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Top 8 Places to Visit in Puri
Puri is best known for its Jagannath Yatra. People from different parts of the country visit it to take part in this yatra. Puri has no dearth of amazing places that tourists will like to see. You will find many temples and other areas that are worth exploring in Puri during your Puri tour. Here is the list of the best tourist places to visit in Puri:
Jagannath Temple
This temple is amongst the most sacred spots of Puri. It is not only visited by Indians, but also by devotees around the world. People visit the Jagannath temple and pay homage to the deity here. The temple is an architectural beauty and is a feast for your eyes. The religious and historical importance of Jagannath temple makes it one of the best places to visit in Puri.
Markandeshwara Temple
This temple is another best place to see in Puri. If you are planning a Puri tour, you must visit this place. Also known as Markandeshwara Mahadeva, the temple is considered one of the 52 shrines of Shiva in the country. It was constructed around the 12th century at the place where Sage Markandeya meditated. The temple is a testament to the spiritual landscape of Puri and is visited by a large number of people from all over the world. According to the Hindu Mythology, once Lord Shiva saved Rishi Markandeya’s life at this place. Markandeya put a Shivalinga at this spot and started meditating here. For this reason, this place is known as Markandeya.
Gundicha Temple
This temple is also one of the best places to visit in Puri. It is the living testament to the bond between the devotees and the divine power. Named after Queen Gundicha, Gundicha Temple is one of the most visited places during the Rath Yatra festival. According to a legend, Queen Gundicha was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Seeing his profound faith in him, Lord Shiva promised her to visit her home every year. Amidst the beautiful, lush gardens, Gundicha Temple is an important sacred spot which everyone wants to visit during their trip to Puri. The temple is the perfect example of the Kalinga architectural style. The structure of the temple is divided into four parts: Natamandapa, Bhogamandapa, Jagamohana, Vimana, etc.
Sakshi Gopal Temple
The temple is also popular among the pilgrims. Located at 20 km from the Jagannath Temple, the Sakshi Gopal Temple is another spiritual spot that is dedicated to Krishna. Also known as Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple, Sakshi Gopal Temple is one of the famous places in Puri. Due to its rich history, this is a must-visit place for anyone who visits Puri. Thus, whether you are a pilgrim or a tourist, you will love to be here. Sakshi Gopal Temple is a great example of Kalinga style architecture.
The temple houses a beautiful idol of Lord Gopala with a flute. The intricate carvings and serene ambiance of the temple leave the visitors amazed. The temple is immensely popular for its annual Amla Navami Festival. In this festival, devotees take part in the tradition of touching Goddess Radha’s feet. This symbolizes the divine connection between Radha and Lord Krishna. People from different parts of India visit Puri to enjoy this festival.
Sudarshan Crafts Museum
Located at Station Road in Puri, Sudarshan Crafts Museum is one of the best tourist places to visit in Puri. If you are a history buff, your visit to this museum will satisfy you to the core. You will find a great collection of ancient paintings, handicraft items, stones, and wood carvings in the museum. The items kept here are the perfect reminiscence of the rich tradition and culture of the nation.
Established in 1977, Sudarshan Crafts Museum has trained many artists and helped them become sculptors. The museum has been exporting handicrafts to different nations for quite a long time. Once you enter the temple, you will find several paintings, stone carvings, sculptures, artifacts, and wooden antiques. This museum also sells metal figurines and sculptures for those who want to buy art. If you are a lover of art, you will enjoy the best time shopping here.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
Situated at Nalbana Island, this sanctuary is a part of Chilika Lake. You will find many unique birds and reptiles here. If you are a nature lover, you will love to explore the lush green spaces of the Sanctuary. Moreover, this is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Several birds migrate here throughout the year. If you are a birdwatcher, you can capture photos of rare birds here that migrate from other places. A few species of birds you will find here include pink storks, black-tailed godwits, flamingos, black-headed ibis, etc.
Raghurajpur Artist Village
You can also visit Raghurajpur Artist Village during your trip to Puri. The village is famous for its Pattachitra paintings, paper mache, and stone carvings. It is popular for its craftsmanship and rich heritage of art. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a history buff, you can experience the artistic heritage of Odisha at this village. The Pattachitra art form of this village depicts the stories from Hindu epics like the Puranas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. The artists use pigments and natural dyes to make these paintings on leaves in the local language.
Baliharachandi Beach
This beach is for those who are looking for a tranquil place to spend their time. If you want to enjoy a beach with fewer people, you must head to Baliharachandi Beach in Puri. You will find a few food stalls here that offer highly affordable food to the visitors. The golden sand, breezy weather, and turbulent sea waters here will make your day. This magical beach is full of casuarina trees and dunes, which will leave you amazed. Baliharachandi Beach is one of the most unique places to visit in Puri. If you are on a Puri tour, you will love to explore this beach.
Places to Explore in Puri: Conclusion
Puri is not just an important religious place but a perfect mixture of nature, devotion, and culture. From the holy Jagannath Temple to the tranquility of the beaches, there is so much to explore here. You will find a variety of other places to visit in Puri during your trip. Thus, do not waste your time; choose the best Puri Tour packages and head to Puri.
