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Puri Tours

General Information and Tips About Puri

  • The standard time in Puri is GMT + 5 ½ Hours
  • Govt of Odisha tourist offices are available at Railway station, Jagannath Temple, Sea Beach, Bus Stand and also in various tourist destinations.
  • The summer is very hot and humid at Puri. Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and a hat.
  • The winter is not too cold at Puri. Do carry light winter clothes with you.
  • You will find beggars in all tourist destinations, it is not mandatory to help them, try to avoid them as far as possible. Do not let them hassle you, and do not encourage them by giving them money.
  • Change currency only from official money changers.
  • Cyber cafes with Internet facility is available in some places of Puri.
  • Always respect religious shrines and places of worship.
  • Non Hindus are not allowed to enter into Lord Jagannath Temple.
  • In case of any trouble, immediately contact the nearest Police Station.
  • Make sure to remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship. All most all temples in Puri will not even allow you to carry leather articles like wallet, belt etc inside. You can deposit them in the temple shoe stand and collect it on your way out.

Safety Tips

  • While travelling in/to various tourist places of/around Puri in local buses, trains etc. be aware of pick picketers and snatchers. Though it is not a frequent activity but many cases reported every year. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items unattended.
  • Don’t keep your wallet in the rear pocket. Keep it in an inside jacket pocket or side trouser pocket.
  • All valuables and important papers (jewelry, passports, return tickets, etc) should be kept in your hotel’s safe deposit box. Never leave them unattended in your room. Avoid carrying large sums of cash on your person.
  • Don’t take the advice of taxi drivers for the purpose of accommodation.
  • You should be aware of the local laws and customs prevailing in India. This will help in making your trip hassle free.
  • Never ever purchase air/ rail/ bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents/ tour operators, also known as touts. They are not at all reliable. Buy tickets from the authorized centers only.

Health And Medication

  • Avoid drinking water from an unknown source. When in doubt purchase Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Finaetc mineral water bottles from any shop.
  • Even when you are visiting restaurants or hotels, insist on bottled (mineral) water. You will not face much trouble as almost all the restaurants and hotels keep bottled water.
  • You can find vendors selling fresh coconut water everywhere in Puri.
  • Avoid foods that have been laid out in the open, avoid sweets and candies from local markets. Try and avoid spicy food, especially if you’re not used to it. Enjoy your food inside the hotels and restaurants.
  • Pharmacies or chemists are available in every place of Puri. In case you need to consult a doctor, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors on call) or go to any hospital/clinic.
  • Never forget to carry your essential medication with you. The brand names can differ and your specific brand of medication may not be available in Puri.
  • Never eat cut fruits sold by the roadside vendors. Always eat fruits you can peel. Wash the fruits properly with water well before eating them.
  • Sun in Puri can be ruthless in the summer months. Keep a good sunscreen lotion and sun block cream to avoid sun damages.

For more details, you can contact the hotel management at Hotel Holiday Resort or visit www.puriholidayresort.com

Puri Tours

If you are planning to travel to Puri, here we are with complete travel guide to make your Puri Holidays relaxing, enjoyable and memorable.

Puri – Geographical Location

Puri is a city found in Odisha, India. It is located 19.80 latitude and 85.82 longitude and it is situated at elevation 16 meters above sea level.

Puri has a population of 170,841 making it the 5th biggest city in Odisha. It operates on the BURT time zone, which means that it follows the same time zone as Nowrangapur.

How to Reach Puri

There are many ways of getting to India and then to Puri. It is up to your choice if you want an expensive and comfortable way or an inexpensive and less comfortable means of transportation. There are some options available below how to reach Puri, please choose the way you find the suits to you.

By Air

Puri is 60 km from the domestic airport which is in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Bhubaneswar is connected by air with flights to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Calcutta, Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Chennai and Mumbai etc. All major domestic airlines like Air Deccan, Jetlite, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines have daily flights to/from Bhubaneswar. The nearest International Airport is at Calcutta (Kolkata).

Travellers flying from Europe or America (east): The best way to reach Puri is to fly either to Calcutta (Kolkata), Mumbai (Bombay) or Delhi and then fly to Bhubaneshwar.

Travellers flying from Australia or California could fly directly to Chennai (Madras) or Calcutta (Kolkata) and then fly to Bhubaneshwar.

By Rail

Puri is the last point of South Eastern Railway. A major rail head on the South Eastern Railway, Puri has fast and superfast train connections to Calcutta, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and other major cities and towns of the country.

There is an official Indian railways website where you can find all the necessary information, including time table and fares. You can also book tickets online. This website accepts all major credit cards.

Major Tourist Attractions

The Golden Triangle of East India includes Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar. This is also known as the glorious golden temple triangle of the Eastern India. This triangle shows the rich heritage of the state of Odisha. Each place has it’s own importance, culture and heritage.

Golden Triangle

PURI: The first link of Odisha’s Golden Triangle, Puri is the spiritual capital of the state and popularly known as Jagannath Puri, Nilachala, Nilagiri, Niladri, PurusottamKhetra, Srikhetra, Shreekhetra and SankhaKhetra, occupies a significant place in the map of torism and field of spiritualism of the country for its magnificent culture and striking beauty. Puri, popularly known as the Jagannath Dham, is one of the Char Dhams (Four most famous pilgrimage circuit) of India. The other three dhams are Dwarka, Rameswaram and Badrinath. The main two attractions of this city are famous Lord Jagannath Temple and finest long sandy Sea beach.

BHUBANESWAR: The Second link of Odisha’s Golden Triangle, Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha. It is also known as the ‘City of Temples’. The main tourist attractions of this city are Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Bindusagar Lake, Khandagiri, Udigiri, Nandankanan and Odisha State Museum.

KONARK: The Third link of Odisha’s Golden Triangle, the Sun Temple of Konark, built in the middle of 13th century, is a massive conception of artistic magnificence and engineering dexterity. Designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by seven mighty horses, this monument attracts domestic and international pilgrims and tourists in large numbers.

Stay Tuned with Hotel Holiday Resort at www.puriholidayresort.com to gather all the information about Puri.

Puri

There are many traditional old cultural institutions known as ‘Jagagharas’ in Puri. The ‘Jagagharas’ is aplace where certain activities such as bathing in ponds, playing cards, relaxing and spending time with friends are done. Most of these activities are carried out by males. The Kids and young boys get involved in body-building and wrestling.

Structure and Deity

A ‘Jagagharas’ ought to have a temple and a tank. In these temples, idols of Lord Mahavir Hanuman are worshipped. Lord Hanuman is considered as the symbol of celibacy, dedication and physical strength.

Establishment

The Jaga culture was established in ancient times. Several historical evidences say that ‘Jagagharas’ have played an active role as paramilitary organizations in earlier eras.

‘Jagagharas’ are not popular among tourists but make an important aspect of cultural heritage of Puri. These institutions were formed by Sangas- the group of people. In every street, one can easily notice one or two ‘Jagagharas’. Akhadas are said to be the apex bodies of all the ‘Jagagharas’. A GandamalaJagaos is one of the ‘Jagagharas’ located in KalikadeviSahi and another one is the Akhada at the Dakhinakali Temple. There are some 23 akhadas in KundeibentaSahi, which are collectively known as the PatharaAkhada.

Epicenter of Activities

‘Jagagharas’ are centers where the traditional equipment like bed for wrestling also known as the Phulka, woods of various shapes and sizes such as Mudgara, some musical instruments such as the Mardala and a tank with an open space is kept.

Dance forms such as Gotipua dance and the songs from odian culture are alsoperformed as Jagas. The sheltered trees, crystal clear peaceful water of the tanks and the cool relaxing ambiance serve the purpose of these ‘Jagagharas’. Saanga (friends), Sangeeta, and the Bhanga are known to be few mediums of having fun and getting entertained.

The procession of ChandanJatra commences from ‘Jagagharas’ only. All the members of ‘Jagagharas’ take bath in the auspicious Narendra Tank. Later on they all go to the Jamunagadhua after Krushnajanma. SahiJatra is street play which is performed during Rama Navmi.

For more interesting facts- stay tuned at www.puriholidayresort.com

Budhhist Monastery

Puri is a land of remarkable culture and tradition. Along with the main temple Jagannath, there are number of other places in the city and also spread in its adjacent boundaries. Pipili,Konark, Chilika are some famous place, but today we are going to explore a hidden gem- Kuruma.

Kuruma, a small village in Puri, is located at a distance of 8 kilometers to the south-east of the sun temple of Konark. Kuruma is alternatively spelled as Kurum. The place is famous for the ancient Buddhist site. This site was built between 9th – 10th centuries A.D. It is situated on the left side of the Konarka–Kakatapur road and can be approached by a road branching from the Bali Dokan chowk and is about 2 kilometers from the chowk. The exact geographical location of this village is LONGITUDE 860 07’ 24” E and LATITUDE 190 53’ 62” N. Scholars are of opinion that this was one of the sites containing Buddhist stupas described by HiuenT’sang.

The site was first reported by Brajabandhu Das, a local school teacher and subsequently excavated by Odisha state Archaeology from 1971 to 1975. Prior to this excavacation, a stone slab containing the beautiful image of Lord Buddha was found on the bank of a tank at one end of the village. Here Buddha is seated cross legged with right hand in Bhumisparsa mudra while the left hand placed over his left knee. The image also wears a beautiful crown and a beautifully carved necklace. Besides this Buddha image, other two images were also found near the tank. One of these figures is identified as ‘Heruka’. Local people call this image as ‘Dharma’ (the Sun God) and another image is identified as ‘Yama’ (the God of Death). This Buddhist monastery is having twelve blocks, three in each cardinal direction and an open large courtyard at the center.

The monastery is abandoned now but the images retrieved from the site now worshiped within a small shed. Tourists may visit the room of teacher Sri Brajabandhu Das near to the UGME school, where some of the excavated specimens like script on stone, ancient coins etc. are kept under his supervision. From archaeological point of view Kuruma is not vary famous, but from tourism point of view it is an important place due to its close proximity to sun temple of Konark.

Stay connected at www.puriholidayresorts.com to know more about interesting places in and around Puri.

Pipili

Puri has a very wide and distinctive selection of handicrafts. Best known is probably the gorgeous applique work of Pipili. Pipili is on the way from Puri to Bhubaneswar. It is 40 kilometers from Puri, at the junction where the Konarkroad branches from the Bhubaneswar to Puri road. It is a small village. On the main road at Pipili there are many shops selling Applique work products, tourist visiting Puri buy these products from Pipili. It is famous in Odisha as well as in India for it’s applique craft. Each and every family of the village engaged themselves in this applique craft. Most of the people of the village depend on this applique craft for their day to day life. Applique, a French term, is a technique by which various cutting pieces of coloured fabrics are applied to the surface of another foundation fabric. Applique works of Pipili is also known as patching cloth design and in local language this handicraft is known as ‘Chandua’.

Samiana(Canopies) and chhatris(umbrellas) that bear magnificent appliques and designs of great artistic skill are manufactured at pipili and Puri. It is a hereditary craft. Brightly coloured patches of fabric, cut into animal and flower shapes, are sewn onto bed covers, cushions, wall hangings etc. The art form typically depended on four basis colors, red, white, black and yellow to produce a striking effect. In recent years, green too has been applied vigorously enlivening the craft even more.

Any type of worship or sacrificial work is incomplete without pipilichandua. Canopies, chhatries and tarasas made in applique process are increasingly finding place in festivities. In every religious geity be it the car festival or the minor event of festive, shamiana or the canopies are displayed significantly. Wide scale use of shamiana are seen in the various festival of Lord Jagannath. Since the Lord’s rituals are more of the nature of the daily routine of human being, fan, umbrella of applique work are in rampant use to save the deity from the scorching heat of Sun or the rough weather. In chandanyatra the entire procession is taken out displaying and covering the deities with chattris of applique work. Further, the chandua another marvel of applique work has become a household commodity in almost every religious work.

Besides used in the religious function, with the touch of a little modernity, garments of varied designs are also made with it. Ladies item like frock, blouse, purse, handbags etc. are in great demand among tourists. Screens of bigger size with applique touch are also been made depicting the different characters of religious myth for interior design or decoration of houses.

Make sure you visit this hub of arts and crafts when visiting Puri. For more such interesting places near and in Puri, stay tuned with Puri Holiday Resort – your accommodation partner in Puri.

For more details visit www.puriholidayresort.com

Markandeshwar Temple

The Golden Triangle of Odisha is adorned with innumerable temples. Some of these temples hold a very special significance and are historically, culturally and religiously are very important. Most often Jagannath Temple is the most famous and visited pilgrimage site in Puri, however apart from Jagannath Temple, there are few other beautifully carved out temples which should be included in your visiting-spots when travelling to Puri.

One such temple is Markandeshwar Temple in Puri.

Markandeswar temple is also known as Markandesvara Temple, Markandeya Shiva Temple and Markandeswara Mahadeva Temple. This temple is facing towards east and the presiding deity is a Sivalinga. This temple is connected with the rituals of Chandan yatra, Balabhadra Janma, Ashram Bije, Sital Sasthi, Kaliyadalan etc. of the Jaganath temple. Festivals like Janmastami, Risi Panchami, Rakhi Purnima, Sivaratri, Sankranti, Narasimha Chaturdasi etc. are also observed with great devotion at this temple. This place is one of the Pancha Tirthas of Puri and also one of the fifty two sacred Shiva places of the country.

Markandeya is one among the Pancha Pandavas. God saved Markandeya from a severe danger from sea. The place where God saved Markanda is known as Markandeya, the holy place, on that particular spot Markandeya remained on meditation for a long time. At this place a Shiva Temple was constructed by sage Markandeya. The ancient Markandeswar Shiva Temple is situated in the Markandeswar street by the side of  Markandeswar tank, to the north of the Jagannath temple. This place can be approached on the right side of Markandeswar road leading from Markandeswar chowk to Prui-Brahmagiri road. The exact geographical location of this temple is LONGITUDE 85049’94”E and LATITUDE 19048’62”N.

Markandeya Tank

Markandeya tank is an open structure and it enclosed within a stone wall made of dressed laterite blocks. The tank is rectangular is shape and 8.50 meters below the present road level. Its sides measure 350 feet on the northern side, 508 feet on the eastern side, 385 feet on the southern side and 542 feet on the western side. Bathing ghats are provided for the tourists in southern side of the tank. The tank is presently used for rituals as well as for normal bathing. Rituals like Pinda Dana, Mundan Kriya etc. are observed on the steps of the tank. The tank is fed by a natural spring from underground. The excess and waste water is discharged through an outlet channel in the north eastern wall. As a result the water level of the tank remains constant throughout the year. The exact geographical location of this tank is LONGITUDE 85048’94”E LATITUDE 19048’62”N.

Previously at the northern side of the tank there are seven stone images, each four feet high, kept over a platform representing the Sapta Matrukas or seven sacred mothers. These Seven Mothers are also accompanied by images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Virabhadra. I visited this temple on 02FEB2010 and found that the temple administration is creating a new temple for the Sapta Matrukas and all these images have already been shifted inside the under construction temple.

Few ancient stone inscriptions found on the steps to the tank and the Markandeshwar Temple, are of great interest to historians. These stone inscriptions pertain to Ganga dynasty. Both Markandeswar temple and Markandeswar tank can be dated back to the 12th century AD. Puri became an important center of pilgrimage by the 12th century. The history in Puri also proves that Sri Ramanuja visited Puri during 1107 and 1117. Sri Ramanuja was followed by Vishnu Swami, who is known to establish the Vishnuswami Matha, near Markandeshwar Tank.

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