Puri is the cultural and spiritual capital of Odisha. This pious city is renowned for its revered temple, the “Jagannath Temple,” as well as numerous other shrines, ashrams, and natural wonders. Puri is included in the list of the Char Dham Yatra in Hinduism. It is said that no religious tour is complete without visiting the Jagannath Puri Temple. Hence, devotees or Vaishnavas from all around the world flock to Puri. If you are also planning a Puri trip, then our Puri Travel Guide would help you a lot. There are so many things to explore apart from the revered temple of Jagannath Puri. Our Puri travel guide includes all the essential information to help you plan your tour, considering the best time to visit, important places to visit, hidden places to explore, and how to reach.
Puri At a Glance
Puri is a coastal district in Odisha. Located just 65 km from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, and on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the famous tourist destinations in Odisha. It is a popular pilgrimage destination in India and comes under the Char Dham Yatra. The city is famous for the revered Jagannath Temple. Hence, it is also known as Jagannath Puri. The temple is located on the beach side and is one of the revered shrines in India for Hindus. The Char Dham Yatra in Hinduism is completed by visiting Jagannath Puri Temple. This holy town is blessed with ancient temples, rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and diverse wildlife. It is the perfect blend of history, culture, and spirituality. By visiting this pious destination during the right season, you will explore the exotic destinations as well as hidden gems. With our Puri Travel Guide, you can stay relaxed and ensure that not only will your Puri tour be enjoyable but also memorable.
Best Places to Visit in Puri
The famous pilgrimage destination of India, Puri, has a myriad of attractions to explore. From ancient monuments to breathtaking temple architecture, pristine beaches, and the largest lagoon, Puri has a lot in store that never fails to amaze tourists. During your Puri trip, you must visit the famous tourist attractions that are stated below. Also, our Puri tour guide includes the hidden gems of the city that you must include in your Puri tour itinerary.
Shree Jagannath Temple
Puri is one of the Char Dham destinations in India due to the Shree Jagannath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Situated in the heart of the town near the famous Puri Beach, Shree Jagannath Temple is a significant destination for Vaishnavas, who worship lord Vishnu in any form. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and mysterious facts. It is the ancient temple, built in the 12th century. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, are the main deities that are worshipped here. Hindu devotees from all over the world visit this temple every year. It is renowned for its grand chariot festival called Rath Yatra, celebrated annually. People come here to get a glimpse of this temple and its marvellous architecture in the Klinga style. However, the beauty of the intricate architecture of this temple is always overshadowed by the deities sitting in the temple. Unlike other idols that are usually made of metal or stone, this temple’s idols are made of wood. The idols are replaced every 12 or 19 years during the Nabakalebara festival.
Puri Beach
Another top attraction in Puri is the Puri Beach. It is one of the top and most-visited destinations in Puri. The beach is also known as “Golden Beach “because of its long stretch, golden-colored sand. It is located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, just at a distance of 2 km from the sacred shrine of Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach is a pristine beach. Not only is this beach perfect for tourists to enjoy the adventure and fun activities, but also for those who seek solitude. This pristine beach is one of the most crowded beaches in Puri, however, it gives you a sense of calmness and peace. You will feel closer to nature and divine energy. The beach is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, rolling waves, and soft sands. The beach is perfect for everyone, whether they need a peaceful stroll or even a lively evening. Tourists can even indulge in local crafts and snacks on the beach.
Gundicha Temple
One of the popular and sacred attractions in Puri is the Gundicha Temple. It is situated in the northeast direction of the famous Shree Jagannath Temple. The temple is named after the queen Gundicha, who built the temple. This temple plays a crucial role in the annual Rath Yatra festival. The deities lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra travel from the main Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple, symbolizing a visit to their aunt’s house. Therefore, this temple is known as lord Jagannath’s aunt’s house. There is also a beautiful garden in the middle of the temple. So, people also called it the Garden House. Apart from the religious significance, the temple is one of the great architectural wonders in Puri. You will marvel at its beautiful Kailnga-style architecture and intricate stone carvings. The temple is built in a dome shape and surrounded by a 20-foot-tall and 5-foot-wide wall.
Konark Sun Temple
Konark is one of the most important attractions of Puri, located at a distance of 35 km from the Shree Jagannath Puri Temple. Konark houses a massive temple dedicated to the Sun god. It is one of the masterpieces of Oriya architecture in Puri with great religious significance. Konark is the amalgamation of two words: “Kana,” which means corner, and “Ark,” which means the Sun. It is a wonderful architectural marvel that tourists come to see from different parts of the country. The temple is widely famous for its architectural greatness. It is built in the shape of a giant chariot with wheels and horses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a beautiful mixture of architectural marvel, exotic beach, and natural beauty. It is a must-visit destination during a Puri tour with family or friends.
Ramachandi Beach
People who want a quiet time for relaxation often visit Ramchandi Beach. This serene beach is ideal for people seeking solitude as it is less crowded and offers great views of the natural surroundings. It is perfect for both morning and evening visits for the stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The temple is located just 7 km from Konark on the Marine Drive Road. It is the perfect place for a solace vacation. Besides, it gives you an opportunity to connect with nature and the divine. The Ramachandi temple in its vicinity makes the place more important from a religious point of view.
Chilika Lake
One of the best attractions that is worth a visit during your Puri tour is Chilika Lake. It is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Located just a few kilometres from Puri, it is one of the must-visit places in Puri. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a bird lover, Chilika Lake has something for everyone. It is also known as the honeymooners’ paradise. Since this vast lake is home to diverse species of birds and fish, it is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers. Along with bird-watchers, photographers from all over the world visit this beautiful destination to capture different types of birds. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride here. Reach the bird island to spot dolphins and other birds. Many bird species during the migratory season flock here. So, you may get the chance to spot flamingos, pelicans, and cranes.
Hidden Gems of Puri
While Shree Jagannath Temple and Konark Temple are the most popular attractions of Puri, there are many lesser-known destinations or hidden places that offer a unique experience. People who need an offbeat travel experience must visit these hidden places in Puri to have unique and less-crowded experiences.
Baliharachandi Beach
A secluded beach located at a distance of 25 km from Puri, Baliharachandi Beach offers serenity and pristine beauty. The crowd on the famous Puri Beach sometimes becomes a hustle for tourists. If you want a serene experience on a secluded beach, then head to Baliharachandi Beach. It is located about 25 km from Puri. It is a beautiful hidden gem of Puri, a perfect place for a peaceful day of relaxation. You can enjoy spending time with loved ones, sunbathing, and admiring the natural surroundings.
Raghurajpur Artist Village
One of the most amazing places to visit in Puri is Raghurajpur Artist Village. Especially for people having a penchant for the arts. This is a quaint village located just 14 kilometres from Puri. This village is known for its traditional Pattachitra paintings and Palm-leaf paintings. It is also home to many famous artists who create intricate artwork using ancient techniques. Visiting this village will let you experience the unique and traditional painting style of Odisha. You will also get a unique cultural experience in the village and can meet the artisans to learn about their skills and experiences.
Narendra Tank
Narendra Tank is called Narendra Sarovar. It is a religious place with great spiritual significance located just 2 km from the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple. It is the place where the annual Chandan Yatra is celebrated. The Narendra Sarovar has an island in the middle, and a small shrine named Chandana Mandapa has been built. With many small shrines in its vicinity, it is a sacred place to visit in Puri.
Best Time to Visit Puri
Puri is a coastal district in the Indian state of Odisha. So, the tropical climate here makes it hard to explore the city and its attractions during summer. The best time to visit Puri is during the winters from October to February, when the weather remains cool and pleasant. The temperature during the winter months ranges between 16°C and 28°C, making the weather perfect for temple visits and outdoor activities. You can enjoy a stroll on the Puri Beach without the discomfort of humidity and heat.
However, Jagannath Puri is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India, so devotees visit year-round. So, you can plan your Puri trip with family any time of the year.
- Monsoon season (June to September) is the perfect time to visit Puri for nature lovers, when they want to see Puri in its lush green beauty.
- Summer (March to May) is the best season for budget travelers. By visiting in the summer season, you will avoid the busy tourist season. You will get accommodation at lower costs and with fewer crowds, which will make your trip a bit easier.
How to Reach Puri
Every year, thousands of tourists and devotees visit Puri. Hence, there are several transport modes to reach Puri. Considering your budget and time, you can opt for any of the following modes to reach Puri:
By Train
Puri itself has a dedicated railway station, which is a terminal station. The station is well-connected to the major cities of India. You will get direct trains from every corner of the country to Puri. Traveling to Puri by train is one of the most convenient and cheapest ways to reach Puri. You can board a train available for Puri directly from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Puri is the Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar. Puri is located at a distance of 67 km from Bhubaneswar. Buses and taxis are always available from the airport to reach Puri.
By Road
The bus stand of Puri is located near the Gundicha Temple. Buses from the major and minor cities of the state run regularly. Some other cities like Kolkata and Chennai are also connected to Puri by road. You can book tickets online as well. The road journey is also enjoyable for tourists to see the beautiful landscapes of the state.
