Odisha in India, a coastal state in the eastern part of India and has long been a mystery destination for travelers from all over the World. Hence the tourist spots in Odisha are rightly called as the “Best kept secrets of India”. Odisha, being a coastal state has some of the most beautiful beaches. Along with that, it also boasts of several wildlife sanctuaries, more than 1000 ancient temples, mesmerizing waterfalls and greenery allover. It is also said that, Odisha has a surprise for its visitors at every corner and rightly so. Odisha is more known for being a state with rich culture and heritage. Festivals in the state are celebrated with great pump and show and people here are very friendly. Hence one can expect hospitality of highest standards on a trip to Odisha.
Puri district in Odisha is the most popular destination when it comes to tourism in the state. Being the home to Lord Shree Jagannath, Puri is the most sought destination for tourists when on a trip to Odisha. Here we bring a list of places to visit in Odisha.
Top places to visit in Odisha
Puri, home to Lord Shree Jagannath
Puri, is a coastal city in the state of Odisha and lies on the shore of the mighty Bay of Bengal. It is more famous as the home to lord Shree Jagannath and the ancient temple of the deity. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shree Jagannath is a form of Lord Vishnu and Puri is the resting place of the deity. The huge 11th Century temple at Puri is the home to Lord Shree Jagannath and his siblings Lord Bhalabhadra and sister Subhadra. This is a Hindu temple and being one of the four Dham’s, it has a lot of importance for the followers of Hinduism. Hindu devotees in millions from all over the world visit this place round the year. Hence it is one of the most sought tourist spots when in Odisha. Only Hindus are allowed into this temple and is considered as one of the most sacred places in the state.
“Rath Yatra” or the chariot festival is a world-famous festival held at Puri every year. During this festival, the deities are taken out from the temple and are established on three different amazingly decorates huge chariots. Then these chariots are pulled by millions of devotees to the final destination that is the “Mausima Temple”. The grand road which is the path way for this procession is flocked with millions of crowds during this festival. The ceremony ends with “Bahuda yatra” or the return journey after seven days when the deities return to the original temple from the “Mausima Temple”. This is one of the most sacred religious events of the state.
Puri Sea Beach
Puri’s most famous tourist attraction after the temple of Lord Jagannath is the beautiful Golden beach. The beach is quite beautiful and the sand here is golden brown. The sunrise and sunsets at this beach are considered to be the most spectacular ones. This beach can be generally divided into two parts. One is the main beach which is very crowded most of the times and the second is the “Swargadwar beach” which is less crowded and lonely. Hence one has the choice to enjoy and be a part of the crowd or move to the more secluded part and enjoy some quality time alone or with loved ones. Moreover you can watch the fishing boats returning from the horizon or take a brisk walk on the ever crowded road. You can also purchase some beautiful hand made attires from the local shops or enjoy some tasty local street foods. This beach is a must visit in case you are in Puri.
Alarnath Temple
This is yet another famous temple in the holy city of Puri. It lies at a distance of about 25 kms from Puri and is located at a place called “Brahmagiri”. Moreover, not many tourists visit this place and hence is less crowded. However, it has a legacy of its own. As believed, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at Alarnath during anavasara period of Lord Jagannath in 1610 AD. He worshiped lord Alarnath as he visualized Lord Shree Jagannath in the deity. Anavasara is the period when Lord Shri Jagannath rests in isolation due to fever from the rest of the world after the snana yatra (annual bathing ceremony). During this period, devotees are not allowed to worship Lord Jagannath at Puri, hence they visit this place to seek the blessing of Lord Alarnath.
With this we come to the end of this article. You may visit www.visitodisha.co.in to book the best Puri package.
