Top 5 Best Places to Visiting in Puri – Temples, Beaches & Cultural Sites

Odisha1 month ago3.6K Views

1. Jagannath Temple

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Jagannath Temple is the icon and symbol of Puri, a city in Odisha. Swayambhu Lord Jagannath, a divine embodiment of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped here and it is a most sacred spot in India’s revered Char Dham Yatra that each devoted Hindu desires to complete in his/her lifetime.

History

Built in 12th century, the temple is not alone in a marvel of Kalinga architecture but a living legacy of India’s ancient spiritual and cultural heritage. The temple with its towering spire, which overshadow the skyline of Puri emanate an aura of divinity and majesty.

Why You Should Visit

Whether you are a spiritualist, a history buff, or just curious about the Indian culture, you will not leave empty handed with the visit to the Jagannath Temple. From its spiritual importance to it’s amazing rituals and festivals of vibrant color, this sacred site is all that India’s divine traditions incarnate into.

2.Konark Sun Temple

istockphoto 1444924249 612x612 1 — This UNESCO World Heritage Site and beautiful example of ancient Indian temple architecture is nearly 35 km away from Puri in the campaign state of Odisha. The temple was constructed in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, and it is distinctively built as a chariot of gigantic size in the shape of the Sun God Surya.

This architectural wonder is marked by 24 intricately carved stone wheels, each as big as 12 feet in diameter, and is driven by seven exciting horses—resembling the Sun God’s celestial chariot. The temple walls are decorated with extremely carved sculptures of the gods, dancers, musicians, scenes of everyday life and bring the artistic punch of the period. Though lies in partial ruins, the Konark Sun Temple is a mighty testament to India’s great cultural legacy and engineering prowess.

3.Rath Yatra Festival

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The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is one of the most famous and spiritually important festivals in India. Organised annually in Puri, Odisha, it is meant to be a tribute to Lord Krishna as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

Every July, the holy city of Puri is filled with pep when millions of devotees assemble to be part of or see this holy event. Idols of the three deities are seated in huge frivolously decorated wooden palanquins and drawn through the main street by thousands of devotees. This act is widely revered as it is considered sinful cleansing act and bratg blessing.

4.Puri Beach

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Located in the holy town of Puri, Odisha, Puri Beach is one of the most thrilling and known beaches along the eastern coast of India. With its white sandy shores, vast waves and an endless expanse of the Bay of Bengal, this beach is complete nature and culture.

Witnessing the sunrise is one of the magical experiences at Puri Beach. The early morning hours hover the beach with soft shades of orange, pink and makes a spiritual place to meditate, photography or just enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether single or with family, these are un-forgettable.

From leisure swimming in the calm waters to taking a rejuvenating long walk on the shore, Puri Beach is perfect place for relaxation. The warm seaboard also makes for relaxing reading, building sand castles and playfully paddling in the plankton.

5.Chilika Lake

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Just an hours drive from the charming city of Puri lies Chilika Lake South Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and Odisha’s most beautiful natural treasure. Covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometers, this exquisite lake is an avid birdwatcher, nature lovers and for anyone looking for a place to escape into a peaceful retreat.

As the winter season arrives, Chilika becomes a rich habitat for migratory birds from far and wide. Flocks of flamingos, pelicans, herons and more than 160 other species of birds come to the lake as a striking display. The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary situated inside the lake is very much in demand for ornithologists and photographers. Whether a seasoned birder or a nomadic traveler, this spectacle with the glistening lake as the frames is entirely unforgettable.