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Photo: Prachites, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
One of the Char Dham temples, i.e. most sacred pilgrimage places of Hindus. Constructed in the 11th century is the starting point of the world-famous Ratha Yatra, held in July. The temple is open only for "orthodox" Hindus and they must dress conservatively. Beware of crowds around the main temple. Do lean against the Shani temple, watch the summit of the temple and savour the temple food or bhog. The temple complex is huge and has some very interesting stories associated, priests or pāṇḍās are generally the ones who conduct the non-Odia people around and generally mention all these stories although they can demand exorbitant amounts; bring it down to something reasonable. It is possible to go into the sanctum sanctorum and touch the deities in the main temple for a fee.
The Jagannath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. It is located in Puri, Odisha, on the eastern coast of India. As per temple records, King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple. The present temple complex was rebuilt from the eleventh century onwards on the site of the earlier shrines, excluding the main Jagannath temple, and was begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Many of the temple rituals are based on Shabari Tantras which are evolved from tribal beliefs respectively. The local legends link the idols with Nilamadhaba deva worshipped by tribala and the daitapatis (servitors) claim to be descendants of the tribes. The temple is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Sri Vaishnavite tradition.
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Located in the ancestral home of Netaji. Displays an impressive collection of rare photographs, handwritten letters, journals, and personal artifacts.
The 8-km long beach of Puri 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 the full moon. Camel and horse rides are available. Seating is available for 45 minutes at cost. 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 sewage into the ocean.
Literally, "the gateway to heaven", Swargadwar is the site of the cremation of almost all famous Odia people. There are good hotels and restaurants near the crematorium.
A park by the beach, complete with a lotus pond and ornamental plants. IFamily friendly place with toy train and other activitires for kids.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid himself from Shani, under a pond. The Shivalinga here is partially submerged and the pond is teeming with fish. Priests here tend to be very strict so maintain etiquette. Shoes, cameras, mobile phones and bags are prohibited within the temple complex, you have to submit them at a nearby stand.
Great views of the sea along with the town of Puri.