Swirling blue waves of the Bay of Bengal wash-up to an expansive golden sandy beach, making it a bather's delight. With hotels springing thick along the beach road, with fishermen departing from here in their huge wooden boats, the seaside remains animated round the clock. In the evening, the beachside is dotted with shacks selling fried fish and prawns. Unless you gorge yourself shamelessly, the food is safe.

The town dates back to the legendary times. The temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath dominates the skyline. Although foreigners are not allowed inside, they can have a good look of the temple and the courtyard (and also take photographs) from the roof of the Raghunandan Library next door. During July/August, Lord Jagannath and his two siblings take a kilometre long ride in three huge chariots, to reside in a smaller temple. They return to the main temple after seven days. The annual event is popularly known as Rathayatra. The annual winter Beach Festival is also popular.

Puri is also the popular base from where people venture out on day or overnight trips to Konarak and Bhubaneswar, Chilika Lake, Dolphin Point, etc. One day conducted tours also available.

BASICS

STD Code: 06752.

Airport: Bhubaneswar.
Rail: Puri.
Road: Major distances:
Bhubaneswar-- 56 kilometres
Konark-- 64 kilometres
Calcutta--512 kilometres
Vishakhapatnam-- 426 kilometres

Best time: October to March.

Accommodation: Very ordinary to star category; beware of hotel touts-- adept in taking any disguise, from priests to rickshawpullers to student do-gooders. Head for Chakratirtha Road and then make your own choice.

Local Transport: Bus, cyclerickshaws, autorickshaws, private taxis. Bargain hard with cyclerickshaws and autos.

Shopping: Cotton textiles, shell artefacts, palm leaf paintings.

Contact: Orissa Tourism Development Corporation
Panthaniwas, Puri.
Tel: 22562.