Puri

It is said that Puri bestows a serene calmness on all who visit almost like putting them into a trance. This seaside town in Orissa is one of the four Dhams or four most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Better known as Jagannath Puri, the town is the abode of Lord Jagannath or Lord of the World. The 12th century Jagannath temple dedicated to Lord Krishna has sculpted figures from Hindu mythology and a tapering 65m high spire. The area around the temple complex houses the Raghunandan Library that has a collection of rare palm leaf manuscripts and religious texts. Towards the south lies one of the most auspicious cremation grounds for Hindus, the Swargadwar or the gateway to heaven. Though pleasant weather makes it best to visit during the months of November through February, the seriously devout can visit Puri for the Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival that take place in June July.
Situated on the eastern coast of Orissa, Puri is a splendid beach resort with golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. You can enjoy yourself by sitting on the beach sipping coconut water; swim in the sea or even surf ride the huge waves. You could also check out the fishing village of the Nolia community. Puri is well connected by road to Bhubaneswar and by railways to many major cities in India. The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar.
Best Time to visit: November to February
Languages Spoken: Oriya
Climate: Hot and humid summers followed by good monsoon and pleasant winters
Holy places: Lord Jagannath Temple
Places to visit: Beach at Puri, Raghunandan Library

Puri – Lord Jagannath’s land

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In the evening we came out of the Hotel to explore Puri Market and Swargdwar. As regards to Puri Beach I have always seen in television that sand art is generally performed at Puri Beach so I was looking at the beach if I can found any sand art. Unfortunately we did not get to see any sand art on Puri beach. We were walking on the beach and there I saw a board “National Sand Art Festival”. We were so excited and quickly took tickets (Rs 20/- for each person and Rs 15/- for camera).We entered inside and got to see some beautiful art works.

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Travel to Konark Sun Temple and Puri

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We decided to relax for couple of hours before we pay our visit to Puri temple. Finally we went for Darshan at 7 pm and it took us hardly 10 minutes get inside the Garbha Grih. Now here is the word of caution, the religious place is a house notorious panda’s and one has to be careful dealing with them. One of them took us to small room within the temple premise and forced us to pay him huge in order to get the blessings. Since we were well aware, we avoided that well within time and moved ahead. Such panda’s were there every meter, and they kept asking for donation in the name of god. Note: I am not calling them as priest as they don’t behave like.

The temple complex is beautiful from inside, having many small temples, very similar to any other temple in India. The structure is inspired by Kalinga art, and it is the highest temple in Orissa from the sea level. Details of origin and legend can be obtained from shrine’s official website.

In the evening we had an early dinner and went to sleep as the day ahead was packed with action.

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The Puri Trip

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From the very first day in Puri, I was fascinated by each and every part of it and just want my that time to be rewinded. The fun part of Chilka visit consisted of boating ; the activity of which both my Dad and I were afraid. So we just roamed a little , took snaps and sat in the adjoining park while eating chips and feeding crumbs to crows. Also Dad bought 3 crabs weighing one kilo and gave them to the hotel chef to prepare for us. I was looking forward to my dinner that night more than I usually did. :D

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Meandering through the Brackish Backwaters of Chilika

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Thanks for all the praise showered on the Jagannath Puri Series.

As promised, I am back with the latest in the remainder write ups on Chilika, Konark, Bhubaneswar (Lingaraj Temple, Nadan Kanan Park), Pipli and Dhauli. In the current part, however, I will cover only the Chilika lake.

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Experiencing the temple town of Puri, Oddisha

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Then panda took us to Anand Bazar area of temple and went away to collect Mahaprasad for us. It was offered to each of us on pattals i.e banana leaves. A huge variety was there but I think children will not like this as it consists of rice, daal and several other items most of which is not liked by children. At last we were offered Rabri, which was very tasty indeed and satisfied our taste buds.

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