Pilgrims
and tourists, nature partisans or adventurers, businessmen or fishermen -
Puri has something, and a singular one at that, for everyone. Puri's beaches
are internationally acclaimed for their beauty, camouflaged in an ambience
of peace and sanctity, inspite of the throng of visitors that animate it.
Anytime is good time to go to Puri. Just check out the festival timings if a
leisurely vacation is what you are looking for. Else, blending in the sea of
chanting pilgrims during the festivals at the Jagannath Temple can be an
experience you will remember.
Beaches and more...
Jagannath Puri _ Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark constitue
Orissa's Golden traingle - a seat of Hindu pilgrimage. Puri is the
forerunner of the Jagannath cult in Orissa and a colossal temple, about 2 km
from the beach, enshrines the wooden statue of Krishna (Jagannath) along
with Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra - the brother and sister of Krishna
respectively. The temple complex itself houses as many as a hundred temples.
Pilgrims throng the place round the year and for a dip in the holy waters
which they believe would sanctify thier souls.
Rath Yatra - Puri is the venue for as many as 24
festivals round the year, of which the most popular is the Rath Yatra or the
Chariot Festival during June-July, where a 16-wheeled, 45 ft high chariot is
pulled by more than 4,000 worshippers amidst a sea of chanting pilgrims.
Interestingly, Puri was a seat of the Buddhist culture till it was doused by
fervent Vaishnavism. And the Rath Yatra has its parallel with the chariot
procession of the Buddha's tooth at Dantapuri.
Beach Festival - The Puri Beach Festival (November 23
-27) stands a stark contrast to the religious activities there. Shake a leg
yourself or enjoy svelte belles doing it the traditional Oriya way. Besides,
this is the best place to load your bags with indegeneous handicraft goodies
to carry back home as mementos of an unforgettable vacation.
Bhubaneshwar
and Konark - About 60 km away is Bhubaneshwar and 65 km from there is
Konark, which can be included in your tour itinerary if you are looking for
a fulfilling vacation in Orissa. Bhubaneshwar is a temple trove with around
500 of them hewn across the city, while Konark has the colossal chariot of
the Sun God - the Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda.
Reaching Puri
Air - Bhubanaeswar at 60 km has the nearest airport.
Rail- A good network of rails operate from Kolkata, New
Delhi, Tirupati and Ahmedabad to Puri.
Road - Puri is 60 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from
Konark on Marine Drive.
Stay Back At
Beach resorts, budget hotels, luxury lodges - accommodation can never be a
problem here. Our representatives can get the seats booked in advance for
you, while you may worry about what all to pack your bags with.
Cultural
Tours in India
