'''Puri''' is a renowned city and headquarters of Puri District in the Indian state of Orissa(Latitude: 19__ 48' 0 N, Longitude: 85__ 50' 60 E), also known as The Abode of Lord Jagannath.
Understand
'''Jagannath Puri or Purusottama Puri''' (approximately 1 and a half hours or 60 km from Bhubaneswar by bus {about Rs. 25 to Rs. 150), about 2 hours by train) is a pilgrimage town with the famous temple of Lord Jagannath (means Lord of the Universe) and is a major tourist destination with all its beautiful and pleasant sights. There are many hotels, most overseas tourists stay near to Chakratirtha Road (C.T. Road) - try Hotel Lotus - for the best of star hotels like hotel holiday resort, mayfair beach resort or you can ask rickshaws for 'Sea Beach Road or Swargadwara'. Some good hotels are Hotel Puri and Hotel New Sea Hawk (in Swargadwar) The Sun temple at Konark is also near by. If you go to Puri by road from Bhubaneswar you will go past Pipli with its beautiful applique handicrafts, worth a look. The Puri sea beach is a major attraction with its fantastic sea face view and golden sand, the water is a bit rough (which is good if you like to surf).
Get in
By train
Puri is well connected by Railways. Trains are from Kolkata (Howrah jn), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, etc. It is also a major railhead on the East Coast Railway, bifurcated from Khurda Road Jn. The Railway Station of Puri is in The heart of the town and near to all hotels. If you arrive by train go to the Orissan State Tourist counter at the station for advice, they are usually very helpful and speak English. The MCO Booth is also quite helpful. Locals speak Oriya. Due to the presence of people from various parts of India there would not be a language problem. Hindi is also widely used. Some locals even speak Bengali.
Get around
You can use cycle or auto rickshaws but agree a price before you set off. There are places on C.T Road where you can hire an Enfield motorbike, good if you want to drive along the coast to Konark(Sun Temple).
A cycle rickshaw is in the range of 20 rupees.
See
'''Shree Jagannath Puri''' Temple. One of the four dhams ie four most sacred pilgrimage places of Hindus. Constructed in 11th century and is the starting point of the world famous Rath Yatra held in July. Entry is limited to Hindus. Do lean against the Shani temple and watch the summit of the temple and do savour the temple food or bhog. The temple complex is huge and has some very interesting stories associated, priests or pandas are generally the ones who conduct the non Oriya people around and generally mention all these stories although they can demand exorbitant amounts; bring it down to something reasonable. It is possible to go into the sanctum sanctorum and touch the deities in the main temple for a fee.
'''Golden Beach of Puri'''.
''' Shankaracharya's GOBARDHAN Pitha''' A Hindu Math
'''Swargadwar''' The Gateway to Heaven. Site of cremation of almost all famous Oriya people.
'''Shree Lokanath''' Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid himself from Shani, under a pond. The Shiva Linga here is partially submerged and the pond is teeming with fish. Priests here tend to be very strict so do maintain etiquette.
'''Sunara Gaurang''' Temple
'''Bedi Hanuman''' Temple
'''Chakra Tirtha''' Temple
'''Mausima''' Temple
'''Shree Gundicha''' Temple Destination of Rath Yatra.
Famous Places Near Puri
'''Sun Temple of Konark'''.
'''Chandrabhaga''' Sea Beach.
'''Chilika Lake'''.
'''Satapada''' Dolphin Sanctuary.
'''Alarnath''' Temple
'''Pipili''' Famous for Applique Work.
'''Raghurajpur''' Famous for Patta Chitra.
'''Puri Konark Marine Drive''' This road was recently renovated and hence is in superb condition. Is peppered with deserted beaches and many rivers fall into the sea in places visible, if not accessible, from the road. Some beaches are said to have quicksands. Along the way there is a temple Ramchandi which is a popular picnic spot amongst the locals as non-veg is allowed in the temple.
'''Balihar Chandi Temple''' Is secluded with a beautiful and very calm beach nearby view from the temple of which is obscured by a forest.
Do
Enjoy the splendour of the Golden Beach of Puri. It is ideal for surfing and cool for a dip. The beach is covered in golden sand. The waves can also be high and rough during purnima (full moon). Also, "Please Do not litter the beach" to keep its magnificent view intact. You have to be careful about swimming off the ''Chakra Tirtha Rd'' end of the beach because there is a canal that carries raw sewerage into the ocean.
Eat
'''Shyama''' -- pure vegetarian restaurant opposite the Jagannath temple on the Grand Road above the shops on the corner. There are many restaurants in Swargadwara, New Puri and C.T. Road.
'''Kakatua''' -- Near the Iskcon temple in Swargadwara there is a good sweet shop/restaurant with a cockatoo outside and the resto is named after it...
'''Krishna Resorts''' -- pure vegetarian restaurant with gujarati and marwari thali on chakratirth road.
Sleep
Puri is a very popular holiday resort for people from all over India but they tend to stay in the hotels nearer to Swargadwar (rather than C.T Road). These hotels are often inexpensive and offer quality services at very reasonable rates.
Hotel Sairam. otel Sairam , CT Road. 6752-233690 /2694201 /9861190891. .00AM. .30AM. s 500/- 1000/-. Hotel Sairam is located on marine drive road near Sansangha Thakurbadi,near puri railwaystation and just 10 meter away form golden beach of puri.Rooms are neatly furnished and are sea facing. Warm and friendly staff. The Jagannath temple is just 10 mins far from Hotel
'''Asian Inn Beach Resort''', New Marine Drive Road, Swargadwar, Puri, Orissa. Asian Inn Beach Resort is located on the New Marine Drive Road, in the sacred Swargadwar locality of Puri. The hotelA?A_fs advantageous location makes it a favourite with the tourists. The Railway station is just 3 km away, Bus stand at 4 kms while the nearest airport at Bhubaneshwar is just 65 kilometers. The Three storied resort provides rooms with all modern facilities with a good view of the thundering Bay of Bengal. Elevators make the journey effortless to the upper floors. ThereA?A_fs an air-conditioned Restaurant as well as a conference room. Other facilities include Doctor on call, Laundry, Locker and secretarial services.
''' Hotel Vijoya International''', [http://vijoyahotel.com/]. A charming, beautiful hotel situated right on the sea shore in Chakra Tirtha. The private beach is clean and tent facilities are available. Pickup and drop facilities are available from the station and you will be welcomed with flowers and welcome drink. Rooms are neatly furnished and are sea facing. The restaurant provides exquisite cuisine and will customise your menu for any special requirement (for a kid, for example). Try the fish tikka.
''' OTDC Panthanivas [http://www.panthanivas.com/booking.asp?dest=PURI]
'''Mayfair Puri''', [http://www.mayfairhotels.com/puri/contact.asp]. The most beautiful beach resort with SPA services. Room tariff 5,000-7,500 INR. This hotel has its private beach with couple of lifeguards roaming around. Elegantly furnished rooms with exotic cuisine served at the restaurants makes this resort apart.
'''Hotel Holiday Resort''', Chakratirtha Road, Phone: 06752 222440, 224370, 234371 ''(fax: 06752-223968, E-mail: holidayresortpuri@rediffmail.com)'', [http://www.holidayresortpuri.com]. is the next to Mayfair, when it comes hospitality and service. It has a private beach, life-guards, private auto-rickshaw stand, swimming pool, spa and all modern amenties. Indian and Foreign cuisines are served at the restaurant and good room service makes this resort the best.
Gochikar House. ew Marine Drive Road, Swargodwar. 91 9239572058. AM. AM. s 500/- to 1200. Sea View Rooms, Travel Desk
hotelpushpasree. ew Marine Drive Road, Gourbad Sahi. 91 98319 05664 . otelpushpasree@gmail.com
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Deep Resorts. 91 9007207751. ebasismukherjee@yahoo.in. .30AM. AM. s 750/- to1400/-. AC/NON Ac Sea Facing Rooms , Multicusine Resturant, Travel Desk , Cards Accepted No
Toshali Sands Resort and Hotel. ravel and Stay in Puri. oshali Ethnic Resort in Puri. 674-2547720/2547074/9337334670, 0124-2563105/2565315 . nfo@toshali.in. 124-2563174. s.3200 for a big Deluxe Cottage. ttp://www.toshalisands.com. Toshali Sands is the only luxurious five star facilities resort in Orissa,close to beach. Approved by Department of Tourism with its unique ethnic charm that offers everything that you could ask of a Resort Hotel with excellent luxuries.Warm and friendly staff.Spread in acres.Resort has Russian language interpretor.
Hans Coco Palms Resort. 752 230951, 230952. 6752 230165. s.3600 for a double (February 2007). ttp://www.hanshotels.com/coco-palms-hotel-puri/hotel-info.html. Quiet location and a swimming pool. The hotel has a private beach, although there are only two canopies for guests. There are no lifeguards (nulia), but you can hire one if you wish. Breakfast (especially the Hans Coco Palms Special) is a good value for money and very wholesome. Try the tomato shorba and 'thaali' for lunch/dinner.
Hotel Diamond Palace. ew Marine Drive Road, Gourbad Sahi. 6752 230300. oteldiamond@hoteldiamondpalacepuri.com. s.600-1000. ttp://www.hoteldiamondpalacepuri.com.
'''Masir Hotel''' Only for Fooding [Veg.or Non-Veg] (''Swargadwar, Puri, 752001'') [mailto:biswa_bhuyan@hotmail.com] Budget hotel in Puri(Oldest) for 70 years of sevice.Mobile No.0-98611-77774 / 0-93388-77774 (Bubun)
Hotel Roopam. ew Marine Drive Road. 6752 230650, 231222. s.600-1000. ttp://www.sensonmedia.net/hotelroopam.htm.
Puri Hotel. ea Beach. 6752 222114, 223809. ttp://www.purihotel.in/. s.400 for a big 4-bed room with balcony. urihotel@purihotel.in. 6752 222744. Excellent location. You get a full sea view straight out of balcony of most of the rooms. They have a website with a facility of online booking .
'''HOTEL SEAGULL ''' ON BEACH SWARGADRAR ALL ROOMS ARE SEA FACING 1580/- TO 2180/- ALL AC ROOMS / ECONOMY NAN AC ROOMS 680/- TO 880/- KOLKATA BOOKINGS 033 - 329=53360 , 2249=2716 , 98310=12240
trust travels. ea Beach. 9830667163, . contact@trusttravels.com. 1-(033)-2461-8826
" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs.400 for a big 4-bed room with balcony" url="http://www.trusttravels.com">Excellent location. You get a full sea view straight out of balcony of most of the rooms. They have a website with a facility of online booking. </sleep>
'''Krishna Resorts''', Chakratirth road, Phone: 06752 220448, (Email: harishvchawda@yahoo.co.in). Near the sea beach having furnished a/c and non a/c rooms from 350/- for non a/c 650/- for a/c rooms, 4 bed rooms and 3 bed rooms also available, colour tv and hot water facility. Vegetarian-friendly restaurant attached.
'''Krushna Mandir''', At. Near Arabinda School, Swargadwar) Phone.91-6752-654800 / Fax No.91-6752-231895 & Cell No.0-98610-10600 email: bmbhuyan@gmail.com, [http://bmbhuyan.googlepages.com]. 25 furnished Rooms with kitchen facilities only for Holiday Home (Booked by Kolkata office)(see website for details), Authorised Indian Rail travel agent on-site.
Balananda Tirthasram & Restaurant. alananda Tirthasram. ea Beach Road, Puri. fter metorological ofice. orning. 4 hours. 4. Very beautiful family hotel. Very moderate rate beautiful picturesque sight of sea.
Rent are from 200 and more. You can see the sea from your room balcony.
Very beautiful and friendly vegetarian restaurant. Rs.24 only per meal. It is a family restaurant. Just opposite sea beach. You have to take the order and collect coupon at morning before 10 for lunch start at 12.30pm. Same for dinner and breakfast.
Phone no. 06752228727 / 06752694108
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'''Hotel Sea Queen Inn''', Chakratirth road, Phone: 06752 222846. This is situated just off the beach but has got a few rooms with view of the sea. Between the beach and the hotel is a small restaurant called Pink House. Lovely food and friendly people, especially the waiter Akshaya. Adjacent to the hotel is an Ayurvedic Center providing Body Massage and other ayurvedic therapies. The good thing is that hotel, restaurant and Ayurvedic Center are inexpensive. Sea Queen has non-AC rooms for INR 400/- and AC rooms for INR 800/-. Massages start from INR 350/- for an hours' session but a 14-day session costs just INR 750/-. Overall a nice place to Stay and meet a lot of other travellers.
Stay safe
In cheap hotels or Guest Houses on Swargadwar or New Puri, try to take care of your own belongings. DO NOT try to go to the beach after 8 pm. If you get seriously ill in Puri it is better to go on to Bhubaneswar to the Kalinga Hospital as the hospitals in Puri are very, very basic and not too clean. The hotel should be able to get a local doctor for you if you need one.
There are mouthwatering foodstalls on the beach selling fish, mutton, chicken kebabs, chops and cutlets. DO NOT try these, unless you want to experience the medical system of Puri. Even weather-beaten, battle-hardened, super-immune Indian stomachs can not tolerate these tasty but unhygienic attacks on your digestive system. Eat out of hotels, perfectly fine. But do NOT try the seashore roadside food stalls.
Stay safe from pandas of any temple.Ignore them as they are very dangerous.They will extract money from your pocket ruthlessly in the name of God. They are very influential and nothing can be done with the help of law. Avoid entering innermost sanctum of any living temple(even if you are Hindu/Indian).They will ask you to offer puja or pay respect to innumerous Gods here and there of same temple very politely/affectionately but will demand money in name of each God separately.No use arguing with them.If you are a bit religious/curious then carry enough change so that you can donate Rs 1,2,5, 10 to get rid of them without any commotion.
Stay away from monkeys.Dont lure them with food and other stuff.
[http://picasaweb.google.com/dhiraj.patra/PuriTour2008#5264688244730847298 Balananda Tirthasram - Puri sea beach]
Get out
Puri being a major tourist spot is well connected with rest of the country by train. In case of flight connectivity one has to go to Bhubaneswar to get onto one.
From the main bus stand in Puri you can get buses to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack which are less than 60-70 km far. Bhubaneswar which is a major hub further increases connectivity.
The temple of Konark is nearby and definitely a must visit.
Satapada on Chilika Lake is nearby and is a great place for sighting dolphins.