Bhubaneswar, Feb 9: Exploring Puri’s layered past and its vibrant tourism legacy, more than 20 participants of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) undertook a special trail along Chakratirtha Road (CT Road), once a global hotspot for international travellers during the 1960s and 1970s.
Curated by heritage researcher Prasanta Kumar Mishra, the walk titled “International Tourism Trail: CT Road” highlighted stories of Western visitors who flocked to the holy city, drawn by its serene beaches and laid-back local environment. Beginning near Hotel Bay View and moving towards Honey Bee Café, participants learned about the accommodation patterns and food preferences of foreign tourists who preferred budget stays and small eateries, boosting local livelihoods.
Mishra recounted how the hippie movement brought travellers from Spain, Italy, Japan and other nations. As many were unfamiliar with Odia cuisine, they introduced local cooks to global dishes. Foods like spaghetti, pasta, burgers and the Japanese “Omu Rice” — locally adapted as “Om Rice” — gradually entered Puri’s café culture.
Walkers also visited heritage eateries, Kashmiri handicraft shops, Madhupur Kothi, Z Hotel and Pink House Restaurant. The trail concluded with the Odisha–Japan Festival at Talabania, even as participants reflected on CT Road’s fading international tourism charm amid rapid urbanisation.
About the Author
