Travel Blog 2: Exploring Puri, The Spiritual and Coastal Gem of Odisha

Puri, often called the Abode of Lord Jagannath, is a key stop on the Char Dham yatra. It is situated on India's eastern coast in the state of Odisha and is a vibrant city known for its spiritual significance, sea and cultural heritage. The Jagannath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, attracts visitors from around the world. Alongside its religious importance, Puri features beautiful beaches along the Bay of Bengal, offering relaxation and scenic views. The city hosts lively festivals like the iconic Rath Yatra, drawing thousands each year.

Puri Beach: A Heaven for Nature Lovers

Puri Beach is an enchanting destination on India’s eastern coastline, elegantly bordering the Bay of Bengal. With its breathtaking sunrises and stunning sunsets, this beach is a heaven for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful escape, Puri Beach promises an unforgettable experience that captures the heart and soul of the seaside! This year, after a lengthy period of being busy, I finally had the chance to unwind and organize a family getaway. We began our adventure by boarding the Shatabdi Express from Howrah, enjoying the comfortable journey as we made our way to the state capital Bhubaneswar. Upon arrival, we took the opportunity to rest for the day, soaking in the local atmosphere and recharging for the next leg of our trip. The following morning, after a wholesome breakfast at our hotel, we decided to explore further by using the air-conditioned bus services that departed from the Kalpana bus stand. I was initially skeptical about the bus journey, but it was very comfortable and smooth. The scenic ride took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which we admired the lush landscapes and vibrant surroundings. Finally, we reached our destination, the beautiful coastal city of Puri, eager to enjoy its famous beaches and rich culture. We took an auto-rickshaw, loaded with all our luggage, and headed towards our resort. Along the way, we saw much of the city, including the new broad roads, bustling traffic, numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, and the charming old narrow lanes. As we arrived, a strong sea breeze greeted us, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves, which washed away our tiredness. After checking into our hotel, we quickly finished our lunch and set out to explore the beach.

This is my second visit to Puri, and I couldn't be more thrilled! So much has changed, yet the timeless gorgeousness and charm of this place remain as captivating as ever. We were incredibly excited to witness the beauty of the Bay of Bengal. The pristine blue water, the white foam, the sound of the waves, and the warm and golden sand all created a stunning atmosphere. The sunlight made the sea sparkle beautifully. The beach was quite crowded with tourists, as it was vacation time for many people, and the weather was pleasant. We all jumped into the water and enjoyed swimming in the waves. It was truly a joyful moment for all of us. We were fortunate to experience the high waves since the new moon was approaching. The saltwater felt refreshing as the waves crashed around us. Sometimes, the waves were so strong that we could hardly stand still. We were tossed around by the waves on the beach. I collected a few seashells- treasures from the wild sea, but there were only a few. We could see people playing on the beach and capturing memories with their cameras. There were some photographers who could snap your picture while also handing you a hat and sunglasses. It felt like they were ready to turn us into the stars. Very interesting to see, and a little funny, but hey, at least I looked fabulous! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted a camel on the beach! I always thought they only hung out in the desert. Visitors can enjoy camel and horse rides along the picturesque beach, offering a unique way to experience the coastal scenery. However, it's worth noting that some shops may be closed during the daytime, so plan your visit accordingly to ensure you don't miss out on any local items. You can’t truly experience a place without diving into its local cuisine! We had a fantastic time enjoying some scrumptious crabs, pomfret fish, and lobsters, all super fresh and bursting with flavor. And let's not forget the delightful local sweet with a smoky touch called 'chhena poda'—it was the perfect ending to our meals! If you ever find yourself in Odisha make sure to indulge in breakfast 'dahi vada aloo dum' from street vendors. Each bite tells the tradition and the craftsmanship of this beautiful state. We took a break for the day, and in the evening, we returned to the beach to soak in the beautiful nighttime view of the sea. The area was filled with numerous shops offering delightful local handcrafted items and delicious foods. We happily picked out a few souvenirs made from shells to remember our visit.

Tourists enjoying the sea

Puri sea beach

Camel on the beach

Sea in the evening

Beach in the evening

Early morning

She sells seashells on the seashore

Seafood

The Majestic Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple is an important spiritual centre in Puri dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, where devotion and culture thrive. King Indradyumna of Avanti built the original temple for Lord Jagannath. To honour the divine presence the current temple was rebuilt starting in the tenth century on the site of earlier temples by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. This 12th-century temple is a major Hindu pilgrimage site with intricate its breathtaking Kalinga architecture that features soaring spires, carvings, and a towering Shikhara that reaches 65 meters! More than just grand in size, the temple exudes a mystical aura that captivates every visitor. As an iconic landmark of Puri, the Jagannath Temple is a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual and architectural wonder! We conducted our puja in the serene early morning hours, seeking to avoid the rush of the crowd and to bask in the divine tranquillity of the dawn. This sacred time allowed us to embrace the peaceful vibes of the temple. We witnessed an incredible scene as people of all ages—young children bursting with energy, wise elders sharing smiles, and even those with physical challenges—journeyed from every corner of the country to visit the temple at dawn. The air was filled with enthusiasm, and there was not a hint of exhaustion among them! Engaging in lively conversations with locals and fellow travelers, we exchanged vibrant cultural values and uplifting moral beliefs, making the experience even more enriching. It felt like a beautiful celebration of community and spirit! Inside the temple, there are several smaller temples where we also prayed. It features a massive kitchen that prepares Mahaprasad (food offered to the deity), which is known as the world's largest kitchen. Inside the temple, phones and cameras are not allowed, which can be disappointing for those wanting to capture memories. However, this absence of distractions seemed to allow everyone to fully immerse themselves in the serenity and devotion all around. We truly appreciated the beauty and unique atmosphere of the space, creating moments that we can cherish for a lifetime.

Jagannath Temple

Rath Yatra

The temple's spiritual essence is amplified during the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), an annual event during July (monsoon season) where the deities are paraded on elaborately decorated chariots. Hundreds of thousands of devotees gather to pull these chariots through the streets of Puri, believing that doing so brings blessings and fulfils their wishes. This festival highlights Puri's unique blend of devotion, culture, and joy, attracting people worldwide. The celebration and procession are so monumental that the word “juggernaut” in English is derived from this event, meaning grand or enormous. Visiting Puri during the Rath Yatra is on my Wishlist already!

Visiting Puri has always been an exciting experience. Since we did not have much time and had already visited local sights during our last trip, we limited our exploration of the city this time. However, for those visiting the area for the first time, I highly recommend checking out some notable attractions, including Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Dhauli, Konark, Chilika Lake (the largest brackish water lake in Asia), Lingaraj Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park. We returned with invaluable memories and blessings, ready to embrace the next adventure.

Jai Jagannath!