Puri Beach- the Golden beach Of Orisha (2023)
Puri Beach (Golden Beach) is a popular tourist destination located in the city of Puri, in the state of Odisha, India. It is situated on the eastern coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal. Puri is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and religious significance.
Puri Beach stretches over several kilometers and offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. The golden sands, crashing waves, and clear blue waters make it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure activities. Many tourists and locals visit the beach to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking long walks along the shore. The beach is also famous for its annual Puri Beach Festival, which showcases cultural performances, sand art, and various water sports.
Communication
By Air Puri does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport, 60 KM. By Rail Puri is a terminus on the East Coast Railway having direct express and super-fast train links with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Okha, Ahmedabad, Tirupati, etc. By Road The bus stand near the Gundicha Temple provides connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with service every 10-15 minutes. Minibusses to Konark leave every 20-30 minutes. There are direct buses to Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. |
Other Tourist Attractions
Puri Beach, located in the city of Puri in Odisha, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastline and religious significance. Besides enjoying the pristine beach itself, there are several other attractions and activities in and around Puri Beach that visitors can explore. Here are some notable ones:
Jagannath Temple:
One of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, the Jagannath Temple is situated near Puri Beach. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna) and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is a major event held at the temple. |
Puri Sea Beach Market:
The beachfront market near Puri Beach offers a vibrant shopping experience. Visitors can browse through an array of local handicrafts, traditional textiles, seashell crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up some unique items as mementos for your trip. |
Swargadwar:
Swargadwar, meaning “Gateway to Heaven,” is a cremation ground situated near Puri Beach. It holds immense religious significance for Hindus, who believe that cremation at this spot ensures the soul’s liberation. Visitors can witness the rituals and gain insights into Hindu funeral customs. |
Konark Sun Temple:
Located about 35 kilometers from Puri Beach, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konark Sun Temple is a must-visit attraction. This architectural marvel is dedicated to the Sun God and features intricate stone carvings depicting mythological stories and celestial deities. |
Chilika Lake:
Approximately 35 kilometers from Puri, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and a significant ecological hotspot. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the lake, spot migratory birds (especially during the winter season), and visit Nalabana Island, a bird sanctuary within the lake. |
Raghurajpur Artist Village:
Situated about 15 kilometers from Puri Beach, Raghurajpur is a traditional village known for its rich heritage of Pattachitra paintings, an ancient art form of Odisha. Visitors can interact with the local artists, witness their creative process, and purchase exquisite artwork. |
Puri Beach Festival:
If you happen to visit Puri during the Puri Beach Festival, you can experience a vibrant celebration of art, culture, music, and dance. The festival showcases traditional folk performances, sand art displays, beach sports, and local cuisine, providing a delightful experience for visitors. |
Wonder World Water Park
Wonder World Water Park is the perfect way to relax and chill out with your family and friends. It is the biggest water park in Odisha, located at Malatipatapur, Puri. As the name suggests it is a world full of wonders in each and every slide & ride. The park has several waterslides, camp night, a banquet hall, a resort, & many more |
Tourist Activities On Puri Beach
Sunbathing and Relaxing: Puri Beach offers a serene environment where you can simply relax and soak up the sun. The beach has a long stretch of soft sand and clear blue waters, providing a perfect setting for sunbathing and leisurely walks. Swimming and Water Sports: The calm waters of Puri Beach make it an ideal spot for swimming. You can take a dip in the sea and enjoy the refreshing waters. Additionally, there are various water sports activities available, such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and surfing, which can add an extra thrill to your beach experience. Camel and Horse Rides: You can take a camel or horse ride along the beach to enjoy the scenic beauty and explore the shoreline. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the beach and create memorable moments. Boat Rides and Dolphin Watching: Puri Beach offers boat rides where you can venture into the sea and witness the beauty of the coastline from a different perspective. There are also dolphin-watching excursions available, where you can spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Beachside Shopping: Puri Beach has a bustling market near the shore where you can indulge in some shopping. You’ll find a wide variety of local handicrafts, seashell souvenirs, traditional artwork, and colorful clothing. Bargaining is common, so feel free to negotiate for a good deal. Visiting Jagannath Temple: Located near Puri Beach, the Jagannath Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. It attracts devotees from all over the country. Visitors can experience the temple’s architectural beauty and witness the daily rituals and ceremonies. Enjoying Local Cuisine: Puri is famous for its delicious seafood. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local delicacies, such as prawn curry, fish fry, crab masala, and other mouthwatering dishes available at the beachside shacks and restaurants. |