I love to travel whenever I find the time, and being a software professional since 2010, these trips offer a perfect escape from routine. One of the most memorable journeys I’ve taken was in 2022, when we travelled by road from Khammam to Puri, the sacred land of Lord Jagannath.
We used a Toyota Innova and a Maruti Suzuki Dzire for our road trip. Khammam, a city located about 230 km from Hyderabad, was our starting point.
Day 1: The Road to Puri
We began our journey at 5:30 AM and reached Puri around 10:00 PM. Our route followed NH 16, passing through Rajamahendravaram, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Palasa, and Brahmapur. From Rameswar X Road, we took a right turn that led us directly into Puri.
Puri, located on the eastern coast, has a distinct coastal vibe—the sound of the Bay of Bengal here feels different compared to other coastal spots. There’s something spiritual in the air.
We booked a room near Swargadwar Beach for around ₹3,000. The location was perfect for our short stay.
Day 2: The Beach and the Blessing
The next morning, we were excited to visit the beach. The cleanliness and hygiene of the area truly impressed us. Later that day, we headed to the main reason for our journey—the Jagannath Temple.
Our emotions ran high as we approached the temple. We took an auto to reach it, and a purohit (priest) offered to take us inside. Unfortunately, we later realized it wasn’t a genuine experience. Still, seeing Jagannath Swamy for the first time brought tears to my eyes. But the moment was brief—the crowd was overwhelming, and we were quickly ushered out.
I felt disappointed, even heartbroken, that we couldn’t spend more time in front of the deity. I literally cried inside. Fortunately, we returned again for darshan. The best part? Darshan is free in Puri, unlike in many temples across Andhra or Telangana.
The Second Visit: Peace in Devotion
The second time, I understood the right way to join the queue. This time, I stayed longer, soaking in the divine atmosphere. Devotees around me chanted “Jai Jagannath!” with such devotion—it felt as though my soul was truly blessed.
Puri also stood out for a unique reason—it’s India’s first city to offer “drink-from-tap” clean water, a thoughtful initiative for public health.
Conclusion
This journey didn’t end in Puri—it began there. It marked the start of a deeper spiritual path and left me with unforgettable memories.
Jai Shri Krishna!
My travel experiences 
Leave a comment