Puri, the word comes from pura (abode), is the abode of the Lord Jagannath who is the incarnation of Lord Krishna for this age of Kaliyug. As the legend goes this place was a blue mountain (Nilagiri) inhabited by the Sabaras (a pre-Vedic tribe). This holy place refers in different ancient texts (purnas) differently like Srikhetra, Nilachala, Niladri, Purusottam kshetra and Sankha Kshetra.

Lord Jagannath Temple is ascribed to Anantvarma Chodganga Dev who built it during 1078-1147AD.It is built on elevated ground about twenty feet above the ground level shows an magnificent sight and can be seen from a great distance. The Temple consists of four main part viz., the Viman or the great temple, Jagmohan or the hall of audience, Natamandapa the Dancing Hall and Bhogmandap or the refractory. The Images of Lord Balabhadra, Subhadra & Jagganath are installed in the inner part of the temple called as Ratnavedi or the jeweled platform.

The temple has four gates at four directions of the temple called as Simhadara (Lions Gate), Ashwa dwara (horse gate), Vyaghara dwara (tigers gate) & Hasti dwara (elephants gate), they represent dharma, mana, variagya & Aishwarya.The main entrance which is called as Simdhara is faced to Arun Stambha.

Devotees from different parts of the country come to Puri to take a holy dip in the sea and to make their obeisance in the temples of Lord Jagannath. It has one of the finest beaches in the world and home of craftsman and artisans who produce rare beautiful handicrafts of a large variety. The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular seaside resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.

Communication:
Airlines : Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport from Puri. You can easily fetch a vehicle or pick a bus to Puri.

Rail Lines : From Calcutta, New Delhi, Tirupati and Ahmedabad there are direct trains to reach Puri

Bus Lines : By road Puri is 60-km from Bhubaneswar and 35-km from Konark on Marine Drive.