Puri is the ultimate tourist destination, and it offers something to everyone. From architecturally intricate temples to serene beaches, Puri has it all. If you have travelled within Puri enough and want to explore offbeat places near Puri, the time is now. These unexplored gems are famous to the locals but are relatively unknown to people outside the region.
10 Offbeat Places Near Puri You Must Explore
Embark on a heart-pondering adventure with fewer crowds in Pune. Discover the hidden gems to add a unique dimension to your vacation.
1. The Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts
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The Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts is among the best offbeat places near Puri. Established in 1953, its purpose was to promote Odisha’s tribal culture. Five decades later, in 2010, it was listed among the top tribal museums in India. The museum houses artefacts and replicas of tribal communities procured from various tribal groups in Odisha. It showcases the evolution of their culture and their dwellings in interesting ways.
Distance from Puri: 62 km
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday and state government holidays)
Entry fee: INR 10/- (Indian citizens), INR 50/- (Foreigners)
Free entry: Children aged 12 and below, school children who have appropriate recommendations from school authority, disabled people
Must Read: Temples In Odisha
2. Dhauligiri Hills
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Dhauligiri Hills is one of the best offbeat places near Puri. It has a strong spiritual and historical significance as it is where Emperor Ashoka decided to immerse himself in Buddhist teachings. You will find rock edicts there along with Vishwa Shanti Stupa which symbolises a peace pagoda. It has five umbrellas that represent the essential Buddhist principles. The panoramic and scenic views will enthral you.
Distance from Puri: 50 km
3. Baliharachandi Beach
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Beaches are often filled with tourists and if you want some solitude you must walk towards the quieter end of the beach. Rather than taking that trouble, go to Baliharachandi Beach which is among the top offbeat places near Puri. It is deserted but you can find a few stalls in the area. As it is located between Puri and Konark, you can stroll across the sandy beach on your way back. You will find gorgeous seashells, burrowing crabs, and a never-ending view of the sea.
Distance from Puri: 27 km
Suggested Read: Family Beach Vacations In India
4. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
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Alert birdwatchers! If you are looking for offbeat places near Puri specifically for birdwatching, this sanctuary is your answer! Located on Nalbana Island, you will spot many migratory bird species here during winter. As many as 181 varieties of birds can be found here. This sanctuary is a nature enthusiast’s dream come true! It is excellent for nature photographers too as you see the birds just be themselves in their natural environment.
Distance from Puri: 116 km
5. Raghurajpur
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Raghurajpur is one of those offbeat places near Puri that will stay in your heart forever. It is a heritage crafts village that is famous for stone carvings, wood carvings, Pattachitra paintings, and palm leaf paintings. It is also known for coconut crafts, Gotipua folk dance, papier mâché, and masks. This is the only place where Patas are made which is used to decorate Lord Jagannath’s throne.
Distance from Puri: 10 km
Suggested Read: Surajkund Melat
6. Chaudhury Bazaar
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Outdoor markets always have an exciting component to them and the Chaudhury Bazaar in Cuttack is no different. It is among the best offbeat places near Puri within 100 kms and is a delight for travellers who want to taste authentic Odia cuisine. The local food is filled with smoky flavours that will invigorate your senses. You will find Odia cuisine at its traditional best at such places.
Distance from Puri: 83 km
7. Ekamra Van
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Ekamra Van is among the best offbeat places near Puri close to the Bindusar Tank. It is a garden that has a large collection of rare medicinal plants. Opened in 2009, you can find more than 200 plants used for medicinal purposes. While the plants are interesting to learn about, the structure of the garden complex is of importance too. It feels like a heritage site as natural stones have been used to build it. You can purchase saplings and plants from the garden’s nursery.
Distance from Puri: 55 km
Summer timings: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Winter timings: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 2/- (Entry is free for children aged 5 and below and school students who have permission from their principal)
Suggested Read: Gardens In Singapore
8. Udayagiri Caves
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Udayagiri Caves is one of the offbeat places near Puri that you can visit solo or with friends and family. The most prominent structure in the caves is 5 feet tall Vishnu’s Boar avatar with people worshipping him on the side. The enchanting caves have 33 rock-cut chambers which have Jain and Hindu wall paintings and sculptures that tell a story. It is believed that the caves were built during the Gupta Period. It is a must-visit site for history buffs.
Distance from Puri: 61 km
9. Nandankanan Zoological Park
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The park is among the list of offbeat places near Puri within 100 kms that you can enjoy with your family. It is situated near the Kanjia Lake and close to the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. You will find 210 enclosures including moated enclosures. 156 species of animals are housed in the zoo which includes amphibians, mammals, reptiles, butterflies, and birds. It is the only zoo that has animals such as the open-billed stork, Patas Monkey, and eastern rosella.
Distance from Puri: 76 km
Entry fees: INR 10/- ( 3 to 12 years), INR 50/- (Above 12 years), INR 100/- (Foreigners)
Camera fees: INR 100/- (Handy Cam), INR 500/- (High-end video Camera), INR 4000/- (Movie camera)
Suggested Read: Zoos In India
10. Atri Hot Springs
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Atri Hot Springs is one of the top offbeat places near Puri. It is encompassed by lush greenery and the hot springs have medicinal properties. You will find a Lord Hattakeswar Mahadev temple near the Hot Springs where Makar Jatra takes place during Makar Sankranti. Pilgrims come here in large numbers and bathe in the hot springs during that time. If you want to avoid the crowd, come here before Makar Jatra.
Distance from Puri: 76 km
Further Read: Tourist places In Odisha
Aren’t these offbeat places near Puri intriguing? Add these to your itinerary when you plan your thrilling trip to Odisha and enjoy a long weekend or a day outing with your near and dear ones. Get ready to create memorable times with these offbeat travel destinations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places Near Puri
How many days are enough for travelling in Puri?
Anywhere between a few days to a week is sufficient.
Where is the offbeat location in Odisha?
You can go to Baliharachandi beach, Udayagiri Caves, and Dhauligiri Hills.
What activities can I do in Puri?
You can visit temples, stroll on the beach, eat at local eateries, etc.
When is the best time to visit Puri?
The best time to visit is between October and February.
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