Attractions In & Around in Puri
Bada DandaThis is the Grand Road and is as wide as a modern freeway. It extends from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, and is the scene of the great Festival of the Chariots or Ratha Yatra.
BalighaiJust 8 kms away from the crowds of Puri, on the mouth of River Nuanai, Balighai has excellent beach and the Sea Turtle Research center. its serene environs are an ideal getaway from the tensions of the city life.The juxtaposition of gentle casuarina-lined river with crashing, desolate ocean coast is a strange and extremely beautiful one. One may also catch a glimpse of the shy Baliharina a kind of deer who inhabit the area. It is a popular picnic spot.
Chilka LakeSituated southwest of Puri, Chilka is the largest fresh water lake in Asia (65 kms long, 8-20 kms wide, about 2 m deep). One can enjoy boating on the shimmering blue waters and in leisure one can enjoy fishing. It has been affectionately called as the “honeymooners’ paradise” and “breakfast island.” The simmering blue water makes it an excellent site to have a break from the monotonous daily routine.
Location:Southwest of Puri, Orissa
Gundicha MandirThis temple is located at the end of Grand road about 3 kms northeast of the Jagannatha temple. At the time of the Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannatha goes to the Gundicha temple and stays there for one week and returns back to His original temple. Gundicha is also the name of the king indradyumna, who originally established the temple of Jagannatha. It is a holy place where God resides for seven days during the festival. The walls enclose a garden, in which the temple is built. This garden is regarded as the place of lord Jagannath’s aunt. The cleansing of the Gundicha temple takes place the day before the Ratha-Yatra festival as mentioned in “Chaitanya-Caritamrita”. Non-Hindus can walk within the walls and see the beautiful garden, but they are not allowed in the temple building.
RaghurajpurFamous for its Patta Chitra paintings, this artists village is 14 kms from Puri, makes an interesting excursion. No village is more involved in preserving india’s priceless skills than Orissa’s Raghurajpur with its thatched, brick, houses on high plinths with sit-out platforms and artists busy at work.This is where at the end of this ’stony’ jaunt comes some relief in the form of some breathtaking paintings.
Ramgarh LakeA huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree-covered hills. While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape makes it an idyllic picnic spot.
Location:20 kms away from Puri.
SakshigopalThe shrine of Lord Sakshigopal is only 20 kms away from Puri. The sacred feet of Shri Radha can however be only seen on ‘Anala nawami’ day.
Shri Jagannath TempleThe Temple of Lord Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple (65 metres) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments of india. Puri is the forerunner of the Jagannath cult in Orissa, which saw the flowering of several temples dedicated to Jagannath all over the state. Puri – the ancient shrine, enshrining Krishna - Jagannath in the form of a wooden image, also enshrines wooden images of Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra brother and sister of Krishna respectively. The Aruna Stamba is in front of the main gate of Jagannath Temple. Carrying on the top of the stamba is the figure of Aruna the charioteer of Sun God.
Location:Jagannath Puri is situated on the sea coast of Bay Of Bengal in Orissa. It is 60 kms. away from Bhubaneshwar. The majestic ancient temple of Lord Jagannath is situated in the middle of the Jagannath Puri.
The BeachThe fine white sands of Puri beach and the roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal have fascinated visitors throughout the years. The local fishermen, with their catamarans and wide-brimmed cane hats, are also expert masseurs. With excellent hotels and guesthouses, the Puri beach is an ideal holiday spot. Tourists welcome the local fishermen, with their catamarans and wide brimmed cane hats for they not only provide you with a ride on their boats but also act as lifeguards if you wish. It would be best not to be too adventurous since the undertow can be a bit treacherous.
