Articles
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by Madhav Srinivasan on Nov 07, 2011
The Puri Beach Festival is an annual event held on the exotic Sea Beach, Swargadwara in Orissa. The festival usually begins at November where one can experience cultural events, handicraft displays, rock performances, fashion shows and the local cuisine.
by Shwetha on Jul 15, 2010
The sanctified town of Puri is bathed in the colors of the annual Rath Yatra attracting thousands of ardent devotees who come here to be a part of this auspicious event
Travel News
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Dec 09, 2011 04:50 PM
Internationally renowned sand animator and artist, Manas Kumar Sahoo, has set the first ever sand art park in Puri, Odisha. This park is supposed to enthrall the art lovers and take sand art to a whole new level.
History
Puri has a fascinating history that involves mythology and facts in perfect harmony. In the pre historic times, Puri was colonized by the Sabaras, a tribe belonging to the Pre Aryans. Puri has been an important link between the Eastern and Southern India in ancient times.
According to the works of Huien Tsang Puri was earlier known as Charitra. However, nothing concrete can be said about the fact. Historians are also of the opinion that the name of the city to be Purusottam Kshetra after the famous Purusottum temple, today known as Jagannath Temple, that was built here during the reigns of Choganga Deva.
Puri gained the status of a religious center during the 12th century after the establishment of the Purusottam temple in 1135. The famous saint Sri Ramanuja is known to have stayed here during 1107 to 1117. The rule of the Ganga dynasty here was one of the most powerful among all.
Mughals too declared their rule on the city during the 15th century. During their reign the state of Orissa was divided into three revenue collecting circar, wherein Puri was part of the Kataka Circar.
The history of Puri also suggest invasion by the Afghans who destroyed and reduced the temple to the ruins. The temple was thus restored by the Marathas who ruled here before the city went to the controls of British. During the British rule, the temple was managed by the King of Orissa.
Puri was incorporated as a part of Orissa in 1948.
Travel within city
There are many means of transportation available in Puri, and the main ones among these are cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws and rented motorbikes.
Cycle Rickshaw
Cycle rickshaws are prevalent in Puri and these are the locally preferred mode of transport. Cycle rickshaws in Puri can charge you anywhere around Rs 10 to 20, depending on the distance traveled. Cycle rickshaws are quite slow, so opt for cycle rickshaws only if you have ample time in your hands. Cycle rickshaws are also the cheapest mode of transport.
Auto Rickshaw
Auto rickshaws in the city of Puri do not run on meter, and you should negotiate a prior rate before getting into one. Make sure you talk to the locals first and figure out what the actual rate will be, as this will help you avoid paying too much out of your pocket for a short trip. There are no separate night rates included, and travelling through an auto rickshaw is actually very safe. You can also reach your destination faster this way.
Rented Motorbike
You can rent out motorbikes in order to roam around Puri, and this can give an adventurous streak to your trip. Enfield motorbikes are available for rent for around Rs 400 to 500 per day, and the major locations in Puri are close by, so you can travel through the city without getting confused.
Hotels
You can find
69 hotels in Puri under following categories:
