Puri Beach
Puri is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is a popular beach resort, positioned in a unique place so that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach.Temple of Lord Jagannath
The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. The tallest temple (65 metres) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent monuments in 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.Raghurajpur
Just a 20-minute drive from Puri is the idyllic village of Raghurajpur, where every thatch-roof dwelling houses a family of artisans. Their skills in stone-and-wood carving, talapatra (extremely complicated and delicate palm-leaf paintings), and patachitra (fine drawings on silk or cloth), are passed down from one generation to almost every member of the next generation. If you're interested, the artisans will demonstrate their processes.Sun temple of Konarak
The splendid Sun temple of Konarak, built in the 13th century and located about 35 km from Puri, is the finest example of ancient Orissan temple architecture.The temple was conceived in the form of a colossal chariot for the sun god Surya, standing on 12 pairs of eight-spoke-wheels and drawn by seven galloping horses. The horses represent the seven days of the week, the wheels the 24 fortnights of the Indian year, and the eight spokes of each wheel the periods into which the ancients divided day and night.
Every aspect of life has been carved on the facades of the temple. The most striking sculptures are the erotic figures locked in postures drawn from the Kama Sutra.
