Hotel Toshali Sands is located in Puri, a destination with a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural facts that make it a compelling place to visit. While the resort itself is a tranquil escape, its location provides a gateway to a world of fascinating local features.
Here are some key facts about Puri as a destination, which enhance the experience of staying at Toshali Sands:
1. A Major Hindu Pilgrimage Site: Puri is one of the four original Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India, making it a place of immense religious significance. The city’s economy is heavily dependent on its religious importance, with nearly 80% of its economy driven by the Jagannath Temple and its festivals.
2. The Enigmatic Jagannath Temple: The 12th-century Jagannath Temple is the heart of Puri. It’s not just a temple but a monument steeped in mystery and unique facts:
- The Idols: The main deities of the temple—Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra—are made of wood and are replaced every 8, 12, or 19 years in a special ritual called Nabakalebara.
- A-Gravity-Defying Flag: The flag on top of the temple’s dome is said to always fly in the direction opposite to the wind.
- No Shadow: It’s a popular belief that the main temple has no shadow at any time of the day, a mystery that has puzzled many.
- No-Fly Zone: Another popular belief is that no birds or planes fly over the temple’s main dome.
- The “Mahaprasad” Miracle: The temple’s kitchen is the largest in the world, and it’s said that the same amount of food is cooked every day, yet it’s never wasted and is always enough to feed the thousands of pilgrims who visit. The food is also said to cook in a peculiar order, with the pot on top cooking first.
3. The Famous Rath Yatra: Puri is synonymous with the Rath Yatra or “Chariot Festival,” a grand spectacle that attracts millions of devotees from around the world. During the festival, the deities are taken out of the temple in massive, beautifully decorated wooden chariots and pulled through the streets by devotees. This festival alone is a huge part of the city’s cultural identity.
4. Unique Local Art and Culture: Puri is a center for traditional arts and crafts.
- Pattachitra: This traditional art form involves intricate paintings on a piece of cloth, often depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Sand Art: The Puri Beach is famously associated with internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, who creates stunning sculptures with a variety of themes.
- Applique Art: The village of Pipli, a short drive from Puri, is renowned for its applique handicrafts.
5. A Natural Paradise on the Coast: Beyond its spiritual importance, Puri is a coastal destination with unique natural features.
- Golden Beach: The Puri Beach is known for its expansive golden sands and the unique experience of the sea breeze.
- Reverse Sea Breeze: In most coastal areas, the sea breeze blows towards the land during the day and from the land to the sea at night. In Puri, this phenomenon is said to happen in reverse.
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary, located on the Marine Drive, is known for its casuarina forests and wildlife, including blackbucks. Toshali Sands is located right next to this sanctuary, adding to its “nature escape” feel.
Staying at Toshali Sands allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural tranquility of Puri while being perfectly positioned to explore these fascinating cultural and spiritual facts that make the destination so remarkable.
