Travel To Puri For A Fine Religious Tour

No matter which destination you explore in India, your excitement level will always remain at its peak. India tourism not only ensures a remarkable trip but also refreshes your mind, body and soul. After all, India is known for the best of theme based tours. When I planned for a religious tour in India, I found Puri as a key destination. This seat of Lord Jagannatha (Lord Vishnu) is unbeatable for resting, relaxing and recalling. As I arrived this coastal district of Orissa, a guide told me that every bit of this ancient land fascinates tourists from all over the globe – ranging from historic antiquities to religious shrines, architectural grandeur, seascape beauty, moderate climate and so on.

The city welcomed me with open arms, offering splendid beaches, and a rich historic heritage dating back to 3rd century. The first thing I came across on my way to the hotel was ‘Rath Yatra‘ – the biggest festival in Orissa in July. Roads were completely jammed. Lucky for me I had enlisted the hire of a campervan. I could see a huge idol of Lord Jagannatha placed on a chariot and people performing Odissi dance in the procession. The driver told me that this 3 km long procession extends from Jagannatha Temple to Gundicha Mandir. I spend that entire day at leisure.

The very next morning, after breakfast, I headed towards the Jagannatha Temple, one of the most impressive monuments of Orissa. Constructed in the 12th century, this superb Vaishnava temple enshrines Lord Jagannatha, Devi Subhadra and Balabhadra. Today, Archaeological Survey of India takes care of its preservation and maintenance. After enjoying a cup of coffee at a restaurant, I visited Chilka Lake, the largest freshwater inland lake in Asia (1165 sq. km.). Located along side the Bay of Bengal, the lake is home to around 225 species of fish. Apart from that, more than 150 species of migratory as well as resident birds inhabit the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary. Capturing a number of colorful and enchanting species in camera was actually a fun.

Post lunch, my next destination was the Konark Sun Temple (magnificent Sun Temple built in 1278). Its architectural beauty lies in spectacular carvings, 24 wheels around the temple, 7 horses pulling the temple, and two lions guarding the entrance. I also paid short visits to the Ganesha Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Mausi Ma Temple and the Loknath Temple. My driver asked me if I wanted to visit the Museum & Sudarshan Workshop, which is a favorite of all the art lovers. It displays a number of artistic works of contemporary artists, handicraft items, paintings and sculptures in stone, wood and fiberglass etc. But I

preferred going to the market to buy some souvenirs.

The shops were loaded with traditional crafts, bead and bamboo works, Pattachitras (miniature religious paintings on silk and cotton fabric), wooden combs, pitchers, glasses, lamps, masks and metal crafts. But I found them a bit costly. My last destination in Puri was the picturesque beach, where I enjoyed my dinner along with a few classical dance performances that turn out to be the perfect mirror of Orissa culture.

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