View source for Puri, the pilgrimage

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[[Category:India |P ]]
[[Category:Places |P ]]

=Puri=

[[File: PURI.png||frame|500px]]   

One of the four celebrated religious centers of India, Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. According to tradition Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.

==Places of tourist interest in Puri ==

The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple (65 metres) in Odisha, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar (11 metres high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century A.D. Some of the other important temples are Gundicha, Lokanath, Sunaragauranga, Daria Mahabir and Tota Gopinatt. There are also a number of holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna. There are many Monasteries locally known as Mathas also of touristic interest.

Handicrafts of the Region : Soap Stone, Sea-shell, Pattachitras and Palm Leaf paintings, Horn work, Wood carvings, and Solapith work can be purchased from Puri.


Fairs and Festivals of the region : Puri offers a plethora of colourful fairs and festivals round the year. However the Ratha Yatra or Car Festival, Puri Beach Festival, Ganesh Puja, and Jhulana Jatra are among the more widely celebrated ones.

=How to Reach=
By Air :  The nearest Airport is Bhubaneshwar (60 kms).
By Rail :  Puri is a Railway terminus.

By Road :  60 kms from Bhubaneswar and 35 kms from Konark, it is connected by NH 203. Regular bus services, both private and public sectors operate to and from various places of the State and adjoining states. Very frequent bus services are available from Konark, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Internal Transport :  Taxies, Auto Rickshaws, Town Buses and Cycle Rickshaws.