The Sole purpose of our Puri tour is to spend a quality time. After reaching the spiritual place and getting a far off view of the Jagannath temple. We started looking for accommodation. It was already 11AM and quite tired and exhausted, we looked out for ashrams or hotels near the temple. We also looked for option near the beach. You will meet many agents and people who can offer rooms at affordable rate. But what i learned that, one can get a good deal, after making a good bargain. Our luck was good as we got a sea facing deluxe room at very competitive rate. The hotel is located near shore end along new marine drive road at Puri Swargadwar beach. The temple is also at a walking distance. So after the the city tour we are all set to explore the beaches of Puri.
Puri located in the eastern state of Odisha, has a rich and vibrant history dating back centuries. It is a mesmerizing destination that offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. The city is famous for its 12th-Century Jagannath Temple and is one of the original Char Dham pilgrimage places for Hindus. Additionally, the presence of some pristine beaches make this town worth a visit.
The main advantages of of getting a sea side accommodation is to enjoy some captivating allure of the beaches. The view of the beaches right in front of us made us impatient and we get more excited and eager to take a dip right away. We checked in, kept our luggage, and got ready for the sea dives.
We were staying in a hotel beside the Swargdwar beach of Puri which is considered to be picturesque. It is one of the crowded place as most of visitors throng to this beach. It has some religious significance too.
Swargdwar = *Swarg (heaven) + Dwar (door), so it considered to be the door to heaven. The beach is located hardly a kilometer distance from the Jagannath Temple.
It is believed to be the bathing site of Sri Chaitanyadev, a revered Vaishnava saint. As popularly believed in Hinduism, those who do take a dip, attain salvation and reach heaven after they die.
There was a statue made made right at the beach.
The beach is just situated across our hotel. It was across the new marine drive road. So we have the privilege to hit the beach at any time of the day. We were allured with the set up at the beach. We have clicked many picture. The vast sea of water is in front of us, while golden sand, was waiting for us. I really liked the set up out there. It was mesmerizing for me. This has been my sea visit after a long time. So I do not wanted to miss out on the different experience.
The blue tents are the local shops that get operative in evening. The dsy time the beach only meant to enjoy and we can not resist long before hitting the beach. While on one side of the road we have a vast place of water, the other side has vast concrete building. One after the another, there many hotels all throughout the long stretch of the marine drive.
Puri beaches holds religious significance apart from being very picturesque. There are many beaches across the different state in India. Beaches of Goa, or Andamans or probably Kerala, each of them has it own attraction and mesmerizing view. However, the beautiful mix of spiritual, cultural and leisure makes the Puri beach unique and worth to visit. Puri beaches is distinctively known as the cleanest beach of India.
The best time to visit the temple town is from October to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the peak season for tourism since people can unwind at the beaches and enjoy the weather. Rest of the time, the temperature is very hot humid which makes the stay simply unbearable. Yet many people keep visiting the place. Whosoever visit the temple, must make a visit to the beaches to enjoy some quality time.
It was already, 1PM when we made it to the beach. Already starving as did not had any meal since morning, we made it to the local Coconut water stalls, before going to take a dip. There were many such stalls all throughout the beach, selling fresh coconut water and coconut too. They were available at $0.50. But it was the hot selling things, considering the hot sunny afternoon.
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We gulp down few of the coconut water in no time. We also make sure to eat out the fresh coconut after sipping out the water. In the meantime, the seller got too friendly with us. It was important as we need to keep our mobile and money cloths with him, as there were no one else to take care of them once we get inside the water.
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This beach is quite close to the Jagannath Temple so has gained popularity as one of the cleanest beaches in India. The coconut seller does share few stories. He insisted to enjoy the sunrise and sunset at this beach which can be very picturesque. He also asked us to try the local street food and sweets. There were many vendors selling them on the beaches.
The tranquil gaze of the golden sands, crystal clear water, and soft sounds coming straight from the waves of this absolute alluring beach is what one could expect from the beach of Puri. It was a memorable experience, that I was enjoying. There were many people enjoying under the listening to the sound of the waves. While many already get deep inside the water.
The seashore never gets empty. There were many happy faces of tourists caring for an easy stall or the children playing and having fun in the shore sand areas. It is also quite an happening place, people or kids could enjoy joyful horse or camel ride. There were many of them walking and offers the ride at a reasonable cost.
Puri beaches are considered to be as one of the safest beaches in India. Low waves makes the swimming a fun. A beach full of exuberance and bustle, it is among the popular beach for a rejuvenating swim. I saw a different life enjoying every bit of their stay. It was fun watching happiness all around each of them have some take to tell, but they were enjoying their quality time.
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Once we get closer to the water, we could not stopped ourself. Surrendering our stuffs to the coconut seller, we get into water. Do not expect any picture, as none of us took the phone near to water. We swim.in the waves, we rested in the wet sand and we lost in our enjoyment. Leaving behind all the worries behind.
After a good 2 hrs. bathing in sea water and soaking in the sun, we returned to our hotel room. It was the best of the condition, as we need to take fresh water bath too and the nearby hotel is blessing.
I like this hotel room artefacts, and I clicked it separately. A memento for our stay. Soon we have our lunch to enjoy. We already asked the hotel staff to have a home made meals and they serve it exactly the same taste.
With a mere distance of 65 km from Bhubaneswar and good rail and road connectivity, Puri has gained tremendous popularity in the last few years. From the sacred Jagannath Temple to the pristine beaches and the vibrant local culture.
Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural exploration, or a relaxing beach getaway, Puri has it all. It is a good headway to get rid of all the stress and swings back to good life. Planning a trip to this enchanting city will be filled with unforgettable memories.
Read Getting to Puri for more people and culture about the city.
**PS: All images were taken using my smartphone
