Places to Visit in Puri—The Land of Lord Jagannath

Touched by the hand of God himself, Puri in Odisha is drenched in the vibrance of colourful festivals and rich cultural legacy. Be it spiritual calmness vibrating from the twisted lanes or the refreshing beaches along the coastline, this holy city holds something for everyone who comes here.
Here are the top things to do and places to visit in Puri.

Jagannath Temple

Abode of Lord Jagannath, the ancient city of Puri is developed around a temple dedicated to the presiding deity. Witnessing a footfall of thousands daily, this religious site is an attraction that is impossible to miss if you are in Puri. The temple’s origins are shrouded in mystery, however, historians believe it could be as old as the human civilisation itself. Part of the Charm Dham circuit, Jagannath Puri shrine is one of the four most important Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Though a major portion of the temple remains buried underground, the visible portion is a magnificent display of Oriya architecture with three mouldings that are carved intricately. The Jagannath temple boasts a four-fold structure internally that includes the sanctum sanctorum or the holiest place (Bada Deula), the porch (Mukhasala), the audience hall (Natamandir) and a hall for residuary offerings (Bhoga Mandap). 
A festival of great zeal and magnitude, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a three-chariot procession of the lord and his siblings. The procession witnesses a footfall of millions who wish a mere glimpse of the idols in the chariot for a prosperous year ahead. The chariots that are richly decorated with applique work to resemble the temple structure, are carried around the streets in Badadanda. The experience of a lifetime, there’s nothing like the epic yatra.
Lord Jagannath is accompanied by two deities namely Balabhadra and Subhadra in the Puri temple. Prayers, gifts and an assortment of 56 food items (bhog) is offered to the deities daily which is later distributed among devotees as Mahaprasadam. Even if you are not religious or spiritually inclined, time spent at Jagannath Temple is a rewarding experience of realisation and surreal peace. 
While here, grab your opportunity to explore the bustling neighborhood. Try local dishes such as the sweet chhena poda at Anand Bazaar next to the temple– a burnt cheese dessert that you might want to get packed for people back home.

Balighai Beach

If the soothing touch of nature is what you yearn, head 10 km ahead of Puri, where the quiet beach of Balighai rests at the mouth of the river Nuanai. Draped in serenity and swaying casuarinas, the dramatic sunrises add a mesmerising charm to this beach. Far less crowded than the main Puri beach, and the short coastal drive leading up to it is nothing short of a beautiful landscape. 
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the Sea Turtle Research Centre located on the beach is your place to be at. Don’t miss the Balihirana Sanctuary located a bit ahead to spot the endangered Balihirana antelope. Reserve some time in your busy day to give surfing a go at the Rangers Adventure Foundation near the beach.

Read More: 10 Pilgrimages in India Worth Taking At Least Once​

Chilika Lake

A breathtaking stretch of Asia’s largest internal saltwater lake lies about 40 km ahead of Puri. The pear-shaped Chilika Lake has been a favourite of bird watchers from around the world for the longest time. Home to a few small islands and fisheries, the lake has salt panning around its shore. The lake offers the unforgettable sight of hundreds of flamingos dancing on the water during winters.  
Chilika Lake was designated a Wetland of International Importance in 1981 and functions as an encouraging ecosystem called the Chilika Lake Sanctuary which is visited by hundreds of migratory birds from Russia, Mongolia, Afghanistan and even Ladakh, who flock here during the coldest months. One can’t afford to miss the Irrawaddy dolphins when you take a boat out to Satpara Island. 
Can’t have enough? Steer your boat to Nalabana Island! Plan your family trips or weekend getaways around the charming Honeymoon and Breakfast islands and let the sunrise or sunset hues of the sky take all your blues away!

Craft Villages

Vibrant art and colourful traditional display emanates from all of Odisha, however, the craft villages of Pipili and Raghurajpur radiate a glow that is hard to miss. A beautiful short drive away from Puri, these heritage villages are immensely popular for rich handicrafts and colourful paintings.
Synonymous with Orissa crafts and textiles, Pipili is a visual treat of chandua Applique and patchwork which can be seen in the chariot umbrellas of the iconic Rath Yatra. Predominantly created by Muslim artisans for the deity, Pipili is the perfect display of cultural synchronisation in Odisha. The stone work and applique handicrafts make perfect for souvenirs of your trip.
On the other hand, Raghurajpur is popular for its Pattachitra art which is a colourful display of mythological events and the holy trinities from Hindu epics in paintings. Housing more than a hundred artists, this heritage village presents the perfect opportunity to communicate and learn more about the art from locals. Don’t forget to carry Pattachitra depicted on dried palm leaves and paper masks as memorabilia of the unique village.

Read More: Six Undiscovered Beaches of the Eastern Ghats

Puri Beach Festival

Puri Beach Festival is a carnival cherishing the local flavours, crafts and golden shores of Odisha. Organised every year in the month of November, the festival includes the exuberant celebration of art by professional folk dancers and singers. Fairs are organised and beautiful handloom products like the ‘Pattachitra Sari’ are displayed for the visitors for sale. At one hand, where the view of beautiful sand arts created by proficient artists is a sight to behold, sports of Mallakhamb, Kabaddi and beach volleyball set the tone for an enthralling evening of Yacht and Regatta boat races.
Keep yourself busy with activities such as yoga and water sports or check out the cultural events like theatre and photography workshops. With exquisite local food adding the perfect flavour to your time here, it’s a party you can’t afford to miss out on!
What are your favourite places to visit in Puri? Share your travel stories below!

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