Puri is an excellent base for exploring coastal Odisha. Konark is only 35 kilometres away along a good road and is home to the Sun Temple — one of India's greatest architectural achievements, a 13th-century chariot in stone that remains astonishing even in its partially ruined state. The combination of Puri and Konark forms the core of Odisha's "Golden Triangle" tourist circuit (the third point being Bhubaneswar), and the two are easily visited on successive days. Chilika Lake lies to the south of Puri, a vast brackish-water lagoon separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow spit. Asia's largest coastal lagoon, it is a major wintering ground for migratory birds — including flamingos, pelicans, and the threatened Irrawaddy dolphin lives in its waters year-round. Boat trips from the lakeside towns give you access to the open water and the bird colonies on the central islands.
Destinations
