Discover the Best Places to Visit in Puri

Puri, the historic home of Lord Jagannatha, is one of the most beloved pilgrimage sites in India. As one of the holiest “Char Dham” pilgrimage locations, Puri is adorned with ancient temples that hold immense significance in terms of architecture, history, and religion. This affluent region, once known as “Sri Kshetra,” was besieged 18 times by Hindu and Muslim kings who sought the treasures of the temple.

The economy of this holy town still largely revolves around activities related to the Jagannatha Temple, which dates back to the 12th century. The peak season for tourism in Puri is during its lively festivals, particularly the Ratha Yatra (Chariot festival).

How to Reach Puri

By Train

You can reach the Puri central station, which is the nearest station, from your location.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik Airport, located in Bhubaneswar, approximately 60 kilometers from Puri.

By Road

You can fly to Bhubaneswar and then reach Puri by road.

Tourist Places in Puri You Should Visit

Along with the temples, Puri tourist places include some lovely beaches that are perfect for spending an evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The creative state of Odisha has produced talented craftspeople who are experts in Pattachitra paintings, appliqué art, stone carving, and sand art.

Jagannath Temple

As one of the holiest Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, the Puri Jagannath Temple, built approximately a thousand years ago, is highly revered by Hindus. The intricately carved temple edifice is perched on a tall pedestal and is surrounded by four grand gates. Prasadam is produced using centuries-old, conserved recipes, and the food here is never wasted out of respect for the traditional Indian notion that a visitor should never be sent away with an empty stomach.

Timings: All days of the week; 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Source: Wikipedia

Puri Beach

For those who love the outdoors, the Bay of Bengal’s east coast’s golden sand beach is a tranquil haven. The beach has a high number of visitors all year round due to its proximity to Puri’s famous temples, including Jagannath Temple.

This beach is an ideal location to have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends, thanks to the abundance of lodging options and the availability of a wide variety of cuisine. Honeymooners often choose this sun-kissed beach to enjoy the stunning sunrises and sunsets together.

Timings: All days of the week; 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Konark

Konark, a well-liked pilgrimage site close to the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is well-known for its Sun Temple, which dates back to the 7th century. The architectural wonder is composed of statues of the sun deity, depicted in three distinct pictures and positioned in three different orientations to capture the sun’s rays during mornings, afternoons, and nights. It is built in the medieval architectural style of Odisha.

The enormous temple, which honors the Sun deity, is built in the shape of a chariot. Konark, which is about 35 kilometers from Puri along the Bay of Bengal, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to relax on quiet beaches and marvel at the beauty of ancient temples.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry Fees: Rs 40 for Indians, Rs 600 for foreigners.

Source: Wikipedia

Chilika Lake

You must visit Chilika Lake if you’re anywhere near Puri, Bhubaneswar, or just about anywhere else in Odisha. At the mouth of the Daya River, which empties into the Bay of Bengal, lies Chilika Lake, one of the top tourist attractions in the region. Chilika Lake, which is about 70 kilometers from Puri and 61 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, supports fishing families from about 132 villages located on the lake’s islands or beaches.

As many as 160 different kinds of birds congregate near the lake during the migratory seasons. Due to the lake’s abundant eco-biodiversity, Irrawaddy dolphins, which can be seen on the Satapada islands, have made it their home as well.

Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Markandeshwar Temple

The sacred site where sage Markandeya meditated on Lord Shiva as a youngster is thought to be the Markandeshwar Temple. A sculpture of Lord Nataraja with 10 hands welcomes visitors to the temple, which dates back to the 13th century.

As one travels farther, they will see several statues of Lord Shiva in all of his incarnations, as well as numerous idols of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha. The temple draws visitors from all over the world because of its magnificent architectural and aesthetic attractiveness.

Timings: Open 24 hours, all seven days a week.

Source: Wikipedia

Narendra Tank

One of Odisha’s biggest tanks, Narendra Tank is thought to have been constructed in the fifteenth century. This tank is revered and is surrounded by several tiny and large temples. The Chandana Mandapa temple is located on an island in the center of the lake.

The Sudarshan Crafts Museum

Sri Sudarshan Sahoo founded the Sudarshan Crafts Museum to provide a venue where artists and art enthusiasts may see the development of contemporary handicrafts. The museum showcases the evolution of conventional sculptures over the years. Artists may practice their trade in the workroom and have a showroom to present it in, thanks to the museum’s amenities.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Pipili

Pipili is a town in Puri that is well-known for the numerous handicraft items that are offered for sale there. The arts and crafts industry supports the overall economy and offers a wide range of goods. Here, you may get the highest quality figurines of deities, creatures, birds, and flowers, as well as pillowcases, sheets, handbags, and purses. There are many food stalls around the town, so you can satisfy your stomach as you browse.

Gundicha Temple

The Gundicha Temple, which is three kilometers from Jagannath’s primary temple complex, serves as Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama, and his sister Subhadra’s summer retreat. The Ratha Yatra comes to a close at this temple, after which the gods travel back to their original residence for a week of respite. Except for the numerous pictures that commemorate the Lord’s life, the Gundicha temple remains deserted for the rest of the year.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry Fees: Free.

Daya River

A tributary of the Kuakhai River, the Daya River drains into Chilika Lake, which is famous for its dolphin population. The river has played a significant role in India’s history, not just that of the Odisha-Bihar area. The infamous Kalinga War, which signaled the end of Emperor Ashoka’s aggressive methods and his conversion to Buddhism, was fought on the banks of the Daya River amid the lush slopes of the Dhauli Hills. On the surface of the rocks up the hill, there are a lot of Ashokan decrees.

Source: Pinterest

Conclusion

Puri is a treasure trove of historical, religious, and natural wonders. From the sacred Jagannath Temple to the serene Chilika Lake, every corner of this town tells a story. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a history buff, or just someone looking to relax by the beach, Puri has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the myriad places to visit in Puri!