SEASIDE SERENITY - A VISIT TO PURI

   If you ever plan a seaside trip, do consider Puri in Odisha as it has one of the most enthralling seascapes in India. Located about sixty kilometers from the capital city of Bhubaneswar, Puri is around an hour and a half long drive from either the Bhubaneswar Railway Station or the Biju Pattnaik International Airport. Since Puri is famous for the Jagannath Temple, built around the third century BC, traditionality considered as one of the "Char Dhams", if you do plan a trip, it would be better to book a hotel in advance for a hassle free stay.

    Dominating the landscape consisting of a bustling crowd, the perennial honking of cars, auto rickshaws and buses, the occasional moo of a herd of cows and bulls that frequent the main Chak called the Bada Danda, the humdrum of countless voices murmuring an unknown tongue, the usual throng of locals at the flea market - Puri is an abode of vibrant colors, of life in full swing, projecting  a queer sense of order in chaos. The temple stands tall against the backdrop of a magenta sky, the Crimson flags on its very summit fluttering high up, momentarily serving to mask the setting sun. Countless devotees make a beeline for the entrance, the rich and the poor alike, the upper castes and the lowly, all are united in their fervent devotion - unanimously seeking refuge in the arms of the Lord of the Universe - Lord Jagannath.

Temple of Lord Jagannath

                                                             (Suna Vesa of Lord Jagannath)                                                  Doesn't matter if you are not of a very religious temperament. The sea beach at Swargadwara or on the Chakratirtha Road awaits you. Let your senses free to explore the marvelous seascape, of of of the most beautiful beaches of India. As you walk towards the dancing waters, struggling through mounds and mounds of golden sand, the cool breeze ruffling your tresses, your joy knows no bounds. Come home to the waters of the Bay of Bengal... Unleash the spirit of the child within you. Take a Herculean plunge into the frenzied tides... Splash, and feel the waves wash over your countenance with a sensual ease, tickling your legs, your feet and your entire body. Get drenched, soaked to the bone and enjoy like never before! The sea beckons with open arms, it is you who must make the most of your time!

          You can sit on the edge of the waters, or take a stroll on the damp sands, watching the Orange ball of fire sink down in the western horizon, at the exact point where the earth meets the sky. Or, even better, explore your creative side - build Sandcastles and tunnels on the beach. And if you are lucky enough, can even catch a glimpse of the handiwork of the world famous sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik. Or if your prefer a taste of adventure, go on a camel ride. Trust me, these will be the best memories of your life!

Sand sculpture by Sudarshan Pattnaik

           I guess you must be really tired after the rock and roll at the beach. All those foodies out there, here's some excellent news for you. Tingle your taste buds to mouthwatering panipuri from road side vendors, gulping up mouthfuls of tamarind syrup, and fluffy crispy flour balls stuffed with potatoes and a range of spices. And it would indeed be a treat to taste the variety of sea food, crabs, prawns, lobster and fish sizzling over hot plates in tiny food chains just overlooking the beach. And if you are a veggie lover, you can try the "Mahaprashad" available in the Jagannath temple premises. Rice, dal, and numerous curries and sweetmeats cooked in ghee, without onion and garlic, with a delightful aroma that will set your stomach on fire. And the taste is so very heavenly, not to mention the traditional style of sitting on the floor and eating it on plantain leaves, out of small clay bowls - it will leave you licking your fingers and asking for more! Yummy!

Mahaprashad

Sea Food

Try some pani puri!

         So, grab your very next opportunity and plan a seaside trip. And don't go alone. Take your family and friends with you - the more, the merrier! And yes, the best times to visit Puri are between April-June and October-December. And don't forget to take your swimsuit along. If you are a water lover, I expect you will want to spend most of your time at the beach.
         So, when are you planning the trip that will leave you enthralled?

From the memoirs of a true traveler.
Signing off
Keep traveling 😃