Puri hotels

Puri Excursions

There are are several interesting places in and around Puri. All these places carry distinct flavour and have preserved the spirit of its illustrious past and rich cultural heritage of Orissa.

Chilka Lake
Just 49 kms south of Puri, the Chilka Lake is one of the largest lakes in Asia, spread over 1,100 sq km. Familiar to the local people as Chilika means a land covered with water. One of the eastern banks of the Chilika lake is the spot for watching dolphins - the latest attractions to the visitors of Puri. Dolphins can also be seen at the jetty ghat in winter, when the migratory birds from home and abroad too arrive Satapada. It is visited by a large number of people especially the nature lovers. The stillness of the environs, joyful songs of the bird and stunning sunrise make everyone fall in love with the place.

Balighai Beach
Balighai Beach is 8kms from Puri. The Casuarina fringed beach is a beauty to be cherished forever. The soft, seductive locales, serene waters together make it a lovely place for the picknikers.

Brahmagiri
Brahmagiri is 25 kms from the main city of Puri. The place remains flooded with devotees for the shrine of Alarnath.

Raghurajpur
The fame of Raghurajpur rests on the mythological paintings done in the pat syle- a typical feature of Orissa itself. The The tiny village is just 14 kms away from Puri and mirrors the rich cultural heritage of Orissa. It is therefore known as the heritage village' of Orissa. The culturally rich village is the hometown of the noted Pdissi exponent Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Sakhigopal
Sakhigopal or the ' truthful witness ' is just 10 to 20 kilometers from Puri and it is known for the famous Sakhigopal temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is a wonderful gateway to get acquainted with the Hindu philosophy. The temple is richly ornamented. It is said that satisfied by the prayers of his devotees Sree Krishna arrived, all the way from Vrindavan to Kalinga to appear as a witness but conditionally. Sree Krishna disappeared leaving only his stonified statue at the violation of those conditions he had given.