Puri is known by several names since the ancient times, and was locally known as “Shrikhetra” and Lord Jagannath temple is known as “Badadeula”. Puri and the Jagannath Temple were invaded 18 times by Hindu and Muslim rulers, from the 4th century AD till the early 19th century with the objective of looting the treasures of the temple. Odisha, including Puri and its temple, were under the British Raj from 1803 till India attained independence in August 1947. Even though princely states do not exist in India today the heirs of the Gajapati Dynasty of Kurda still perform the ritual duties of the temple. The temple town has many Hindu religious maths or monasteries.
The economy of Puri town is dependent on the religious importance of the Jagannath Temple to the extent of nearly 80 percent. The 24 festivals, including 13 major ones, held every year in the temple complex contribute to the economy; Ratha yatra and its related festivals are the most important which are attended by millions of people every year. Sand art and applique art are some of the important crafts of the city.
Puri has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.
If you want to visit Puri you can book your taxi, GT Taxi is providing you an affordable car rental service in Puri. We are having a wide range of Puri tour packages from Haridwar and other different cities. We provide different pilgrimage tour packages. Your can choose your package just by visiting www.gttaxi.com or you can also call at 9359843176.
Puri Attractions:
Jagannath Temple:
Built in 1161, the Jagannath Temple is one of the major Hindu Temples in India. The primary deity of the temple is Lord Jagannath, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. Interestingly, unlike the statues found in other Hindu temple, the statue of Lord Jagannath is carved from wood and is replaced every 12 years. The Temple is a part of the Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage and is a must visit attraction in Puri.
Puri Beach:
Located at the shores of the Bay of Bengal the Puri Beach is the site of the annual beach festival and is also a sacred place for the Hindus. The beach is a common sight for sand art and is one of the most peaceful beaches to visit while visiting in winters.
Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary:
One of the major wildlife sanctuaries in Orrisa, the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across an area of 1100 sq kilometers. The sanctuary is located by the eponymous Chilika Lake which makes the area the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world. The sanctuary is home to a large verity of fauna and avi-fauna species and is a definitive photographer’s delight.
Atharnala Bridge:
Built by the kings of the Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century, Atharnala is a medieval bridge that is exemplified by the 18 passages it comprises of. The Bridge is considered a protected archeological heritage and is 85 meters in length. The best time to visit again is during the winter months when the views of the surroundings can be enjoyed at their best.
Gundicha ghar temple:
