Day 7 - Puri

06.10.2022

Day 7

Vizag to Puri drive is about 450 kms. Plan for the day was to visit Konark Sun temple and Jagannath temple while in Puri.

We took NH16 and then New Jagannath road towards Puri. New Jagannath road is a narrow winding road traversing through rustic villages, paddy fields. After travelling about 45 minutes (20+ kms) we were stopped at a road blockade by locals protesting flood relief distribution. We were told the blockade may last for few hours and so we decided to detour. A local family who was also caught in this mess, guided us through another route to Konark. We had planned to visit the Sun temple before check in to hotel. 

One of the highlights of our tour has been the support of so many kind hearted and helpful people who we meet every day. Way to go India!

We traversed through several interior roads, mostly single lane, to bypass the blockade. Orissa reminded us of Kerala in the 70’s - vegetation, paddy fields and the roads. We were back on the clock by about three hours when we reached Konark at 5.45 pm. The timing was just right as the beauty of Konark is seen best under lights.

The 13th century Sun temple is an architectural wonder. We were blown off our feet by the grandeur of what remains of the temple complex - 100 feet high chariot with giant wheels and horses, all carved from sandstone. The temple built during Kalinga period is a classic illustration of Kalinga Architecture.

Though, what we see today is a partially destroyed edifice (The cause of destruction of the temple is unclear), one should not miss visiting this masterpiece!

Konark Sun Temple is depicted on the reverse side of INR 20, to signify its importance to Indian cultural heritage

Driving this part of the country, one must learn to navigate herds-of cattle resting in the middle of the road (including highways) - night driving is scary as you don’t see them until too late.

Visit to Jagannath temple was postponed to next day as it was too late.

We checked in at Sterling Puri for the night for a good night’s rest.

At end of day seven - 2961 kms on our tracker.

#fulltankers