Puri – The Abode Of Lord Jagannath

Travel Monitor India One of the four celebrated religious centers of India, Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. According to tradition Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.

Places of tourist interest in Puri

The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple (65 metres) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar (11 metres high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century A.D. Some of the other important temples are Gundicha, Lokanath, Sunaragauranga, Daria Mahabir and Tota Gopinatt. There are also a number of holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna. There are many Monasteries locally known as Mathas also of touristic interest.

Approach

By air to Bhubaneswar (Puri is 62 km from Bhubaneswar), road and rail.

Handicrafts of the Region

Soap Stone, Sea-shell, Pattachitras and Palm Leaf paintings, Horn work, Wood carvings, and Solapith work can be purchased from Puri.

Fairs and Festivals of the region

Puri offers a plethora of colourful fairs and festivals round the year. However the Ratha Yatra or Car Festival, Puri Beach Festival, Ganesh Puja, and Jhulana Jatra are among the more widely celebrated ones.

How to Reach

By Air

Bhubaneswar serves as the most convenient entry point for traveling to Puri by air. The capital city of Orissa is linked with all the major cities of India, such as Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad, by direct flights.

By Train

Puri has a good railway network also. Regular trains operate from the railway station in the city, connecting it with almost all the major cities of Orissa as well as the rest of the country.

By Road

Puri has a good network of roads, connecting it with the major parts of India. For getting to Puri from some other city of Orissa, it is best to travel by road as it is a very convenient and inexpensive option. Government State Transport and Orissa Road Corporation buses regularly ply between Puri and Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chilka, Konarak, Chennai, Sambalpur and Visakhapatnam.

DAY-1
 | Ahmedabad – Dwarka

Proceed for Dwarka. Dwarka is one of the seven most holy Hindu pilgrimage cities in India . Dwarka is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. Dwarka is on the mouth of the Gomti River into Gulf of Kutch. Dwarka is famous for Dwarkadheesh Temple, built on north bank of the Gomti River.Arrival at Dwarka. Evening Aarti Darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple. O/n stay at hotel.

DAY-2
 | Dwarka

Attend early morning Aarti at Dwarkadhish temple. Have breakfast & thereafter visit Bet Dwarka & Nageshwar Jyotirling. Bet Dwarka Also known as Bet Shankhoddar, Bet Dwarka is only 5 kms from Okha Junction in sea and Okha is 30 kms from Dwarka. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna lived with his family when the ruled at Dwarka. It is also the place where Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. Visitors make it a point to visit the Krishna temple at this site which holds much of interest to be seen and experienced.

Nageswar Mahadev

The Puranas mention 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva, who manifested himself in that form in different parts of India. This shiva shrine near Dwarka is one of these and is there- fore accorded great respect.

Rukmani Temple – Temple of Lord Krihsna’s wife.

O/n stay at Dwarka.

DAY-3
 | Dwarka –Porbandar – Somnath

Morning procced to Porabandar(130 Kms) visit of Kirti temple known as house & born place of Mahatma Gandhi. In back side house of Kasturba wife of Gandhi. Also visit of Gandhi museum, study room of Mahatma Gandhi in the Kirti temple. Later visit of Sudama temple.

Continue Drive to Somanth. Somnath is the famous temple of God Shiva located near Veraval in Suarastra. It is on the western coast of Gujarat state. Somnath temple has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have appeared first in gold, at the behest of the moon-god, next in silver, created by the sun-god, a third time in wood at the command of Krishna , and finally in stone, built by Bhimdeva. The present temple is 7 th temple built in the same style.
Evening Aarti Darshn at Somnath Temple and Enjoy Lighting & Sounding Show. O/n stay at Somnath.

DAY-4
 | Somnath – Ahmedabad

Morning proceed for Ahmedabad. Enroute visit Junagadh, visit of UPERKOT FORT, is an ancient fort built by Chandr Gupta. The fort as been rebuilt & extended many times. Later visit of Ashokan Edicts,Mahabat Maqbara. The Ashoka’s Rock edict is on way of Girnar hill temple. The rock engraved with the Buddhist edicts of Ashoka. The edicts impart moral instruction on dharma, harmony,tolerance and peace.

Arrival at Ahmedabad. Transfer to Ahmedabad Airport / Railway Station.