Keonjhar and its surroundings

Sanghaghra Falls

How to reach Keonjhar
The name of the Railway station is Jajpur-Keonjhar Road. From the Railway station buses are available for Keonjhar at a distance of 112 km. Including Bhubaneswar (225 km) buses come from various directions throughout the state of Orissa to Keonjhar. Even from Babughat in Kolkata, the ORT bus for Barbil leaves at 5-30 in the morning via Joshipur (62 km) to Keonjhar. It returns from Barbil at 17-00 via Keonjhar/ Joshipur.

It is best to take a bus for a direct trip from Kolkata. Except on Sunday, private buses run from Babu ghat everyday at 8-00 and 17-00 along the NH6 to Lodhasuli 166 km / Bungriposi 230 km /Bisoi 248 km / Joshipur 291 km / Tangabila 301 km and from there to Karanjia 19 km.

Tourists to Similipal may also go to Khiching first by bus and then to Keonjhar. One may also go to Kiriburu/ Meghatuburu in Jharkhand from Barbil-Keonjhar by bus.


Accommodation at Keonjhar:
Hotel Plaza NH-6. New Market; Gayatri Guest House, Hotel Mayur, Keonjhar Lodge, Hotel Bond, Labanya Bhawan Lodge, Hotel Ajanta. Chowda Lodge Mini Lodge Purijat Lodge, Baba Lodge and many other hotels. There is also a Circuit House, Advance Booking : Collector; PWD IB. the Arya Samaj Dharamsala is also there at Keonjhar.

Places to see at Keonjhar:
Surrounded with hills and jungles Keonjhar is a small hill-town peaceful and quiet. Besides the Santhals Oraons and Mundas there are many other tribals inhabiting the place. Keonjhar on an altitude of 1575 ft becomes a dreamland ringing with the sweet songs of birds both strange and familiar. The Jagannath Temple 3 km from the city should be visited either on foot/ by a rickshaw. There are other deities too in the temple premises. The temple gate remains closed from 12 pm to 5-30 pm.

Nice tourist spots surrounding Keonjhar
The Sanghaghra or small cascade descending from an altitude of 100 ft at a distance of 5 km from the city and the Badghaghra or the big cascade falling from a height of 200 ft, 10 km from the city may be visited by a jeep or, a rickshaw. These cascades are really pleasant, and the city gets its supply of drinking water from this Ghaghra, i.e., cascade. For picnic this spot is ideal.

The Baitarani has its origin in the Guptaganga in the Gonashika mountain 30 km from Keonjhar. It looks like the nostrils (nasika) of a cow (Go) hence named 'Gonasika'. A temple of Brahmeswar Mahadeva is also there. The Baitarani rushes down on to the earth from the mountains like a waterfall Then after a few metres it disappears into the earth. The Baitarani in the Guptaganga is again visible in the Kund near the Brahmeswar Temple at the onasika village. The sacred water of the Baitarani merges with the sea, flowing along 400 km, leaving Jajpur aside. According to another set of opinion the Baitarani has its origin in the Malaygiri hills.

Gonasika may be reached by travelling for 21 km by a Pallahara / Sambalpur bus from Keonjhar and then by walking for the last 9 km. By jeep you can come directly to the hill.

About 10 miles from Keonjhar is the Gandhamadan which was carried up to Lanka (i.e Srilanka) by Pavanputra seeking for Vasaiyakarani as depicted in the epic Ramayana.

To reach Sitabinji, you have to travel 23 km along the way to Jajpur until you reach Kaiarbeda from here you have to pace up another 7 km on the right. There are frescoes on the hills, shaped like a half open umbrella. It is Rabanchhaya (shadow of Ravana, the demon) as per local legends. The mountains scattered about have respective names like—Laba, Kusha, Rabanchhaya etc. There is also the ashram of the great sage Valmiki, the birth place of Laba and Kusha. Down below flows the hilly stream Sita.

Taking a Keonjhar-Anandapur bus you may see Ma Tarini's place at Ghatgaon (45 km) on the Keonjhar-Jajpur-Anandapur SH II. Tarini the Mother goddess worshipped at the base of a tree.

Bhimkund:
Coming up to Karanjia 24 km from Keonjhar, you can go 10 km up hill to Mourijoal by an Anandapur bound bus. A trek for farther 10 km ends with the glimpse of a natural wonder—the Baitarani, from behind two hillocks, descends 150 meters down and then jumping on from boulder to boulder flows throught a ravine. After few km journey along the hill there is Bhimkund, the dangerous whirlpool walled up with stones to appear as a Kund. This Kund full with light green water, which is about 260 ft deep. Hearsay, that the Baitarani disappeared into the netherworld flowing under the Bhimkund. The stream, after disappearing into a crevice, is again visible at a distance of 3 km. It is not at all unnatural to come across a bear or an elephant on this trail specially at night. Close to the bungalow there is a small temple of Shiva. One may get accommodation at the 2 roomed bungalow of the Irrigation Department. The beautiful bungalow is surrounded by the forest of sal, mohua piyasal. kendu and arjun.

How to reach Bhimkund from Kolkata
If you plan to go from Kolkata, it is convenient to go via Karanjia (358 km). Dhauli Express at 6-00 am may be availed to reach Jajpur-Keonjhar Road at 11-23 am. From there a Keonjhar-bound bus may be taken to get down at Dhenkikot (90 km) and from there Patana (19 km) may be reached by another bus/ trekker. From Parana another car/ jeep has to be arranged personally for reaching 18 km to Bhimkund.

Fooding and lodging at Bhimkund
Though the utensils are available, one has to collect one's ration (food stuff) from Patana. There are ordinary hotels and a PWD Bungalow at Karanjia, a small town in the Mayurbhanj district Khiching and Bhimkund are situated on 2 diametrically opposite points of Karanjia. From Karanjia buses are coming up to Kolkata in the morning and evening.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Devkund - Beautiful and virgin tourist spot in Orissa

Devkund :

It is a part of the Udala division of Similipal Forest via Nilagiri/Udala from Panchlingeswar. It is 90 km from Lulung, 69 km from Kuldiha and 87 km from Balasore. From Balasore there are regular bus services to Udala (59 km). From Udala there are jeeps for going to Devkund at a distance of 28 km. The last 5 km trail is through a dense forest surrounded with hills. The lake formed by a waterfall jumping from a height of 50 ft to the Devkund.

There are four other falls too and each of them makes a Kund or lake so there are five Kunds in total; and that explains the name—Pancha Kunda (Place of five lakes). Climbing up more than 100 steps from Devkund, at the source of the river, there is the temple of Devi Ambika Mata (Durga temple), which is worth seeing. Pujas are still performed in the temple built by the kings of Mayurbhanj in 1940. The chirping sound of known and unknown birds, the multi-coloured butterflies add to the charm of Devkund.

Devkund, because of the difficult conveyance suffers from ignominy and the tourist map does not mention it at all. Sadly enough, there is no accommodation at Devkund.

This article is also published in India Study Channel

Kuldiha- A less known Forest

From Balasore reach Sujangarh up to Shergarh through National highway. From here via Nilagiri, Panchlingeswar to Sujangarh. From Sujangarh turn left again to reach the Kuldiha Sanctuary. The last 11 km is beautiful and romantic moram road.

Kuldiha Forest is nestled at a height of 91 meter and spreading out in an area of 282 sq with its dense overgrowth of the—sal, piyasal, sishu, mahanim, mango, jam, bahera and simul has become a wild habitat for the wild elephants, cheetals, wild cats, long tailed monkeys, and various other species of wild life. A hilly stream flows along Kuldiha making its course through the forest. A watch tower is strategically built at Garsimulia, on the river bank, 5 km deep in the heart of the forest. A Lion Sanctuary is also there Kuldiha.

Accomodation is only available at the Forest Bungalow.
There are solar lights at the bungalow as your source of light .

For Booking contact: Range Officer, Sujangarh, Nilagiri, Balasore, Ph: (+916782) 2333262. Or, Divisional Forest Officer, Baripada. Food arrangements you have to be bring by your own.

Though bus services are available from Balasore to Sujangarh then the last 11 km can be traversed by only. Enthusiasts may take a guide and trek along the mountains.

This article is also published in India Study Channel

Balasore - An important place at Orissa

Balasore or, the city of the Child God was a commercial city in ancient times. All the factories and industries here were built by the Danish, Dutch and French colonizers. The British East India Company has built the first factory at 1634, in the Bengal of those days, near Balasore. The harbour was also built by the British in 1642.

Our martyrs—Nirendra. Monoranjan, Jyotish, Chitiapriya and Jatindra encountered bravely with Charles Tegart and his armed force. Jatindra was transported to the Balasore Hospital with his deadly wounds. The last rituals of Jatindranath expired on 10.9.1915 were performed in the jail; and 10.9.1979 a memorial altar has been built up on the spot of cremation in front of the jail. The prison-cell (where Jatindranath had passed his days of imprisonment) is accessible to the tourists. The Hospital, where injured Jatindranath was brought, is now Barbati Girls' School.

Chasakhanda may be visited by bus/auto/rickshaw. Chasakhanda. the original place, a school has been set up and a statue of Bagha Jatin has been installed in commemoration.
6km from Balasore, at Remuna, the Vaishnava pilgrim centre and the Vrindavan of Orissa, there is the Kshirchora Gopinath Temple. The temple is 150 yrs old. Several episodes of the Krishnaleela are illustrated on the temple walls. The dilapidated palace is another place worth to visit. By hiring an auto rickshaw you can see places within Balasore easily.

Hotels at Balasore: STD CODE + 91 6782

Hotel Kaluga Ph:263152;
Hotel Hemangini Ph: 262803
Hotel Swarnachuda Ph: 262657

How to reach Balasore

Chandipur – A week end break from Kolkata

Chandipur under the shadows of the Keya-cashew nut and tamarisk trees is very pleasant for a small weekend-tour from Kolkata. The calm and quiet sea beach at Chandipur enchants tourists. The specialty of this beach 5 km wide from the coast is that it is motorable after an ebbing tide, which is very typical of Chandipur. The high tide submerges the beach and comes up to the border-lines. The Panthanivas keeps a board indicating the times for ebb and tide. You too can set adrift along the ebbing sea and may reach the confluence of the Buribalam or even further. At Chandipur tourists enjoy collecting shells like as they do at Puri. All throughout the beach hermit crabs play hide and seek. Both sunrise and moonrise at Chandipur are charming. Besides the beach, Balaramgari, i.e., the confluence of the Buribalam and the sea 3 km from here, makes a fine surrounding. Close by in the cantonment area is the Interim Training Centre, i.e., a Missile throwing Centre. Space-research works are carried on. Chandipur has been on the newspaper-headlines time and again because of the launching of spaceships like Agni, Prithvi etc.

How to reach Chandipur on sea:
Each and every Bhadrak/ Bhubaneswar bound train from Howrah via Kharagpur has to pass by Balasore the railway station connecting to Chandipur. Leaving Howrah by the Dhauli Exp at 6-00, Falaknuma Exp at 6-50, East Coast at 10-45 reach Balasore (232 km) at 9-40, 10-27 and 15-05 respectively.
From Balasore Jaipur is 105 km, Cuttack 177 km , Bhubhaneswar 205 km, and Puri is 267 km.
Reach Balasore by the Dhauli/Falaknuma/ East Coast £xp. From there you can reach Chandipur (13 km) by rickshaw, auto or, taxi.

Another way is to go up to Kharagpur by any local train from Howrah and then reach Balasore in 2 ½ hrs by the 6-55/15-30/18-10 Passenger trains. These trains return to Kharagpur at 6-18.7-55 and 17-20 from Balasore.
Bus journey to Talsari/ Digha via Chandaneswar you can also chose. CSTC buses from the Sahid Minar at Kolkata and ORT buses from Babughat in Kolkata ply along the NH 5 via Balasore to Bhadrak/ Cuttack/ Puri. From Balasore there are several buses to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Baripada. The distance between the bus stand and the railway stattion at Balasore is only 1 km.

Sightseeing from Chandipur:
The OTDC, Panthanivas, Chandipur. Ph: (+91 6782) 2370051 arranges for a sightseeing tour to Balasore, Nilagiri, Panchaiingeswar, Sajangarh, Mitrapur and Remuna covering 120 km from 7- 00 am 1-00 pm.

Special tours are also arranged by the OTDC, when there are more than 10 tourists. Besides this there are Packages for Similipal & Digha-Talasari-Chandaneswar.

Accommodation options at Chandipur:

For accommodation at Chandipur, STD 06782

On the beach— OTDCs Panthanivas Ph: 2370051 Advance Booking : Manager, OTDC, 41 Lenin Sarani, Kolkata-13. Ph: 22164556; Delhi Ph: 23364580;

Forest Rest House-Casurina, Advance Booking : DFO, Baripada, Mayurbhanj;

Adjacent to the Panthanivas there are with pretty gardens, under private ownership Hotel Shuvam Ph: 270025, Advance Booking : Smt Dasgupta, Flat-9, D-l, 1873 Gariahai Rd, Kolkata 19. Ph:24407178; Mukhcrjee P-64B. CIT Scheme 6M Ph: 23340251, Mukhcrjee 124 Arabinda Sarani, Ph: 25434251; Ghosh, 8E Dacres Lane Ph: 22439256;
Hotel Chandipur Ph: 2370030, Advance Booking: Orissa Saw Mill, 187 Maharshi Debendra Rd, Nimtala-6, Ph: 22399489;

Muktangan Guest House Ph: 2370027,

Hotel Santi Niwas Ph: 2370018, with own beach shadowed with coconut groves, Advance Booking: N N Das, 26/1 Gariahat Rd (South)-31 Ph: 24733505

Hotel Apsara: Advance Booking Ph: 22485052/22402174

Anandamayee Hotel Ph: 2370012; Advance Booking : 47/4 Becharam Chatterjee Rd, Behala, Kolkata -34, Ph: 24680427/ 23541436/Travel Tips Ph: 25772203; Holiday Managers Ph:22485829;

Larika Yatri Nivas Ph: 2370045, Advance Booking : Larika, 74 Park Street Kolkata-17 Ph: 22403583

Pacific Holiday Inn Ph: 2370083, Advance Booking : Ph: 23509199/Linkage Ph: 22466973;

Hotel Golden Ph: 2370021. Arrangements for cooking are also available there at Hotel Golden.

The UCO Bank Officers' Congress, 16-A Brabourne Road, Kolkata-700001 Ph: 22251778 have set up a Holiday Home at Chandipur.

Behind the Panthanivas, the Torrento Resort as well as the economic Hotel Yatrinivas are there.

Panthanivas, Anandamayee, Shuvam and the Santi Niwas are convenient location wise, the Forest Rest House is quite charming. All the hotels have provisions for Indian and Continental dishes.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Konark – an architectural wonder

According to Purana, Shamba, son of Lord Sri Krishna was suffering from leprosy by the curse from his father. He worshiped Sun for 12 years in the bank of Chandrabhaga river. Sun, the God was pleased by his prayer and cured him. Shamba made this sun temple at the junction of Chandrabhaga river and the Bay of Bengal. That’s why till today a fair is held in January – February and it is holy to take bath in Chandrabhaga beach.

Lord Curzon in the year 1904 brought out this temple from the heaps of sands, under which the temple was lying for 300 years.

Whoever has made this temple, it is really a wonder of architecture and regarded as one of the heritage sites of UNESCO.




At the main gate you can see two lions at each side of the gate killing elephants. It is said that, this was the symbol of proving supremacy of Hinduism over Buddhism at that ancient time! Like all other temples of Orissa this temple has also four main parts Bhogmandir( Kitchen and dining), Jagmohan (Porch to enter the main temple) Nat mandir ( Dance hall) and Biman ( where the main deity is placed).



There is stairs to climb to the porch (jagmohan) . Three chlorite stone statues of Lord Sun are there. In the early morning, afternoon and evening a tangent ray of sun fall on the face of these statues.




If you see from a distance you can realize the temple is built in the form of chariot and is drawn by seven horses. The seven horses symbolize the seven days of the week. 12 wheels are there on each side of the chariot denoting 24 fortnights (Paksha) of 12 months. There are eight spokes in each wheel symbolize 8 segments (Prahar) of a day. Most of the wheels are now almost destroyed with time and other natural and human factors except one with its full glory.




Look at the plinth of the temple, there are at least 1700 elephants are curved. Every inch of the wall of the temple is intricately decorated with different statues, telling the stories and life style of ancient times. The erotic images of all forms of sexuality are vividly curved. On the first landings 8 dancer girls on the angles are unique and charming.



It is heard that there was a powerful magnet on the top of the temple (Kumbha Pathar), This magnet use to attract the ships and caused various problems to them. Some of the crew of such a vessel destroyed that stone.


Though reliability of all the stories told cannot be ascertained but whatever may be the story, the end product is awesome. It is heard that this temple was built by 12000 labor and artists in 12 years time!

The temple remain open from 6 am to 5.30 pm. Free entry is on Fridays; on other days above 14 yearsof age the ticket is INR 10.




The geological museum near the temple is also worth visiting. His remain open from 10 am to 5 pm.

Konark dance festival is a yearly festival held from 1st to 5th December. This prestigeous festival is held in open air and participated by the reputed dancer from all over the country.

How to visit Konark:

Most of the tourists visit Konark in conducted tour either from Puri or Bhubaneshwar. Konark is 64 Km from Bhubaneshwar and there is regular bus service from here throughout the day. From Puri via a beautiful marine drive Konark is 36 km and you can get regular bus service. Easiest way to see Konark is by conducted tour either by bus or car. But if you want to enjoy the details of the fabulous work of art, better stay here for a day or two.

Where to stay at Konark:

STD code of Konark: +91 06758

OTDC Traveler’s Lodge and Pathanivas: Ph 236831 DB and Family Bed @ INR 300 – 550

Yatrinivas of Orissa Tourism: Ph 236820 DB and Suite @ INR 450 – 2000

Labanya Lodge Ph: 236818 DB @ INR 2000 – 400

Youth Hostel, Konark

This article is republished at India Study Channel


Photo attribution:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rietje/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2kool/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaurabarka/

Puri – The Evergreen Tourist Spot

One of the most popular tourist spot Puri, in Orissa has something for everyone. For the devotees, it is on of the four Dhams ( Rest three are Dwarka, Rameshwaram and Badrinath). The Jagannath Dev, another image of Lord Krishna is the main deity worshipped here in the famous Jagannath Dev Temple. The name of Puri has changed several times with time. Neelachal, Neelgiri, Neeladri, Purushottam Khestra, Shankha Khestra, Shree Khsetra, Jagannath Dham and ultimate now it is Puri.

For tourists 7 km long semicircular sea beach, also known as Brighton of India is fabulous.
The sea beach of Puri is one of its kind. It is never quiet and not also as rough that you cannot bath. You have to remain cautious while bathing and should know how to tackle with the waves. The Nulias, with typical triangular caps are always there to help you at nominal charges. If you are not accustomed with the Puri Sea, better take their help. Tourists start playing in the sea since early in the morning and remain there till late afternoon. You will not feel to leave the beach, it is so absorbing! If you walk very early in the morning in the golden beach, you can find variety of sea shells to collect from the beach.






The sunrise, sunset, witnessing the activities of the fishermen, buying fresh sea fish direct from their net all are wonderful experiences. Your hotel will cook these fishes for you at a nominal charge; just manage the hotel manager for that.

The west side of Puri is Swargadwar, the most congested place of Puri is now extended to further west. This part is popular to Bengalee tourists. The eastern part, Chakratirtha road is westernized, little costlier than the eastern counterpart get mixed type of tourists from all parts of India and throughout the world. Those, who visit Puri with the primary purpose of worshipping Lord Jagannath prefer to stay around the temple.





Places of importance in Puri:

Swargadwar:

This is a sacred place at Puri and now most crowded too with plenty of shops of almost everything you want! “Maha Samsan” the crematorium of Hindus is adjacent. The oldest hotels of Puri are all adjacent to Swargadwar. There are plenty of Ashrams , Temples around Swaragadwar.





Sree Khsetra – Temple of Lord Jagannath Dev:

Everything in Puri seem to be related with Lord Jagannath and the temple is the centre of attraction of Puri. At ancient times this temple was built by the Suryabanshi king of Avanti, Indradumna. The original temple was destroyed and it was rebuilt by the king Jajati Keshari. Finally in 1198 AD the existing model was built by the king Anaga Bhimdev. After that by the patronage of Gajapati kings this temple has flourished.

It is a huge complex and always remain busy with devotees all over the country. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple complex. It has four entry points namely Simhadwar ( Lion gate), hastidwar (Elephant gate), Ashwadwar (Horse gate) and Khanjadwar. In front of the simhadwar on the east, there is Arun Stambha, a 34 Ft high pillar with Gaduda at its top.
The main temple has four main parts Biman, Natmandir, Bhogmandir and Jagmohan, the main one, where the images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed. Many othe temples of different God and Goddesses are around the main temple complex.

On the wall of the temple there are illustrations of men and women several exotic loving posture. The ornamental designs as well as the pantheon – are the major attraction for the tourists. The paininings of Purana tales on the walls and the engraved works on the pillars are unique example of art works of that time. The illustrations of 10 incarnations (Dashavatar) on the wall of the Garvagriha (The main chamber where lord Jagannath resides) is interesting, where Jagannath is depicted as 9th incarnation in place of Lord Budhha.

On the Rantabedi ( bejeweled altar) in the Garvagriha there are 7 images. White colored Balabhadra or Balaram, black colored Lord Jagannath with a big diamond on his forehead, in between them is their sister yellow colored Subhadra. On one side there is Sudarshan Chakra, On the left side goden colored Laxmi, on the right silver colored Saraswati and Neel madhab is placed behind.

The deities are made of Brahma wood. It is said that Vishwakarma could not comlete the image as the door was opened by the queen before the specified time of 21 days. That is why the images have no hands.

See the other places in and around Puri by hiring a Cycle Rickshaw or Auto Rickshaw. The places you will see are Sidhha Bakul, Gambhira, Markandeshwar temple and the pond, Indradumna, sonar Gouranga at Chakratirtha and Sakshigopal temple. It is said that Puri visit is incomplete if you miss Sakshigopal.





In the month of December, Puri Beach festival is now an added attraction, started in 1993. Raghurajpur is another place, worth visiting. It is about 10 km from Puri in Puri Bubaneshwar highway. Here in Govt aided craft college and in the houses of the artists they make unique sculptures of stone and fabulous paintings on canvasses and on different natural medias. You can purchase the art work from there. Some of them are quite costly in the range of INR 40,000! Though small items are available at INR 100 too. You can visit this place from Puri by hiring an auto rickshaw or, car.





How to reach Puri:

Puri is connected by Railways from Kolkata and New Delhi by direct trains. Khurda Road station is touched by most of the south bound trains. Puri is 1 ½ hours from Khurda Road. Nearest airport and important Railway station is Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar is connected by air and train from all over the country. Puri is 1 ½ hour drive from Bhubaneshwar by bus or taxi.





Conducted tours from Puri:

There are plenty travel agencies, who are conducting package tour from Puri daily except Monday. @ INR 140 they will show you Chandrabhaga beach, Konark, Dhauli, Bhubaneshwar, Udaigiri, Khandagiri, and Nandan Kanan in a super luxury coach.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they conduct tour to Chilika @ INR 130

Satpara Dolphin tour is available @ INR 220 inclusive of the boat charge.

Try to book your trip at OTDC conducted tour from Panthabhavan +91 6752 223526.

The next choice is N. N Mukherjee and sons, Chakratirtha Road +91 6752 227068

And Konark Travels, sea beach +91 6752 223435

They have their own cars and good infrastructure.

Staying in Puri:

Though throughout the year Puri is pleasant and enjoyable, From October to January and May and June are considered as season. At other times discounts are available at the hotels.
For staying, the options in Puri are many. All depend on what kind of holiday you are enjoying. You can choose from Dharamshalas, holiday homes of different organizations, and hotels of different categories and budgets. Chose the place where you like to stay and what is your primary requirement. If you want to spend more time in temple chose any hotel there. They are comparatively cheap. If you like to stay within a lively crowd and colorful shops and fair like atmosphere chose any hotel or, holiday home at Swargadwar. If you need privacy and quiet ambience chose hotels in Chakratirtha road. I will mention few important hotels of each of these places; but there are plenty to chose from.





Few important hotels on the sea beach road up to Swargadwar:

STD code of Puri +91 6752

Balananda Tirthasharam : Ph228727 Booking open one month before. @ INR 225 – 400 DB and Family room available. No non vegetarian food allowed inside the hotel.

Puri Hotel: Ph 222114/ 223809 One of the oldest and very popular among tourists @ INR 400 – 1400 depending on the rooms. Even 10 bedded family rooms are also available.

Victoria Club Hotel: Ph: 222005 / 222583 This hotel is a symbol of aristocracy in Puri DB @ INR 450 – 2500

Ocean View Hotel: Ph 223352 DB @ INR 500 – 1200

Pulin Puri Hotel: Ph 223360 DB, FR and suites @ INR 750 – 2400

Hotel Sonali: Ph 223545 right at Swargadwar - DB @ INR 450 – 1050

Few important hotels in new marine drive, more west from Swargadwar

New Sea Hawk Hotel: Ph 231500 Children’s park in the hotel lawn is a great advantage DB and suites @ INR 700 – 2500

Hotel Banga Laxmi: Ph 230711 DB @ INR 250 – 2000

Few important hotels in Chakratirtha Road, 2 Km from Swargadwar and Railway station.

Hotel Repose: Ph 223376 DB @ INR 600 onwards

Mayfair beach resort: Ph 227800 cottage @ INR 6000 Suite @ INR 9000

OTDC Pantha Nivas Ph: 222562 DB, FR, Suite @ INR 500 – 2000

BNR Hotel: Ph 223006 The residence of lady Osworth is converted in to a prestigious hotel of
Puri . DB @ INR 1000 – 1500 inclusive of food.

Youth Hostel Puri: Ph: 222424

Holiday resort Puri: Ph:222440 DB and suite @ INR 1400 – 4000

The mentioned hotels are only the very prominent ones. I may have missed many prominent hotels too in this list. In fact there are uncountable hotels in Puri. Still during Christmas holidays, the dearth of room remains at times. The rates of small hotels changes frequently according to the tourist flow. You can get many hotels or, holiday homes in 2nd or 3rd row behind the sea beach road at much cheaper prices. Many of them allow cooking too. At Puri you can hire every cooking tools like gas cylinder, burner pressure cooker etc at a very nominal price. Beddings are also available on hire.

Food at Puri:

Dominated by Bengalee foods and recipes, you can get food of any provinces at the different restaurants. If you are fond of fish, this place is for you. Relish fresh fish at almost every restaurants. I will specifically recommend Bidesh Ghar, near Swargadwar. Please taste the Bengali cuisine there. Don’t forget to visit Kakatua sweet shop and taste the sweets there. Collect Khaza the special sweet of Puri. Take them to your home for your friends and relatives.

What you should buy from Puri:

There are many thing you can buy as memento of Puri. Artwork of sea shell, Sambalpuri sarees, Pat chitra (A special type of paintings), stone curvings, replica of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra, special stick.

The last word: Beware of strangers, who may offer you hotels, conducted tour bookings etc. They may dupe you. Go straight forward to proper place for booking and talk to them directly without any middleman. While taking help of Rikshaw pullers and auto drivers but keep in mind that they get commission from the hotels and the travel agents. Tell them directly to which hotel or travel agent you want to go to.

This article is republished at India Study Channel

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rietje/