Puri Guide
Puri has a long tradition of being a Temple Town but the modern city (lat 85 -47′-40″ to 85 -51′-30E” and long 19 -42′-20″ to 19 -49′-05N”) was administratively reorganised since 1828. Its population in 1901 was 19,334 and now in 2002 it is about 1,60,000. The circumference of the city is 16.84 Sq. Km. In 1881 the Puri Municipality was formed with the streets as Harachandi Sahi, Bali Sahi, Kalikadevi Sahi, Dolamandap Sahi, Kundai Benta Sahi, Markendeswar Sahi, Baseli Sahi, Gourabada Sahi, Chudanga Sahi, Dandimala Sahi, Matimandap Sahi, Daitapada Sahi, and Kumbharapada Sahi, The cultural traits even now can be felt in these streets if we move around. All these streets houses shrines of different Gods and Goddesses and have ritualistic links with Lord-Jagannath and His Temple which is located on the Bada Danda, the Grand Road, from where all the above streets have spearheaded. However in the modern days, the areas like Baliapanda, Srikshetra Colony and Marine Drive have extended the boundary of Puri. It is the district head quarter of th edistrict of same name.
Coming to the orientation of th city, it is divided into two halves, with the streets and the Temple in one half and the other half bustling with modern Hotels on the Sea-Beach. On arrival of a visitor at the Railway Station or Bus stand, he has the option to find an accommodation nearer to the Temple on the Grand Road area or to enjoy the stay, on the Sea Beach and C.T. Road side.
Puri, today presents a multi faceted profile, the old city teeming with Market Places and fine old Temples which still bears the historic imprint of its finely woven culture. Equally impressive is the Sea-Shore at least 14 Km long with its verdant, exquisitely laid Marine Drive and streamlined modern Beach Resorts. such as Toshali Sands, with exclusive Beach called Balighai Beach for the exclusive use of Toshali’s Guests. You may walk the ancient streets of Puri, visit its temples, ponder over its ruins and learn of its Gods and touch the holy waters of Mohadadhi (Ocean).
