Puri District of Odisha

Discover the captivating beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance of Puri District Odisha.
Puri is a land of temples, the best ancient and modern India, whose people share a strong sense of holiness, a sense of belonging with their beautiful land and their enduring links with the past. Puri being one of the coastal districts of Orissa named after the heritage city of same name famous for Lord Jagannath. The district has a variety of monuments spitamising the evaluation of art and architecture. Nature has its full beam in the district with unspeilt Sea-beach, lake , wildlife and hospitable people with traditional crafts. Besides getting experience with cultural and social lives of Orissa , Tourists may plan for leisure crusing, bird and Dolphin watching , sightseeing communing with nature.

Climate

Generally one can visit Puri at any of the year but best time is October to April.

Historical Significance

Puri district Odisha holds immense historical importance, primarily due to the presence of the world-famous Jagannath Temple. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple’s history dates back to the 12th century and attracts millions of devotees every year. Puri is also associated with the great Hindu saint and philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, who established one of his four mathas (religious institutions) here. The district has witnessed the reign of various dynasties, including the Kalinga Empire, the Ganga dynasty, and the Marathas, which have left their mark on its architecture and culture.

Famous Festivals

Puri district is synonymous with festivals, offering a unique blend of spirituality, devotion, and cultural celebrations. The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, mentioned earlier, is undoubtedly the most significant festival in Puri. Apart from this grand event, the district celebrates various other festivals with great enthusiasm. The Chandan Yatra, a 21-day long festival, sees the deities of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra being taken on a boat ride at Narendra Tank. The Raja Parba, celebrated during the onset of monsoon, is dedicated to the agricultural fertility goddess and showcases various traditional games and rituals. The Konark Dance Festival, held at the famous Sun Temple in Konark, attracts renowned classical dancers from across India.

How to reach PURI

By Air

Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport – 60 km . Indian Airlines offers excellent connections to Bhubaneswar from Delhi, Calcutta, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai.

By Train

A terminus on the S.E. Railway having fast and superfast train links with New Mumbai, Delhi, Guwahati , Hyderabad , Thiruvanantapuram, Calcutta and Baidyanath Dham etc. Puri has good rail connections with Delhi , Calcutta, Tirupati, Okha and Ahmedabad.

By Road

60 km by State Highway from Bhubaneswar. One can also approach by road via Konark and then through the Marine Drive covering about 100 km. Traditional Fairs and Festivals It is said that 13 festivals are celebrated in Traditional Fairs and Festivals It is said that 13 festivals are celebrated in calendar year relating to Lord Jagannath.

Siteseeing:

There are a number of interesting places around Puri ranging from sites of natural wonders to architectural marvels. Some of such sites include the Raghurajpur village, which is reputed for its fine craftsmanship; the famous Konark Temple, also called the black pagoda; an angle in the golden triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark. The inviting beaches of Konark and the Chilika lake are a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience nature at her best. Moreover, interesting legends and a life-size image of Lord Krishna at Sakhi Gopal also adds to its charms.

Raghurajpur the birthplace of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, renowned Odissi dancer; at Raghurajpur you can attend a Gotipua dance performance and shop for pattachitra’s and talapattachitra’s handicrafts. These handicrafts can also be bought from the shops and state emporiums in Puri along with other handicrafts unique to Orissa such as stone soaps, seashells, horn work, woodcarvings and solapith work.

Tourist Attractions

Puri district boasts a plethora of tourist attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. The world-famous Jagannath Temple stands as a testament to the district’s spiritual and architectural heritage. The Sun Temple in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a marvel of ancient architecture and craftsmanship. The Chilika Lake, with its tranquil waters and migratory birds, is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Sudarshan Crafts Museum showcases the rich art and craft traditions of Odisha, while the Puri Beach offers a relaxing retreat. Other attractions include the Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village, the Atharnala Bridge, and the Baliharachandi Temple.

Konark

Located at a distance of nearly 65 km from Bhubaneswar, Konark city is famous throughout the world for its magnificent Sun Temple, which is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It is one of the three cities that form the Golden Triangle of tourism in Orissa. Konark is a city that is well known for its architectural wonders. Besides the numerous temples and maths, its other major attraction is the Konark Beach, one of the most enchanting beaches of India.

Raghurajpur

Raghurajpur 12Km from Puri on Bhubaneswar road in 203 National highway, near Chandanpur. One has to take a right turn from Chandanpur Bazar by noticing the Orissa Tourism signage to Raghurajpur. famous for pattachitra, Raghurajpur- The artisans village, is a living Museum itself. Every house hold has a painter and can show you lavishly painted, the age old tradition paintings on canvas, skil (tassar) and other varieties like papier mache, masks, stone idols, sculptures, wooden idils and toys and many more. The recently drawn mural paintings on the house walls is a step forward to make impression about survival of the past glory. One can contact any house in this village for the painting. The village ambience is also heart touching. This is a Heritage Craft Village of Orissa.One can visit Siruli 25Km from Chandanpur for Lord hanuman in a village ambience.

Sakhigopal

At a distance of 17 Km from Puri on the national Highway 2003 ahead of chandanpur. Sakhigopal oterwise known as satyabadi is famous for the Shirine of Lord Krishna. Although the temple was built during the 19th century, the legend is very strong. It is said that the krishna image was brought here by King Prataprudra Deva after his victory over Kanchi (South India). The life size image is standing with flute and Radha is also standing on the left side. The images are very beautiful and impressive. The Temple is just like a miniature temple of Lord Jagannath. Sakhigopal is also important as it was one of the educational centres during the 19th and 20th century . The Bakulabana (open air school of early part of 20th century A.D.) is still lying just behind the Sakhigopal Temple
Here, also one can visit adjoining areas, those inquistive visitors interested in Temples and rural culture. The area like Biswanath Hill for Biswanath Siva on the top of the Hill, near Delanga which is 10 Km away from Sakhigopal. Threr is another village known as Barala (6 Km) famous for Balunkeswar Siva Temple, which has a unique design with sanctum, Jagamohana and Natamndap. The premises have about 25 small shrines which enshires a host of images of Durga, Khshetrapala, Vairabi Annapurna, Ardhanariswara, Damodara, Gopal, Narasimha, Ambika, and Parswanath (jain) images.

Pipili

Further ahead on the National highway 40 Km from Puri one can reach Pipili again a craft village for Applique work. One can find series of shops decorated with many applique works with bright colours. The varieties are like umbrellas, lamps shades, wall cloths, table covers, sofa covers, children cloths, bad covers and many more. These are prepared by skilled craft persons-perhaps a remnant of Mughal days. people love to see the varieties they even like to purchase the handicrafts.
From Pipili one can straight way proceed to dhauli, an important historical site famous for Shanti stupa and Asokan Rock Edicts on a Hillock. It is said the famous kalinga war was fought here during 3rd century BC. It is also a Buddhist site and many archaeologist relics are discovered here. It is only 6 Km away from Bhubaneswar.

Picnic Spots, Places to Explore, and Lakes

Puri district offers a plethora of picnic spots and places to explore, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Along with the famous Puri Beach, tourists can visit Chandrabhaga Beach, located about 3 kilometers east of the Sun Temple in Konark, known for its tranquil atmosphere. The Satapada region, located on the southern part of Chilika Lake, is a popular spot for boating and dolphin-watching. For nature lovers, the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary offers picturesque trails and wildlife sightings. While Puri district does not have large lakes, the Chilika Lake, a brackish water lagoon, is a major attraction known for its scenic beauty, birdlife, and boating opportunities.

Puri district in Odisha is a captivating destination that combines spirituality, history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. From the famous Jagannath Temple to the breathtaking beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, the district offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences. Visitors can indulge in the local cuisine, explore the art and craft traditions, and immerse themselves in the vibrant festivals and city life. Puri district is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored, offering an enriching and unforgettable journey for travelers seeking a unique blend of spirituality and scenic beauty.

City Life

The city life in Puri district exudes a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Puri city, with its bustling streets, markets, and bazaars, offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle. The vibrant colors, intricate artwork, and traditional handicrafts showcased in the city’s markets reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local ambiance, explore the narrow lanes, and interact with the friendly locals to experience the true essence of Puri district.

Local Art and Crafts

Puri district is renowned for its exceptional art and crafts, which reflect the creativity and skills of the local artisans. The district’s craftsmen specialize in various art forms, including Pattachitra (scroll painting), appliqué work, stone carving, wood carving, and palm leaf engraving. The Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village, located in Puri district, is a hub of traditional art forms, where visitors can witness the artisans at work and purchase their exquisite creations. These unique art forms make for remarkable souvenirs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Puri.

PURI WEATHER