On the map, Puri finds itself stamped in the state of Odisha in Eastern India and is fittingly called the ‘Temple Town’ due to its namesake, the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the foremost pilgrimage sites for Hindus, besides being known for having the largest kitchen in the world. Additionally, 24 festivals including 13 major ones are held every year in the temple premises. The ancient Markandeswar Shiva Temple and the Konark Sun Temple are one of the oldest monuments in India. Puri is blessed with numerous beaches such as Konark, Baleshwar, Swargadwar, Baliharachandi, et al. The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of sandy beaches, cashew plantations, coastal dunes and groves of Casuarina trees. The sanctuary is home to Blackbuck and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles that nest on the beaches. The Sudarshan Crafts Museum houses traditional sculptures, training and residential facilities, a Japanese-style Buddhist temple, library, showroom, and workshop. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various migratory birds besides being an aquatic sanctuary to 225 plus species of fish. The sunrise and sunsets are sights to behold. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary or Nalbana Island is home to thousands of birds which descend during the migratory season.