Puri, the holy abode of Lord Jagannath, is one of the four Dhams (religious centres) of India. The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest beaches in India. Watching the sun and the crimson glory surrounding it and just the opposite side the full moon and a star along with it still visible is a celestial experience.Puri is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors can comfortably relax. The cool wave of breeze makes one more energetic and refreshed.Puri is endowed with one of the best beaches for swimming in India and is therefore also a popular beach resort, especially as it is positioned geographically so that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach.
Puri has many names. It is mentioned in Puranas as Srikshetra, Shankhakshetra, Neelāchala, Neelādri, Purusottama Dhāma, Purusottama Kshetra, Purusottama Puri and Jagannath Puri. The word "Puri" in Sanskrit means 'town', or 'city' and is cognate with polis in Greek. It is possible that Puri is a shortened name for Jagannath Puri or Purusottama Puri. In some records pertaining to the British rule, the word 'Jagannath' was used for Puri. It is the only shrine in India, where Radha, along with Lakshmi, Durga, Sati, Parvati, and Shakti abodes with Krishna, also known as Jagannath.