Puri District is a coastal District on the eastern part of Odisha, India. This District needs no introduction, being the abode of Lord Vishnu, most popularly known as Lord Jagannath. This District derives its name from the heritage city of Puri, one of the four pilgrimage centres of India. Covering an area of 3051 sq/kms, the District may be divided into two dissimilar natural divisions-the Littoral tract and the Level alluvial tract. It is also located at 19’ 28 N Latitude 26’ 35 N, 84’ 29 E. Longitude 86’ 25 E. Its altitude is at sea level. The population of the District is 16, 98, 730 (as per 2011 Census) and the density of population is 488 people per sq. km. The rural population is 14,33,800 and the urban, 2,64,930. SC population is 3, 25, 133 and ST is 4, 482. The District is quite literate in the sense that its literates number 1, 291,939 as against the illiterates numbering 4, 06, 791. Paddy, wheat, mung, biri, kulthi and groundnut are some of the major crops grown in the District.
History
The ancient city and its history are intertwined with Lord Jagannath. The city is one of the Char Dham’s (Four sacred places) of India. The Char Dham’s were established by Adi Shankaracharya. Besides the cult of Lord Jagannath & the mysticism attached with Puri, It’s one of the few destinations where one can combine spiritual salvation with fun & adventure. The city is dotted with many old shrines and Matha’s (Ashram’s) each having its own little story which weaves itself in the larger canvas attached with Lord Jagannath.
The variety of options for tourists that Puri offers, makes it a wholesome tourist destination.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Puri
More than just a city, Puri is filled with the goodness of tourist attractions that the expectations of its tourists touch a level higher with every visit. Spend a few days in the lap of Puri and its famous attractions Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, Gundicha Temple, Ramachandi Temple and you will know it all.
An Insight into Puri Tourism
Taking its share of charm from the Bay of Bengal is the city of Odisha which spreads spirituality over the eastern part of India. Puri, a fabulous tourist place which shines brighter in summers, smells earthy in monsoon and seems beautifully rustic in winters has a heart to heart connection with its travellers. It’s a tourism place in Odisha where devotees bow down in front of the divine lord Jagannath in the morning, sit back on the beach and feel serendipity in the evening and in the rest of the afternoon explore its every corner.
The city has been mostly known by the name Jagannatha Dhama due to the presence of the pristine Jagannath Temple from the 12th century. Jagannath Temple is one of the religious Char Dham sites in India which is most visited during the Rath Yatra. Moreover, it’s only when the pilgrims see and get a touch of the chariot on which the Lord is carried that they feel their journey in Odisha is complete.
Moving forward, the city is a bliss for the ones who like attaching their soul to nature as Puri is also known for being shelter to the famous Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to not just migratory birds, aquatic animals but also to Spotted Deer, Blackbuck, Golden Jackals, and Hyenas. Once the travellers are done with the wildlife sightseeing tour, the city offers the splendid sight of its many top places to visit like Chilika Lake, Buddhist sites and more.
As the day exchanges its place with the balmy evening, the city pulls its travellers close to the Puri Beach, who come here to dip in the sacred water. As soon as the waves hit the shore, the white sand gets a new life which in itself is a stunning view. Plan a trip here in November and get a chance to celebrate the Annual Puri Beach festival which is among the best things to do and rejoice the marvelous moments. All of this is just a glimpse of what it’s like to holiday in Puri, as the land narrates stories only to the ones who listen close.
