Travel Guide Puri

201,000 inhabitants. Puri is, like Bhubaneswar, a major pilgrimage center, but also the most popular seaside resort for Indian tourists north of the east coast. It's also a town that attracts many backpackers, making it an ideal place to take a break while traveling between Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Puri's location, close to the capital, Konark and Chilika Lake, as well as its ambience, make it an ideal base for visiting Odisha. Numerous excursions are organized from the city. For Hindus, the Jagannath Mandir, which is unfortunately not accessible to non-Hindus, is one of the holiest places in the country. Every year, the spectacular Ratha Yatra chariot festival attracts several thousand people. The Puri festival is the oldest, largest and most spectacular in the country. During this ceremony, the statues of the deities leave the temple on imposing carts and circle the city, with unprecedented fervor, before returning to their sanctuary. Puri's long beach attracts many Indian tourists who come here to relax and recharge their batteries. Although bathing is possible, it remains dangerous, as the currents can be very strong. To the north of the town lies the fishing village, which began to attract foreign tourists, particularly hippies, in the early 1970s. Since then, there have been several guesthouses, restaurants and a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. The town has a strong identity, yet has retained its traditional, authentic feel.