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Puri is located on the Bay of Bengal coast in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. The place is at a distance of 60 kms from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa's capital city. Puri is regarded as sacred by Hindus for the presence of Jagannath temple. Puri is also popular for its white sandy beach. Tourists visit Puri in thousands to pay obeisance at Jagannath temple and take part in the annual Rath yatra festival. This place of religious significance is also called 'Sri Purusottama Dham'. Due to its proximity to state capital Bhubaneshwar, tourists find it very convenient to travel to Puri.

Best Season to Visit : October-April

Sightseeing at Puri -

The Jagannath Temple : The Jagannath temple of Puri is famous all over the world. The Jagannath Temple is regarded as one of the four most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. The magnificent temple was built in the 12th century and the structure of the temple is 65-meter high. The adjoining Nata Mandir and Bhoga Mandir were built two centuries later. However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Jagannatha temple premises.

Gundicha Ghar : The Gundicha temple is also an important temple of Puri. Legend has it that this temple is the home of Lord Krishna's aunt 'Gundicha'. This temple is very closely associated with Rath Yatra in Puri. During the course of Yatra ceremony, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken out in wooden chariot (Rath) from Jagannath temple to Gundicha Ghar.

Chilika Lake : Chilika is Asia's largest freshwater lake spread over an area of 1100 sq km The lake is at a distance of 50 kms from Puri. A rich variety of aquatic fauna is found in Chilika lake. Dolphins are also found in the lake. During winters, migratory birds in very large numbers come to Chilika.

Reaching Puri -

• Air : Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport from Puri at a distance of 56 kms. Flights are available to Bhubaneshwar from all major destinations of India.
• Rail : The railway station at Puri is a major railway station well connected to many cities and towns of India.
• Road : Puri is well connected to the rest of Orissa and Kolkata by road.

Shopping in Puri -

The best buys of Puri are handicraft items and sea shell products. Tourists coming to Puri also love to pick up the beautiful handloom sarees made here.