Situated at the Bay of Bengal, Puri is an old temple town and it is even popular for its alternative name Jagannath Puri, referencing the Jagannath Temple snuggled in the city. The name of the city is given in the old Hindu texts of the Puranas as one of the 7 divine cities in India and is a part of the Char Dham Pilgrimage. Puri is also well-known for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and beaches and mostly people visit here during the times of winters.
Moreover, since the city is extremely rich in culture and heritage from its history dating since the 3rd century BC, it never witnesses shortage in footfall. Furthermore, Puri is well-known for its temples, festivities, and even cultural festivals. If you haven’t booked a hotel in Puri yet, you must do it now. After all, the place is a worth visiting destination for everyone. Following are some of the main fascinations of Puri that you must not miss if you visit Puri.
Jagannath Temple
Most of the people who visit Puri, their main motive is to visit this stunning and prestigious temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Jagannath, which is a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the main Hindu Temples in India.
Well, the present temple was constructed by Anantavarman Chodaganga (1077 – 1150 CE) of Eastern Ganga dynasty. It replaced an earlier version of this structure which likely dated to the 10th century CE. Later on , King Ananga Bhima Deva II (1170-1198) did a lot to continue the work of Chodaganga Deva, constructing the walls around the temple and various of the other shrines on the temple grounds.
If you love art, designs, and patterns then the temple is going to win your heart for sure. The structure of this temple is brimming with brilliant carvings and is a fine example of Kalinga style of architecture. It is scattered over an area of 4, 00,000 square feet with twenty feet high fortified wall and a great aura. Once you visit this temple, you feel divine from within.
Puri Beach
Apart from some of the well-known temples of the country, Puri has sufficient spots for the ones seeking an entertaining experience here. Playing and having fun at the Puri Beach can be one of the amazing funs and frolic activity. Moreover, situated at the shores of the Bay of Bengal the extensive Puri Beach is the site of the annual beach festival and it is also a religious place for the Hindus. The beach is a common sight for sand art and is one of the most tranquil beaches to visit if you visit Puri.
Gundicha Ghar Temple
Gundicha Temple is one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples in Puri. It is a general place of the festivities during the annual Ratha Yatra. The temple is situated right next to the Jagannath Temple and it is popularly referred to as “His Aunt’s house”.
Atharnala Bridge
Built by the kings of the Ganga Dynasty in the period of 13th century, Atharnala is a medieval bridge that is showcased by the 18 passages it includes off. The Bridge is considered a protected archaeological heritage and it is 85 meters in length. The best time to visit again is during the winter months when you can enjoy the views of the surroundings the most.
Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is Asia’s hugest inland saltwater lagoon. It is the biggest coastal lagoon in India that does not fail to fascinate migratory birds from the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea, Lake Baikal, and other distant parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia to Ladakh and even Himalayas. The lake is scattered over 1,100 square km the lake is also home to Irrawaddy dolphins. The site is truly a bliss once you visit therein. Furthermore, this stunning and splendid lake is situated at a distance of 44 km from Puri and if you visit Chilika Lake, it will consume nearly half a day.
Similarly, the lake is dotted with small islands including the most delightful Honeymoon Island and the Breakfast Island. Spreads across 1,100 sq. Km, this beautifully pear shaped lake extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjam district in the South, forked from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow lane of marshy islands and sand-flats.
The lake is a great ecosystem with large fishery resources. The lake sustains more than 150,000 fisher-folk residing in 132 villages on the shore and islands. In 1981, Chilika Lake was chosen the first Indian wetland of international importance in the realm of the Ramsar Convention.
Balghai Beach
At a distance of 8 km from Puri, this amazing Beach is a prestigious beach along the cost of Bay of Bengal on Puri – Konark Marine Drive Road in Odisha. Located at the mouth of Nuanai River, Balghai Beach is certainly one of the most distinguished beaches in Odisha and is comparatively undiscovered.
This stunningly white sandy beach is ringed by casuarina trees, Alaska, and beautiful Eucalyptus trees. The beach is fully separate out of the crowd that fascinates lots of tourists who are craving for some peaceful quite time. The superb view of Sunrise and Sunset from the beach amidst dazzling golden hues is a memorable experience for everyone who comes here from far off places. Once you visit this beach, you will feel supreme inner peace. The environment and the comforting aura of this beach will leave you enthralled.
Further, you can spot olive Ridley Turtles here as they visit the beach during December and January to lay eggs and various migratory birds can also be spotted during winter months. If you like sports and adventure then here water skiing, boat riding, and parasailing facilities are available for tourists. You will have a fulfilling time in this place.
Conclusion
To some up, Puri is a destination that is going to get you a religious and peaceful experience. You can spend a great time there with your friends and family. If you are a person seeking tranquillity, spirituality, and beauty then Puri awaits you.