Puri is the only destination in Odisha, that has increased its value in terms of both tourism and pilgrimage point of view. Puri is the perfect blend of Sun, Sea, Sand and Spirituality. The golden beach of Puri India drags worldwide tourists towards it. Puri tourism is one of the popular seaside tourist destinations in India that gives complete relaxation and rejuvenation.
Puri is often called as the spiritual capital of Odisha because of the Jagannath temple. This Jagannath temple Puri has many popular names and they are Nilachala, Nilagiri, Purusottam Kshetra, Sreekshetra and Sankha kshetra etc. due to its devotional value in Hindu religion. Jagannath Dham is one of the four Dhams which is believed to be most sacred shrine and without getting the blessings of Lord Jagannath one's pilgrimage tour won't be defined as complete. It is the only shrine in India where Goddess Radha abodes with Krishna along with Durga, Lakshmi, Parvati, Sati and Shakti. According to history the Jagannath temple is built during 11th century A.D by the king Chodaganga Deva. The annual chariot festival is getting international fame on this land.
Nothing is more worthy than watching the sunrise and sunset on Puri beach. Located at the shores of the Bay of Bengal beaches of Puri are the second major attraction of this holy city. This clean beach is declared as the safest beach for swimming and best place for a sun bath. On this beach seeing sand art is a common thing that you observed every day. Annual beach festival gathers a larger crowd here from varied places of the world.
Places of Tourist interest in Puri includes this ancient bridge, which is built during Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century.It is a medieval bridge that exemplified by the 18 passages it comprises of. This 85 meter long bridge is included in archaeological heritage.
During your visit in and around Puri, you can't forget to visit the Gundicha temple, which has a great devotional value in Puri. The Kalinga style temple was built by the queen of King Indradyumna, who is hte founder of the Jagannath temple. Gundicha temple has earning great value during the chariot festival, where all the three Lords take a rest for seven days after coming out of their temple.
Puri sightseeing includes this temple as its an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath's aunty (Mother's sister). During the annual car festival all the three Lords stay at this temple for varied rituals and to eat famous Poda pitha (Rice Cake).
Puri tourist places include Baliharchandi from both spiritual and tourism point of view. 20 kms away from Puri, Baliharchandi gives the amazing view of both Bhargavi river and the sea. The place derives its name from the Goddess Baliharchandi who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is also a picnic spot where people love to spend time along with enjoying the visual enchantment of nature.
It is considered as the famous artists village of Odisha and is the home of pattachitra and talapattachitra. The place is also known as the native place of Odissi dance Guru Kelucharana Mohapatra. You can get the glimpse of Gotipua dance which has been practiced by the young boys of this village even today.
One can't miss the chance to visit Pipili during Puri tourism as it is the hub of traditional craft village of Odisha. It is the famous centre of art of applique work. Today you can find a wide variety of appliqué handbags, lampshades, wall hangings and many more crafts.
Chilika is the largest salt water lake in Asia. It is a brackish water lagoon spread of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam district. It is the hub of migratory birds during the winter season and the dolphins that you can see in Satapada. The Chilika wildlife sanctuary is spread across an area of 1100 sq kilometers and is home to a large variety of fauna and avi-fauna species.
Chandrabhaga is included around a Puri sightseeing list that stands 3 kms away from Konark. It is a soothing beach that is worth to visit. Every year Chandrabhaga Fair brings this place into limelight for tourists.
Konark city is famous for its Sun temple, which is included in UNESCO as great heritage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sun and was built in a chariot style. This temple has a great history that is worth of listening and its archaeological structure is worth visiting. Konark is an important destination in and around Puri to be included within your trip. Annual dance festival and the unspoiled beaches of Konark gather an international crowd at this land.
This ancient temple is the miniature version of Puri Jagannath temple. King Prataprudra Deva had established the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha after winning over Kanchi depict. An annual fair on the Anla Navami is a major draw.
It is a retreat of nature in Chilika lake during your Puri sightseeing. The thrilling sight of dolphin gives the greatest joy during your visit to Satapada. Apart from these prominent places in and around Puri you can find many other attractions to make your complete Puri tourism.