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Along the eastern coast, on the Bay of Bengal lies the state of Orissa. Earlier known as Kalinga, the city recorded in the annals of history for its resistance to the Mauryan King Asoka(in 3rd century BC).
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How to reach
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar(60 kms). It is connected by trains   from Calcutta, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar. The road via Konark and  Marine Drive links Puri to Bhubaneshwar.  
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What to see

Jagannath Temple  
This 65 metre high temple is made in the Kalinga sytle of architecture. Built in the 12th century during the reign of Chodaganga Deva the temples the smaller shrines of Vimala, Vishnu and Lakshmi, and the Ananda Bazaar-the biggest food market in the world-which are within the  precincts, merit a visit.  

Gundicha Ghar 
This Garden House is about 2 km from the Jagannath temple. It is a smaller sanctum, where Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken during Rath Yatra. It is also popularly known as the house of  Jagannath's aunt.  

Indrayamuna Tank  
This tank is near Jagannath temple with a small shrine to King Indradyamuna.  

Sakshi Gopal  
About 25 kms from Puri is Sakshi Gopal temple, with a life size image  of the child Krishna.  

Atharnala Bridge 
An excellent example of the engineering skills of the ancient days is  the Atharnala bridge over the Madhupur stream. This bridge was built in  the 13th century and is still in use.  

Balighai  
It is a beach at the mouth of river Nuanai just 8 kms away from Puri. There is a Sea Turtle Research center here.  

Raghurajpur  
This craftsman's village is famous for Patta chitra or the patta paintings and is 14 kms from Puri.  

Ramgarh Lake  
An artificial lake has been made by a high bund constructed in the hills. The temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of an old fort are to be visited here.  

Chilika Lake  
Chilika is the largest fresh water lake in Asia. Chilika is also known as Honeymoon Island or Breakfast Island. There are about 160 varieties  of fishes in the lake.  

Puri Beach 
The coastline along Puri has some fine beaches. The beach front is  wide, and ideal for beach sports. 

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Shopping

Try the delicious seafood and buy miniature stone sculptures, wood carvings and patta paintings. Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra  are ceremonies held in every summer.  
The temples, the golden beaches, blue waters and white surf of Puri are  a tourist's delight. The sea is shallow for almost a mile and it is  easy to swim.  It is one of the four important Dhams or pilgrim destination of India. The Rath Yatra or Car festival held at the famous Jagannath temple is an annual ritual for which devotees from all corners of India congregate in Puri.  
Wildlife sancturies & parks  I  The healing waters  I  Art & Culture