Puri is one of the four dhams or holiest Hindu piligrimage places in India. The others are in Dwarika in Gujrat 9in the west, Badrinath in uttaranchal (north) and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu (South). Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. According to tradition Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.

Places of tourist interest in Puri : The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. This mighty temple, one of India’s most important, is dedicated to Jagannath, Lord of the universe, an in carnation of Vishnu. Being the tallest temple (65 metres) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar (11 metres high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century A.D.