Explore Puri
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It is popularly known as Jagannath Puri due to the presence of the centuries old Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dhams of the Hindus. The place holds a great significance for the Hindus as it is believed that a pilgrimage to the Hindu temples in the country is not complete without a visit to Puri.Puri is known by different names that have are several references in the Puranas. In Sanskrit, the word "Puri" means town or city. It is also believed that Puri is a short name for Jagannath Puri. In some mythological records, the word 'Jagannath' is also used in place of Puri. The city of Puri is a part of the trilogy of cities that form the Golden Triangle of the Eastern region. The other two cities are Konark and Bhubaneswar. The white sands and the sun kissed beaches found here are a delight to watch. The city attracts a large number of tourists who enjoy every moment spent here. The city is also famous for housing a number of Mathas. The Govardhan Matha, is one of the four cardinal institutions set up by Adi Shankracharya. Puri is also known for its ratha yatra or the festival of chariots, an annual celebration in which the deities are placed out in a chariot procession.

The Chakratirtha (CT) Road to the East, the waterfront of Marine Drive Road to the West, and the score of hotels, resorts in the middle and the crammed Bada Danda street with lodges and shops selling religious souvenirs and the colourful pattachitra paintings are the hubs of action. The long stretch of coast, much cleaner towards the eastern end, remains crowded with sun bathers and swimmers in the season with local fishermen serving as life guards. Barring the pilgrims, congregating in hundred thousands during the annual Rath Yatra, Puri's traveller scene is dominated by Bengalis from Kolkata and some young western and Japanese visitors exploring the laidback charm of the town mostly on foot or bicycles.