History Of  Puri

Puri used to be a hilly region in the ancient times and is believed to have been inhabited by the Sabaras, a tribe belonging to pre-Aryan and pre Dravidian Austric linguistic group. Puri has, to its east the Bay of Bengal, Khurda district on its west, Sambalpur on its south and the state capital Bhubaneswar on its northern side. Being in the tropical climatic region and being the first to receive the seasonal southwest monsoon, this place is humid and hot, yet it has a pleasant weather all through the year.

Puri was a part of Kalinga kingdom and was taken over by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire. After passing through the hands of various dynasties, the entire Puri region came under the British rule in the year 1803.

The history of the Jagannath temple itself is quite interesting too. The temple was completed in the later part of the 12th century. The original temple was built in the Kalinga style. The temple consists of Jagmohan (hall) and the Deul (main shrine) in its front. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built later in the 14th and 15th century in the typical Orissa style.

Puri, the name itself attracts the attention of all those who are aware of its importance. This shows that Puri has a lot to offer to the tourists here. Starting from the Jagannath temple, a massive temple structure made in the style of Kalinga architecture, to the much talked about white sand beaches on the Bay of Bengal, the list of attractions here is endless. Moreover, the Gundicha ghar, the home of lord Krishna's dear aunt, also attracts attention of the tourists especially during the time of Rath yatra. Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank attracts tourists in hordes because of its close relation with Lord Krishna. Atharnala bridge was built over Mandupur stream in the 13th century. Overall the calm and cool nature of the locals here makes Puri a peaceful getaway.

Tuorist Place in Puri

Jagannath Temple
A visit to Puri, one of the holiest destinations in India, by default means a religious visit to the Jagannath temple, one of the four sacred dhams of the Hindu religion. The magnificent Jagannath temple is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord). It was built in the 12th century and is considered as one of the tallest (65 m) temples in India. Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple consists of Jagmohan (hall) and the Deul (main shrine) in its front. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built later in the 14th and 15th century in the typical Orissa style. The provision of having meal made of the ingredients donated to the temple is a unique feature of the temple.

Gundicha Ghar
The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. Regarded as equally holy, this is considered as the place of Lord's aunt Gundicha. According to the local belief, Lord stays here for 9 days during the time of the famous Rath yatra or Chariot pulling festival of Puri. On the day of the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in gorgeously caparisoned wooden rath (chariot) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. At the garden house, their aunt greets them by feeding them padoapitha (specially baked rice cakes). This event also makes an important part of the famous Rath yatra festival of Puri.

Puri Beach
Perhaps the only walkable beach on the eastern coast of India is the Puri white sand beach. Puri beach is characterised by its utter simplicity, the sweets and snacks hawkers, the wonderful and loving people, and the widespread white sand with the waters from Bay of Bengal continuously washing your feet while you walk. Though dirty at some places because of the commercial set ups nearby, you can still have the much needed evening walks in the remaining clean stretch. A lazy walk by the sea with few sips of hot and made on the spot tea or tender coconut add up to that heavenly experience. Moreover, you can also request the local boatman for a boat ride into the sea.

Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank
One of the many places to visit in Puri is the Indradyumna Tank which is famous for its religious importance and its relation to Lord Krishna. The temple has a Child Krishna temple nearby and a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Orissa. Located on the north western part of the Gundicha Ghar, this Indradyumna lake is one of the five sacred tanks of Puri.

Atharnala Bridge
Atharnala bridge also makes another site to visit in Puri. It was built in the 13th century over the Mandupur stream. The bridge is situated at the entrance of the town and is considered to be an architectural marvel. This massive bridge of around 85x11 metres is still in use by the city dwellers here.

Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur, a craftsmen's village located at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Puri, is another must visit to be included in your excursion. It is the birthplace of the famous Orissa Patta chitra textiles or fabrics decorated with the art of Orissa. The village is a literally picturesque place with painters or chitrakars living in it. Raghurajpur presents the typical picture of an east Indian village with the river Bhargavi flowing just by its side watering the green paddy fields, groves of coconut, palm, mango and jackfruit along with many betel leaf gardens in the backyards of the villagers. If you want to feel the pulse of the native Oriyas, you must not miss a visit to this cool and peaceful village.

Konark
Located at a distance of 35 kilometres from Puri, Konark is famous for the Temple of the Sun God also known as the Black Pagoda. Located on the sandy land of Konark it is a must visit for its historical as well as architectural importance. Apart from the sun temple, the Konark beach also makes a must visit, for it is regarded as one of the finest and most romantic beaches on the eastern coast. Just 3 kilometres from the temple site, the Bay of Bengal here is calmer than that in Puri. Konark makes one of the angles of the famous Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark presenting the best of Orissa's temple architecture. The local guides available here can explain to you the architecture and the stonework of the temple but you should not buy anything in the local stalls to avoid being cheated.

Sakhi Gopal
Located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Puri, Sakhi Gopal is another holy place to visit during your excursion from Puri. According to a legend, Lord Krishna came to this place as a witness or sakhi (the reason behind the place's name Sakhi Gopal, gopal meaning Lord Krishna) to sort out a dispute of two Brahmans. Later Lord liked this place so much that he decided to stay here for a while. Sakhi Gopal has a life size image of the child Krishna to commemorate the legendary incident.

Chilika Lake
Popular among the locals as well as the tourists, Chilika Lake is the largest freshwater inland lake in Asia. The Chilika lake, also called the "honeymooners' paradise" is dotted with small islands called breakfast islands by the locals. The entire lake is spread over an area of 1,100 sq. km. and has a rich variety of aquatic fauna. During winter season, the lake becomes a bird watcher's paradise as a large number of migratory birds arrive here. Sunset and sunrise, boating, fishing, view of the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara, a ride in the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation motor launches or private boats are some of the exotic past times you can indulge in. It is an ideal spot for a day out.