KONARK Puri is the hallowed seat of the Hindu religious deities Lord Jagannath (the Lord of Universe), Subhadra and Balabhadra. One of the 4 dhams venerated by most Hindus, it is one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, which has withstood the vagaries of nature and changing times.Puri, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal is also a city of outdoors, of lovely beaches, golden sands and gentle sunshine, tempting enough to invite visitors, both Indian and foreign, throughout the year. The sea in its various moods, now smoothly rolling, now huge breakers crashing down upon the shore, the sunrise as well as the sunset in all its natural splendour - is a memorable experience never to be forgotten. It is possibly one of the few religious places which provides the outdoor pleasures of sea and beaches along with religious piety of 'darshan', a sanctified experience of divine communion and hence draws crowds throughout the year. Puri famous for its golden beaches is ideal for swimming and surfing.KONARK Konark, the Temple Chariot of the Sun God (Black Pagoda) washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, can boast of the most exquisite specimen of Orissan craftsmanship - The Sun Temple where according to Rabindranath Tagor, 'the language of stone, defeats the language of man'. The Konark Sun Temple built on the Bay of Bengal in the 13th century A.D., today, lies almost 2 kms off the shore. The Black Pagoda to the European sailors, it captivates the spectators imagination. Constructed by Raja Narasimhadeva it is an extant example of Indian devotion to the Sun - the God of all gods, the very source of life itself.HOW TO GET THERE :

• Road : All weather motorable roads connect Puri to different parts of the State and that of neighbouring States

• Rail   : Puri is well linked by superfast trains to metro cities like Calcutta.