Day 2: 6th June, 2019
We wanted to start early so that we can reach Puri by night. We started by 5 am . Had a nice tea in Tea Time in Rajamudry. We took a slight detour in Visakapatnam to see the port . Beautiful city with hills on all sides. Enjoyed the view very much. Via Srikakulam entered into the next state, Odissa.
Beautiful state with greenery everywhere. We had tea in a small tea stall. Had some discussion(with my broken Hindi and with the help of Google translate) about Cyclone Fani. The boy said you will see along your route to Puri. Via Chhatrapur, Chilika lake we took the Jananathan road towards Puri. Alas! a road with lots of restrictions. We had to drive through lots of markets, speed breakers, villages etc., But got a real feel of Odissa. Locals were very friendly . We had to cross check with them to confirm the route here and there. As the boy said we could see the devastation of Cyclone Fani along our route. Most of the trees were uprooted and houses were roofless. It has hit the coastal town on 5th May. Even after a month normal life has not been restored. No electricity along route and restoration works were still going on. We reached Puri by around 6 pm . Booked a OYO room in Puri. Was good. Had a good bath . Found out that the temple timings are up to 11pm. Along with my parents took an auto and went to the temple.
Beautiful temple. Had good Dharshan . There are few astonishing facts about Jagannath temple. The Sudarshan Cakra on the top of the temple look just the same from every direction. Jagannath is workshipped as Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna. Visit www.jagannath.nic.in to know more about the timings and dharshan. Mobile is not allowed inside the temple. There is a place where we can leave our mobile and slippers for a reasonable fare.
Wooden Chariot is getting ready for the Car festival/Ratha Yatra/Gundicha Yatra(Every year New chariot is made). It happens in the month of June-July. Chk out the temple website for more details. Came out by 10.00 pm and had dinner in a nearby hotel . Went to room by auto and had a wonderful sleep. Quite a number of hotels are there in this temple town. Temple Devasthanam also has its own accommodations. If you plan well in advance you can book online in one of their Yatri Nivas.
Total Kms. Travelled : 636 Kms
Total Toll paid :Rs. 642.00
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