Cocooned
by the Eastern Ghats on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other, the 482
kms long coastline of Orissa offers some of the finest white sand beaches.
Virginal and unspoilt, the beaches of Orrisa are becoming a regular haunt
for avid beach combers and sea worshipppers. Orissa beaches are ideal to
enjoy the sun and sea amidst the natural surroundings.
Puri Beach
Puri mainly known for its Jagannath Temple and Rath Yatra is also famous
for stretch of white sand. For centuries the Puri Beach has been the venue
of countless pilgrims who bathe in their customary fully attired manner.
Today, Puri Beach is the favourite haunt for the Indian as well as foreign
tourists. The crashing surf on Puri Beach is a spectacular sight, as is the
visual of hatted fisherfolk guiding tourists through the massive breakers
rolling in from the Bay of Begal. The dazzling sunrise and sunset and the
catamarans dipping on the blue waters are great memories to take back home.
Best Season to Visit
The climate of Puri is tropical which become very hot and humid during
summers and monsoon season. Winter months (November - February) are the best
time to visit Puri as the sea water remain warm enough to take a dip.
Beach Activities
The
sea at the Puri Beach is wild and turbulent. From early morning to mid night
the beach is crowded with tourists. The sea is not very deep so it is safe
for bathing. You can enjoy bathing by following the rhythm of waves and
float accordingly. One can also take the help of the guides to bath in the
sea. Collection of pearls is another beach activity, a wide variety of
pearls are found on the golden sands of Puri Beach.
Other Attractions
» Jagannath Temple : Jagannath Temple or Sri Mandir
is the main attraction of Puri town. It was built in 1198 A.D by King Ananta
Varman Chodaganga Dev. The temple enclosure is almost square in shape,
measuring about 200 m in each side. The conical tower of the Jagannath
temple is 58 m high and is visible from far out of Puri. The Lion Gate is
the main entrance to the temple which is guarded by two stone lions. In the
centre of the temple there are images of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and
Subhadra. Jagannath Temple is not open to non-Hindus, they can see the
temple from the roof of the Raghunandan Library, opposite the main entrance
to the temple. The temple is the venue of annual Rath Yatra or Car Festival.
Every year in the months of June-July the Rath Yatra sets forth from the
Jagannath Temple.
» Gundicha Mandir : Gundicha Mandir is
believed to the place where Lord Jagannath's aunt Gundicha. It is said that
Lord Krishna came to Gokul from Brajadham and in memory of that, each year
in the month of Asad-Sharvan (June-July) Jagannath with his sister Subhadra
and elder brother Balram use to spend their leisure time. After an interval
of 9 days they return to Sri Mandir. Even today the belief stands, during
the Jagannth festival the deities Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are
brought to the Gundicha Mandir on chariot.
» Atharnala Bridge : Built in the 13th century,
Atharnala bridge is an architectural marvel. Constructed over the Manduour
stream at the entrance of the town, this bridge is is still in use.
Orissa Beaches holiday packages
Duration: 05 Nights / 06 Days
Destinations Covered : Bhubaneshwar
> Gopalpur on Sea
> Puri
Day 01: Bhubaneshwar Reach Bhubaneshwar, The city of temples. In a guided sightseeing tour visit the Parsurameshvara Temple, Muktesvara temple, Rajarani temple, Lingaraj temple and many others around the Bindu Sagar tank.
Day 02: Bhubaneshwar In the morning move out for a daylong sightseeing trip to Konark Sun temple visiting Udaygiri caves enroute.
Day 03: Gopalpur on Sea In the morning drive further to Gopalpur on Sea which is a delightful, peaceful little seaside resort. It has a wonderful beach for you to unwind.
Day 04: Gopalpur on Sea Day is free for your personal activities – shopping or you my explore its sandy beaches.
Day 05: Puri Reach Puri and check in at your hotel. Puri is considered as one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage places in India and the city’s life revolves around the great Jagannath Temple. Day free to explore its sandy beaches and temples.
Day 06: PuriAppropriate time transfer to airport for onward flight
