

Puri, located in the eastern part of the state of Orissa, is one of the four holy dhams of the Hindu religion and the revered seat of Lord Jagannath. The city of Puri, surged by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and enclosed by beautiful beaches, is stationed at a distance of 60 km from Bhubaneshwar, the state’s capital. It lies on the eastern coastline of peninsular India and is applauded for its pristine and lovely beaches. The city celebrates the famous festival - the Rath Yatra or the Car Festival every year in the month of July, which pulls pilgrims in huge numbers from all over the world.

History :

Puri was included in the kingdom of Kalinga, created by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in 260 BC. The Sabaras, a tribe part of pre-Aryan and pre-Dravidian Austric linguistic group, lived in this region which came under the British rule in 1803. The Raja of Khurda revolted in 1804 which lead to peasant mutiny in 1817-18. The other event in the history of the city worth mentioning is famine of 1866 which caused countless deaths in Puri.

Famous for - the Jagannath Temple :

This renowned temple is the most visited pilgrimage place in the temple city of Puri, one of the holiest destinations in India and also one of the four sacred dhams of the Hindu religion. The splendid “temple of Jagannath” is devoted to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord). It was constructed in the 12th century and is acknowledged as one of the tallest (65 m) temples in the country. The architecture of the temple is in Kalinga style, where the temple comprises of ‘Jagmohan’ (hall) and ‘the Deul’, the main shrine in its front. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built afterwards in the typical Orissan style during 14th and 15th century. The provision of having meal made of the ingredients donated to the temple is a characteristic feature of the temple.

Connectivity :

• By Air - The nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar (60 km), the state capital.
• By Rail - Puri is connected with Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Berhampur, Taptapani, Sambalpur and Kolkata by road.
• By Road - Puri is also linked to other cities in Orissa and the country by train. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

Additional Highlights of the city :

• Gundicha Ghar - The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is a known place in the city regarded equally holy and considered as the place of Lord's aunt Gundicha. According to the popular faith, Lord resides here for 9 days during the time of the famous Rath yatra or Chariot pulling festival of Puri. On the day of the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in elaborately ornamented wooden rath (chariot) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. At the garden house, their aunt welcomes them by feeding them padoapitha, a specially baked rice cakes. This event also makes an important part of the famous Rath yatra festival of Puri. .
• Puri Beach - Puri's white sand beach is a gorgeous place, characterised by its sheer simplicity, the sweets and snacks hawkers, the nice and warm people, and the widespread white sand where the waters from Bay of Bengal wash the beach. Long relaxing walks and the enjoyable boat rides give one an immense pleasure.
• Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank - Indradyumna Tank which is famous for its religious importance and its relation to Lord Krishna is visited by devotees in huge numbers. The temple contains a Child Krishna temple located in the vicinity and a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Orissa. Lying on the north western part of the Gundicha Ghar, this Indradyumna lake is one of the five sacred tanks of Puri.
• Atharnala Bridge - Atharnala bridge, built in the 13th century over the Mandupur stream is situated at the entrance of the town and is acknowledged as an architectural marvel. This huge bridge of 85x11 metres is still used by the residents of the city.