Climate:

Puri has typical tropical climate with pleasant winters, hot and humid summers and heavy rainfalls. The best time to visit this place is therefore from October to April.

Puri Geography

A study of Puri geography reveals that Puri is divided two natural regions, the littoral tract and the level alluvial tract.

The littoral tract of Puri is a sandy ridge that is said to be an accumulation of the wind blown sand. The width of the littoral tract varies from 6.5 kilometers to a few hundred meters. It stretches along the sea coast and forms the dividing line separating the Chilka Lake and the Ocean.

The level alluvial tract is a region that covers the villages and the rice fields. The rice fields of the level alluvial tract are watered by a number of channels that mainly comprises of the distributaries of the river Mahanadi. Through the rice fields, the distributaries make their way towards the sea.

The physiography of Puri also boasts of a sea-coast bay. The sea-coast of Puri is about 150.4 kilometers in length. It is marked by sandy ridges that stretch into Ganjam and Jagatsingpur. The sandy ridges are formed due to the strong monsoon currents that blow over the area for about 8 months. The ridges that vary in width from 7 kilometers to a few meters prevent the rivers of Puri from draining into ocean.

Besides, the geography of Puri also features:

    * Islands - Although, we do not come across any island in Puri; yet it noteworthy that Chilka Lake is separated by a group of Islands from the Bay of Bengal.
    * Lakes - The Chilka Lake and the Sar Lake are two important lakes of Puri.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing

Puri experiences a typical tropical climate and can best be visited during the winter season from the months of October to April. Light woolens would be fine for the winters since the nights by the sea could be a little chilly. For the summers, light cottons are recommended.

Balighai (8 km)
    The Casuarina fringed Balighai beach is a famous picnic spot. The Sun and fun at the mouth of the river Nuanai is unforgettable.

Brahmagiri (25 km) 

Brahmagiri is known for the living shrine of Alarnath. Streams of pilgrims visit Alarnath during Anabasara of Lord Jagannath. Nearby is the shrine of Baliharachandi on the solitary sand dunes.

Satyabadi (20 km)   

Satyabadi or Sakshigopal is known for the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal. It is believed that the visit to Puri is incomplete without a visit to Sakshigopal. The temple is only 2 km away from the main road leading to Puri and is convenient to visit.

Baliharachandi (27 km)   

27 km to the south-west of Puri is the temple of Baliharachandi. Situated on a sandy hill near the sea and adjacent to the mouth of the river Bhargavi, Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Baliharachandi. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic.


Raghurajpur (16 km)   

One of the most famous artists village in Orissa, the village of Raghurajpur boasts not only of the exquisite pattachitra's and talapattachitra's, but also of being the native place of Guru kelucharan Mohapatra, the famed Odissi dancer. Even today, under the tutelage of renowned Guru's, young boys can be seen practicing the Gotipua dance here. A visit to Orissa would definitely be incomplete without a visit to this little village.

Satapara (52 km)   

Satapara, a retreat in nature on Chilika Lake, has been thrown open to visitors. Its location near the confluence of the Lake with the Bay of Bengal, and proximity to Puri (52 km), makes it an ideal spot to enjoy Chilika. The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make it a preferred place for a vacation with nature. 

Sakshi Gopal
17 km from Puri

Sakshi Gopal Temple, one of the ancient temples in Orissa resembling the Puri Jagannath temple as a miniature version, is located at Satyabadi near Puri and considered as a highly revered shrine. The temple idols brought by King Prataprudra Deva after winning over Kanchi depict the eternal love of Krishna and Radha, with a life size image of Krishna playing the flute together with Radha on the left. The images of Radha and Krishna are very remarkable.

It is believed that the pilgrimage to the Jagannath temple will not be complete without offering prayers at this imposing shrine. An annual fair celebrated here on the Anla Navami day in the month of Kritika is a major draw.

Balighai (8 km)
    
Brahmagiri (25 km) 

Satyabadi (20 km)

Baliharachandi (27 km)

Raghurajpur (16 km)

Satapara (52 km)

Well-connected to all the major cities of Orissa and surrounding areas through extensive network of roads.

Puri railway station is a major railway station and is well connected with almost all the major cities of India. The railway station is easily accessible from the main town area.

The nearest airport is in 56 km away, in Bhubaneswar, which has domestic flights to and from Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Varanasi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam.

   
   
Festivals of Puri , Orissa
   

Reckoned as one of the littoral districts of Orissa, Puri is one of the fascinating lands comprising sun, sea and temples. The rich cultural ethnicity of Puri, with its long recorded history still can be experienced amidst the historical relics, monuments and in the midst of the verve of the fiestas. Puri, the land of Lord Jagannath is far famed as the City of Festivals. Throughout the year about sixty-two festivals are feted in great spirit and exuberance. Fascinatingly, all these festivals are associated with Lord Jagannath. Due mention of these festivals are found even in the ancient scriptures of Puranas like Brahma, Skanda and Padma. For instance in Niladri Mohadayam, one can find a detailed account of these festivals that are related to Purusottam Jagannath.

Amongst the festivals of Puri quite a few can be described as:


Rath Yatra

Puri is as much famous for the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival as the Jaganath Temple. The Rath Yatra is celebrated to commemorate the event of Krishna's journey from Gokul to Mathura. The 13 m tall chariot f Lord Jaganath is built just like the sanctum of the temple. The boarding of the chariot by the deities is announced by the gongs. The king arrives in a beautifully attired elephant and fulfills his duties as the 'Sweeper of the Gods' with golden broom and sprinkling holy water. The procession is lead by Balabhadra's chariot followed by Subhadra's chariot and Jaganath's chariot. Almost 4000 people are required to draw each chariot. During the entire week of the Rath Yatra, the deities are daily dressed in new attires and served with podapitha or the rice cakes.

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PURI BEACH FESTIVAL

Celebrated In : Puri, Orissa
Main Attractions : Fashion Shows, Rock Shows

The Puri Beach Festival is an out and out fun lovers fest. Conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO), the festival is a celebration of Orissa, in all its beauty, charm and fun-loving spirit.
With events ranging from Fashion shows to rock shows, the Puri Beach festival delights visitors and locals alike. Held on the beautiful beach at Puri, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with the local populace and enjoy the many splendoured charms of Orissa.     Puri Beach Festival, Puri, Orissa
The Puri Beach Festival is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa, Development Commissioner of Handicrafts and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center, Calcutta.

Abhisheka Festivals of Puri Abhisheka
Abhisheka marks the start of the chain of all those festivals of Puri related to Lord Jagannath. Abhisheka, also known as `Avhisheka` marks the coronation ceremony of the Lord, held on the full moon day in the month of `Pausha` i.e. months of December and January. Keeping in mind the time of its celebration, people also call it Pushyavisheka, meaning `coronation done in Pausha month`.

Dolayatra

Dolayatra, or the festival of colours, is celebrated from the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Falguna (March to April) till the full moon day. Just like the entire nation, residents of Puri also go gaga with the fervour of festivity. Truly it is one of the famous festivals of Puri where people abide by rituals in their true spirit. Dolagobinda or Madan Mohan is enshrined on a swing and also coloured powder or abira is put on his feet.

Chandanyatra

Starting on the 3rd day of the bright fortnight of Baisaksh Akshay Trutiya , this spectacular festival continues for twenty-one days the time period being from April to May. At the time of the festival idols of deities namely Krishan , Rama, Madan Mohan , Saraswati and Laxmi are taken out in a beautiful procession to Narendra Tank. Along with them five Shivas or Pancha Pandavas like Lokanath, Yameswar, Markandeya, Kapal Mochan and Nilakanth are brought outside. Idols of Madan Mohan, Laxmi and Saraswati are placed in a boat, nicely decorated . Rama, Krishna and all the five Shivas are placed in another boat. Cruising of the celestial gods are done in accompaniment of music and songs. Thus it is called the outer Chandan Yatra.

Snana Yatra

Snana Yatra Festivals of Puri Popularly acclaimed as Snana Yatra , this counts among the popular festivals of Puri. It is held on the auspicious full moon day of Jyestha ( May- June). This is the day when the three deities along with Lord Madan Mohan and Sudarshan are taken outside. At the end of a colourful procession, they are taken to the outer enclosure of the temple. Snana Vedi is the bathing platform where they are placed to perform the holy rite of bathing accompanied by 108 pitchers of water drawn from a well near the Northern Gate.

Anasara

Anasara follows the of Snana Yatra. After the completion of holy bathe, the deities remain in the Anasar House for a period of fifteen days. At that time nobody, not even the priests or Pandas, are allowed to enter the house. It is believed that the deities are infected with fever due to exposure to prolonged bathes. At that time only a class of `Sevaks` of the temple, called Daitas are allotted the duty of revering them secretly.

Chitalagi Amavasya

It is observed on the new moon day of the month of Srabana, i.e. July. No grand rituals and festivities are associated with Chitalagi Amavasya. However numerous people assemble in the temple premises to catch a glance of the gaudy ornaments of the three idols, exhibited during the festival of bathing.

Sri Gundicha or Car festival

Every year the coastal area comes alive with the celebration of Sri Gundicha or Rath Yatra. This is one of the most admired festivals of Puri. It has worldwide fame. Millions of devotees gather in Puri to behold the grandness of this festival. Usually held on the 2nd day of the bright fortnight of Asadha, it falls in the months of June and July. On this day, the 3 deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are brought out from the main temple of Lord Jagannath for public viewing. Travelling on three newly built huge chariots made up entirely of wood, they move forward to the Gundicha Temple, lying almost three km away.

Nava Kalebara

Nava Kalebara is another ritual associated with this car festival of Puri. It implies a process of renewal of body. It is believed according to the Hindu calendar, once in every twelve years, gods and goddesses discard their old frames and metamorphose into new idols.

It is a sacred ritual, feted by the illustrious temple priests. Choosing and dropping of the tree, cutting and drawing new images and most importantly transmission of the celestial spirit from the old to the new frame are some of the ritualistic functions that they need to perform with reverence.

Bahuda Yatra.

Bahuda Yatra After staying in the Gundicha Temple for 7 days the idols are brought back to the main temple on the chariot. This occasion is popular as Bahuda Yatra. On the way, the chariots halt at various spots. Mausima Temple is one such stop where deities are offered with baked cakes, popularly known as Podapitha. On the auspicious day of Ekadeshi, the deities reach the Lion`s gate of the Jagannath temple. They wear beautiful gold ornaments or Suna Vesa. Special sarbat , known as Adharpana is offered to them. In the following day the deities are taken into the temple to `Ratna Vedi`. Its popular name is Niladri vije. This marks the end of the car festival.

Jhulan Yatra

The whole region decks up in new colours and vivacity, when the time of celebrating Jhulan Yatra draws near. In the true sense, Jhulan Yatra is one of the important festivals of Puri. Feted every year in the premises of `the Temple` and in several `Maths in Puri`, this festival lasts for six days. It starts from the tenth day of the dazzling fortnight of Shrabana (June-July) till the 1st day of Bhadraba (July-August). Jhulan Yatra is the occasion of joy when idols of deities like Vishnu and Laxmi are placed on a swing of `Jhulan Mandap` with full decorations. They are swung to and fro to the rhythm of beats of music and songs.

Satapuri Amabasya Festival of Puri

The month of August, known as Bhadraba in Hindu calendar, is the time to celebrate Satapuri Amabasya, one of the significant festivals of Puri.

Radhastami Festival of Puri

Radhastami Festival of Puri is a joyous occasion when devotees revere the idol of Sudarsana. It is the festival that is closely associated with Lord Krishna`s consort, Radha. On the auspicious day of Radhastami, Sudarsana circumvallates the inner area of the Temple.

Ananta Chaturdarshi Festival

In the vista of Puri festivals, Ananta Chaturdarshi Festival holds a place of special significance. Ever year in the Bhadrava month (August) people enthrall in the joyful mood of this festival. On the very day a social ceremony is observed in the Ananta Basudev temple.

Sahasra Kumbha Avisekha

It marks the celebration of consecrating thousand vessels, which begins on the eighth day of the murky fortnight in `Aswina` or October. On this auspicious day goddess Vimala along with few other goddesses are revered following the Sakta or Tantric rites. The famous Autumnal festival also commences with Sahasra Kumbha Avisekha.

Dasahara Festival

Dasahara Festival of Puri With the completion of Sahasra Kumbha Avisekha, time comes to fete the Dasahara festival with same jubilance and enthusiasm. It is the festival of worship of weapons. During this festival Duraga Madhav Puja is performed. It bears special significance in the community of conventional farmers. They are called Paikas, who once upon a time formed an integral part of martial troupes of Orissa state.

Kumar Purnima Festival

Kumar Purnima is observed in Aswini month. Innumerable festivals constitute Puri, amongst them this festival deserves special mentioning. Legend says that `Kumar` or `Kartikeya`, the good-looking son of Lord Shiva was born on this auspicious day. Later he was revered as the `God of war`. Interestingly no such ritual is observed for worshipping this God. Instead the Sun and Moon are adored by a myriad of devotees. As a key ritual, ladies take a bath for purification of their bodies. Dressing up in new clothes and offering food to the Sun god are carried on afterwards. Throughout the day they keep on fasting. During evening when the moon shines, they offer a special variety of food to the God. Only when the rituals are completed they can consume food. Music and dance form an integral part of it. Girls dance and sing raising the tempo to its fullest. Apart from singing special type of songs, they also love to play Puchi, a unique game. Women also engage themselves in playing other type of country games.

The Gajalaxmi Puja

This holy day is also feted as the birthday of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth. Folk legend speaks of two sets of priests playing dice. One represents Lord Jagannath and the other goddess Laxmi. It is however not known for certain who wins or loses the game. Quite a number of people revere the Goddess in their respective homes. They keep themselves awake by playing Pasha (Chess), and a few more indoor games. If any one desires to gain wealth they should be on vigil throughout the night. It is a popular faith of the believers.

Apart from these, there are handful of festivals that are observed by all the pious residents of Puri. They include- Sayan Ekadasi , Samazik Chori, Chitalagi, Gamha, Purnima, Krishan- Lil , Magha Purnim , Bakula Amabasy, Odham Sasthi and many more. In present times, effort is being exercised to attract tourists from all over the country. Organised in the months of April and November the Puri Sahi Yatra and Beach festival captivates the tourers, who are utterly mesmerised seeing the extravaganza associated with these festivals.

Festivals of Puri truly reflects the social and cultural heritage of the entire region. People look forward to participate in the festivity forgetting all the sorrow and tribulations of their mundane daily life.

Culture of Puri

The culture of Puri reflects the ethos of Orissa society. The temple town of Orissa is renowned throughout the world for the Jagannath Temple. The Puri culture is based on Jagannath cult that was shaped by the mingling of various other Indian cults with Vaishnavism.

The rich cultural heritage of Puri is represented by the number of festivals held every year. These festivals not only reflect the traditional heritage of the town but also have a strong religious character. The Ratha Yatra, Car Festival, Chandan Snana and the Snana Yatra are some of the significant festivals that brings alive the religious diaspora of the people. Even the arts, crafts, architecture, hand looms and handicrafts of Puri showcase a temple culture.

As a matter of fact, all the notable cultural events in the social calendar of Puri revolve around the legendary Jagannath Temple. Another, world famous temple, the spectacular Sun Temple of Konark is also located in the vicinity and is the focal point of many a cultural soiree. The gala celebrations of the Konarak Dance Festival also take place within the precincts of the awe inspiring shrine. The festivals are a hit with the patrons of the fine arts and showcase the talent of dancers and give a platform to the talented artists of the place.

Another hallmark of Puri's cultural legacy is the impressive Odissi Dance, an art that has been perfected over the years. The stone architecture, Patta paintings, shell crafts and fine and intricate applique works earmark the diverse cultural heritage of the ancient town.

In fact, a visit to the picturesque town of Puri opens up a treasure trove of cultural delights for tourists. The people of Puri speak Oriya, the official state language, though Hindi, Bengali and English are widely understood. The city also has several museums and libraries upholding various artifacts and documents related to the culture of Puri. 

Patal-Puri Temple

This temple within the Fort is an important place of pilgrimage. One of the oldest and most celebrated temples in India, it dates from the epic age. Its carved stone deities were mentioned by Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller who visited the Fort in 634 AD during his journey through India. It became an underground temple when Akbar built his Fort over and around in 1583.

Puri, one of the four dhams or holy places in India is famous for its temples.

The famous Temples in Puri are:

Jaganath Temple

Jaganath Temple id dedicated to Lord Jaganath or the Lord of the Universe who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The original temple, built in Orissan style of temple architecture with a Deul or Sanctum and Jagmohan or the Audience Hall, was completed in 12th century AD. The Nata Mandir or Dance Hall and Bhog Mandir or Hall of Offering were added in the 14th or 15th century AD. The Sanctum is enshrined with the wooden idols of Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhdra beautifully ornamented with fineries, ornaments and garlands by the priests. Only the eyes of the deities are visible because they are believed to be unfinished work of the Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods. According to mythology, it is believed that the king had commissioned Vishwakarma to build the idols of the Gods. Vishwakarma started the work on the condition that the king would not interfere or disturb him till the time the work is completed. He worked according to his will with long breaks in between which irritated the king. When he could no longer restrain himself, the king questioned Vishwakarma about his work. This angered Vishwakarma and he left the work unfinished. The temple complex is a self-sufficient unit with 6000 priests and more than 10,000 others whose livelihood comes from the temple activities. There are four sacred tanks within the temple complex of which the Narendra Tank is the most famous. Only the Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Gunchinda Temple

Gunchinda Mandir or the Garden House is right across the bus station. It is the lace where the idols of Lord Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhdra reside for a period of seven days during the Rath Yatra. The temple is in the middle of the garden enclosed by the walls. Here you can see the wrought-iron frameworks supporting the laterite lintels of the temple.

Loknath Temple is one of the most popular temples in Puri. It was established in the 12th century or the 11th century AD. The Hindus visit this temple to pay homage to Lord Loknath. It is believed that he is quite capable of relieving the people from health problems.

Ardhasani Temple, Puri is one of the well acclaimed Puri temples. If one visits this temple of Puri during the celebration of Rath Yatra, then he or she can experience the special celebrations in the temple. According to popular belief, Lord Jagannath halts here to taste the rice preparation ' poda pitha'.

Ganesha Temple

Archeologically important temples in Puri are many. One of them is the Ganesha temple, dedicated to Sri. Vinayaka. The temple is assumed to be built long back has many carvings showcasing Hindu religious beliefs and cultural heritage. Hindu devotees visit frequently this temple to offer their prayers.

A nearby attraction is Kapalamochana Temple, a small shrine of Lord Shiva at Puri. The sacred well of Manikarnika is located here. Lord Ganesh is also enshrined at this temple.

Lakshmi Temple

A small temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, situated near to Jagnaath temple, plays a very important place in Rath Yathra. It is assumed that the marriage of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati is occuring on the sixth day of bright fortnight of Jyeshta, during May-June, on the day known as Jyestha Sukla Sasthi. On this occasion, Goddess Lakshmi happily invites the couple Shiva and Parvathy in this temple.

This Lakshmi temple stands for the well being of people in Puri and is attracted by many devotees visiting Puri. This is one of the many important small shrines surrounding the Jagannath temple.

Vimala Temple

Vimala temple, Shaktipitha a shrine of Shakti, was constructed by the great kings of Somavamsi Kingdonm in tenth century. This temple enshrines seven Mother Goddesses, Shaktis, namely Brahmi, Maheswari, Andri, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi and Chamunda. Goddess Vimala is the presiding deity of this renowned temple. This temple stands as a monument for the foregone years when Puri was an authentic Sakthipitha. There is a sacred pond assumed to be of Markanda near the temple. This temple provides facility for daily prayers and offerings. Many devotees visit this temple to secure the blessings of Mother Goddesses.

A land of great cultural heritage, Orissa is home to numerous monuments of historical importance. With history of the state stretching back to more than 2 thousand years, Orissa is dotted with ancient monuments ranging from the ruins of Sisupalgarh to the magnificent Lingaraj and Jagannath temples. The exquisitely carved Konark Sun temple and the Mukteswar temple showcase the great skills of the sculptors and architects of the yore.

Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj temple is one of the most popular temples of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. More

Mukteshwar Temple

Mukteshwar temple, one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar, has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture.

Rajarani Temple

Rajarani temple is one of the most renowned temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa. It is made from the wonderful red and gold sandstone, which is locally known as Rajarani and this is what gives the temple its name of ‘Raja Rani’.

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple is one of the most renowned as well as the biggest temples of Orissa. Established in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe.

Ramachandi Temple

Located towards the southwest of Sun Temple, is the Ramachandi temple. It has been named after Goddess Ramachandi. However, there is lot of confusion over the presiding deity of the temple.

Konark Sun Temple

Sun temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Konark. The credit for constructing this 13th century old shrine, dedicated to Sun God, goes to Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty.

Shopping Attractions:

Puri is famous for various handicraft items, applique, brass materials, woodcarvings, stone carvings, shell products, sola carving, handloom sarees and bangles. Patta chitra, palm leaf articles and other local handicraft and handloom items can also be bought from here. The main market areas are Swarga Dwar area, New Marine Drive Road, on the seashore in front of Swarga Dwar, Grand Centre and near Sri Jagannath temple. 

Raghurajpur, which is 14-km from Puri, is famous for Patta Chitra , or leaf paintings. You can get the paintings much cheaper here then anywhere else, but most likely you will need a translator.

Museum and Sudarshan Workshop

Established in 1977 by famous Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Sudharshan Craft Museum is located in the Station Road in Puri. The Museum displays famous artistic works of Shri Sudarshan Sahoo and other contemporary artists. Significant exhibits consist of handicraft items, paintings and sculptures in stone, wood and fiberglass. The museum premise is worth visiting, a Japanese style Buddhist temple, a Workshop and a library are enclosed in the premise. The workshop provides a first hand and direct experience on the craft and sculpture.

Art lovers, enthusiasts and connoisseurs are offered with a nice opportunity to learn, to understand and to follow the variety of sculptures and its evolution. Those who are naïve in art are encouraged here to pursue artistic profession in this centre.

Puri to Chilka Lake

The journey from Puri to Chilka Lake brings alive the rustic life of Orissa. Tourists coming to Orissa indulge in the weekend tours from Puri to Chilka Lake in order to enjoy the exotic beauty of Orissa.

Chilka is one of the largest lakes of India. The Chilka Lake of Orissa contains a number of islands, namely Phulbari, Parikud, Nuapara, Berahpura, Tampara and Nalbana. One of the beautiful islands of Chilka Lake is the Nalbana islands.

Chilka Lake houses a wide variety of domestic and migratory birds. The Chilka Lake seems to be the most popular destination in the weekend tours from Puri. The Chilka Lake houses some of the rare species of birds, Flamingo is the most common bird found in the lake. The lake also houses many migratory birds from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Himalayas. You can also find a large number of water birds and other aquatic creatures over here. The water is replete with nearly 225 varieties of fish. The Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary has a total of 150 varieties of birds. A major attraction of this place is the Irrawaddy Dolphin that one can get to see swimming in the waters of the lake. Chilka Lake is definitely the palce which offers you every opportunity to get close to Mother Nature.

The birds come to the Chilka Lake in between October and March. But the best time to visit Chilka Lake is during winter. Many tourists come to Chilka during the winter season to see the birds in their natural habitat.

The tourists can reach Chilka Lake by driving down the National Highway 5. Plenty of buses and taxis are also available that help the travelers to reach from Puri to Chilka Lake. Tourists visiting the Chilka Lake can put up at the Orissa Tourist Development Authority while they are on a trip to the Chilka Lake.

Weather & Best Season of Puri

Puri has a pleasant summer and a bit cool winters. Summers during March to May have the mercury levels between 20°C and 32°C. Winters during December to February has the cool range of temperature between 10°C and 17°C. Monsoons during June to September have a medium to heavy rainfalls.

Puri Jagannath Car festival (Rath Yatra) is held during June to July. It is a marvelous extravaganza and highly important religious festival in Puri. Tourists throng this place during the Car festival period to experience the eye catching event.

Dussera (Navaratri) celebrations lasts for nine days during October-November are highly attractive with religious rituals, fairs and processions.

Best season to visit Puri is between June to March, with June to November as the peak season of the tourists

 If you want to travel in a hassle free manner, then you can note the Puri Travel Tips:

When you are in an excursion, you should always carry your essential stuffs so that the journey becomes enjoyable. While you travel in Puri, you have to carry your own water, preferably mineral water. As you will travel near the seacoast, the drinking water won't be favorable. During summer you should carry the light clothes like cotton wears for your comfort. The climate is favorable, but the outrageous sun will make you sweat a lot. So to make yourself comfortable always wear light clothes.

The most important thing the travelers do is to visit the beach on the bank of Bay of Bengal. Though the Summer time experiences the hot climate, nothing stops the tourists to visit the place. The wide beach and the golden sands invite tourists to make the beach an ideal place to gossip. You should carry your swimming suits, sunbath lotions, sunglasses and slippers while enjoying the dip in the sea.

While traveling, you should definitely carry your medicine kit and first-aid box. Medicines relating to stomachache, headache, indigestion, reeling and accidents are always required. This will make you bring relief to yourself and enjoy a safe journey. You should also not forget the other necessities like the mosquito coils, bedding, snacks, towels, interesting entertaining books, game kits and if necessary the Walkman, and some other entertaining things.

The OTDC tourist office, open from Monday-Saturday, 10am to 5pm, is on Station Road and there is a 24-hour tourist counter at the railway station. The post office is on Temple Road. One can change money at the State Bank of India, open from Monday-Friday 10am to 2pm, Saturday 10am to noon, and Sunday 11.30am to 1.30 pm. Changing money here can take an hour or more.

Two good detailed books about Puri are "A Visit to Jagannatha Puri" by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami and "Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu In Jagannatha Puri" compiled by Mahanidhi Swami.

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Sea Beach, Puri

UTI ATM
Main Sea Beach, Puri Hotel, Puri

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.

The ocean current can be very strong in Puri  and it is not unusual for people to drown here. So be careful when going for a swim. It is best not to swim alone.

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.