Puri has a number of religious and cultural tourist destinations, as well as interesting excursion sites nearby.

Lord Jagannath Temple

The magnificent Jagannath temple is regarded as one of the Chardhams (four pilgrimage sites) of Hindu religion, which are situated on all the four corners of the country. This temple is regarded as the Dham of eastern India. Dedicated to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord), it was built during the 12th century. One of the tallest (65 m) temples of India, this temple dominates the skyline and the townscape of Puri. It is a living example of the Kalinga style of architecture.

 

Gundicha Mandir

The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is an important part of the famous Rath Yatra festival of Puri. It has some interesting legends related to it. According to one the Gundicha Ghar is the house of Lord Krishna’s loving aunt. On the day of the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken in gorgeously caparisoned wooden rath (chariots) from the main gate of the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. At the garden house, their aunt greets them by feeding them padoapitha (specially baked rice cakes). This place is regarded as equally holy as Lord stays here for nine days during the festival.

 

Atharnala Bridge

The magnificent Atharnala Bridge that was constructed during the 13th century is a living example of the engineering marvel of the ancient times. The size of the bridge is around 85×11 m, and even after so many centuries it is still in use. Situated at the entrance of the town, pilgrims offer prayers here as well.

 

Beaches in Puri

Puri’s white sand beaches are well known all over the country. They are perhaps the only walkable beaches on the eastern coastline that are carpeted with clean white sand. It is also worthwhile to request the local fishermen for a boat ride into the sea.

 

Excursions Near Puri

 

Chilka Lake

Chilka Lake of shimmering blue waters and the playfully jumping fish is the largest fresh water lake in Asia and is also called the ‘honeymooners paradise’ and ‘breakfast island’.

 

Pipli

If one has an interest in handicrafts of the locals, one must not miss a visit to the small village near Puri called Pipli. This place is famous for the appliqué work of the traditional Orissa style.

 

Raghurajpur

The hamlet of Raghurajpur is famous for the patta chitra (paintings done on specially prepared cotton cloth which is coated with a mixture of gum and chalk and polished, before natural colors are applied) art of Orissa. You can watch the traditional, intricate process, which goes into the making of a treasured patta chitra here.

 

Caves of Wonder

The sixty odd caves of 2nd century BC caves set in the Udaygiri-Khandagiri hills with their ornate carvings and delicate friezes are major tourist attractions.

The cities of Bhubaneswar and Konark should also be visited for their temples and beaches, and the beach of Balighai when on a trip to Puri.