Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra is such an extravaganza. The chariot festival of Puri Jagannath is one of the times when everyone around the world would want to visit Puri. The famous Jagannath temple, the Prasad, and the tradition that the temple follows is a fantastic thing. Popularly called Char Dham Yatra, Puri is one of the most popular Hindu Pilgrim centers. Lakhs of people gather here from July to March as the weather would be pleasant.
Traveling during these months is better as Puri also experiences harsh summers. Puri, as a city, is a deadly combination of both divine and serene environments. It has some of the splendid temples that cater to the needs of pilgrims. On the other hand, Puri is filled with pristine beaches that make this place an idyllic one for everyone else to visit. There are also several places near Puri that are worth visiting.
Top 15 Places Near Puri
Puri, located in Orissa, has a lot of other places surrounded by, and when you are here, you can always take a tour around these top 15 places near Puri mentioned below. By visiting these places, a circuit in and Orissa would be complete.
1. Cuttack
Known for its history and culture, Cuttack is one of the places that one has to visit when they are in Puri. It is at a pretty close distance to Puri, and a day trip would take you around one of the serene places. Cuttack is fondly known as the “Cultural Capital of Odisha.” When you are here, taking part in some of the cultural activities is a must.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik Airport
Nearest railway station: Cuttack Junction railway station
Distance from Puri: 82 km
Ideal for: Children, Family, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts
Places to visit:
- Cuttack Chandi temple
- Netaji Birth Place Museum
- Mahanadi Barrage
- Barabati Stadium
- Deer Park
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2. Bhubaneshwar
The capital city of Orissa is a land of temples. Hence, it is popularly known as the “temple town of India.” The grand architecture of the temple attracts a lot of art enthusiasts across the world. Bhubaneswar gives you a feel of an ancient world and can allure you with its grandeur at once.
Best time to travel: October to February
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik Airport
Nearest railway station: Bhubaneswar New Junction
Distance from Puri: 62 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, Photography enthusiasts
Places to visit:
- Lingaraj temple
- Hirakud Dam
- Parasurameswara Temple
- Raja Rani Temple
- Bindu Sarovara
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3. Sambalpur
The lush green forests, the sparkling rivers, the abundant wildlife, and a wide range of flora and fauna surrounding the green hills make Sambhalpur one of the best destinations to visit from Puri. This place would also give a glimpse of the development of Orissa in the areas of handloom during their visit. Experiencing tribal life in Sambalpur is mandatory, and that should be part of your agenda. Also, when you are here, go shopping for the Sambalpuri sarees.
Best time to travel: September to March
Nearest airport: Veer Surendra Sai Airport
Nearest railway station: Sambalpur Junction
Distance from Puri: 343 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, Children Family outings, shopaholics, history and culture lovers
Places to visit:
- Ghanteswari Temple
- Gudguda WaterFall
- Budharaja Temple
- Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
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4. Khordha
Khordha is one of the destinations that are pretty close to Puri. You must visit Khurda because of its association with the Odisha heritage and culture. Also, this place houses some of the most beautiful and massive temples in Orissa. When you are here, you must not miss going to Atri, one of the hot water springs in India. The water from this hot water spring is known to cure a lot of diseases because of the medicinal properties it has.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
Nearest railway station: Khurda Railway Junction
Distance from Puri: 61 km
Ideal for: Photographers, Wildlife enthusiasts, and pilgrims
Places to visit:
- Mangalajodi ecotourism
- Kunj Bihari Temple
- Chingudi Lake
- Atri Hot water spring
- Barunei
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5. Chatrapur
Does the beauty of lakes fascinate you? Are you also interested in getting a panoramic shot of the city from a bridge? Then, you must head towards the quaint town of Chatrapur. Chatrapur is one of the places which would give you an escapade from the chaotic city life with a beautiful environment. Spend time looking at the view of the surroundings standing on the lovely dams that are in this place.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Brahmapur Airport
Nearest railway station: Chatrapur Railways Station
Distance from Puri: 154 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, Nature lovers, Photographers
Places to visit:
- Tampara Lake
- Durga Narayani Temple
- Ghodahada Dam
- Biju Patnaik Setu
- Biranchi Narayan Temple
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6. Keonjhar
Home to some of the fantastic waterfalls, Keonjhar in Orissa is full of abundant greenery. It offers stunning scenic views to tourists. For all the water lovers, Keonjhar is one of the must-visit places. Watching the water gushing from great heights in between the lush green forests and hills can be a feast to the pair of eyes.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
Nearest railway station: Kendujhargarh railway station
Distance from Puri: 257 km
Ideal for: Nature lovers, park lovers, and water lovers
Places to visit:
- Pundul Falls
- Hadagarh Dam
- Bhimkund Waterfall
- Khandadhar Falls
- Asurkhol
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7. Boudh
Known for its brilliant dance forms, Boudh has a history of centuries. This is one of the cities close to Puri that has to be visited if you are interested in Buddhist culture and tradition. The place is also a center for recreation and cultural shows. One can go exploring the caves and take a dip in some of the best waterfalls of Orissa when in Boudh.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
Nearest railway station: Rairakhol railway station
Distance from Puri: 247 km
Ideal for: Cave explorers, Pilgrims, Photographers
Places to visit:
- Padmatola and Satkosia Sanctuary
- Marjakuda Island
- Bhairav Mandir Purunakatak
- Rameswara Temple
- Jagati
- Naikpada Cave
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8. Nayagarh
Most of the travelers fail to explore this beautiful city of Nayagarh when they are taking a tour of Puri. Located right in the middle of the two massive and gorgeous peaks of Rukhi and Balaram, Nayagarh is a ravishing beauty. Home to a lot of famous temples, Nayagarh is best to visit during the Maha Shivratri festival.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest railway station: Nayagarh Town Railway Station
Distance from Puri: 106 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, Nature Lovers, History lovers
Places to visit:
- Jamupatna
- Panchapalli Pragana
- Ranapur
- Kuanria
- Baramul
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9. Rourkela
Have you always dreamt of knowing the steel city of Orissa? Here you are; Rourkela is the place that is a pure blend of nature and steel. Both go hand in hand to make this place one of the most sought after destinations amongst travellers. The hills, the sweeping views, the cool breeze from the land couples with some of the lovely parks and other natural attractions Rourkela has to be on your list to explore.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Ranchi Airport
Nearest railway station: Rourkela Junction Railway Station
Distance from Puri: 396 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, Nature lovers, adventure lovers
Places to visit:
- Mandira Dam
- Indira Gandhi Park
- Pitamahal Dam
- Darjeeng Park
- Harishankar Falls
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10. Jajpur
It would not be an exaggeration to call Jaipur as a paradise of waterfalls. One can go tripping on the waterfalls every second hour when they are in Jajpur. These waterfalls make this place one of the must-visit destinations from Puri. Spending time in between the serene waterfalls can be one of the best things to do to unwind completely.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
Nearest railway station: Kendujhargarh railway station
Distance from Puri: 256 km
Ideal for: Nature lovers, trekkers, motorcycle enthusiasts
Places to visit:
- Sanaghagara Waterfall
- Bhimkund Waterfall
- Khandadhar Falls
- Handibhanga Waterfall
- Badaghagara Waterfall
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11. Kandhamal
Known for some of the exquisite temples, Kandhamal is also one of the places that usually get unnoticed in Orissa. After visiting the Puri Jagannath temple, one can also take a tour of this lovely place to seek blessings from the Lord Jagannath temple located here. Also, visit the silent valley of Kalinga Ghats and enjoy the beautiful environment around you.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest railway station: Berhampur railway station
Distance from Puri: 273 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, nature lovers
Places to visit:
- Mandasaru
- Belghar Nature Camp
- Lord Jagannath Temple
- Barala Devi Temple
- Putudi Waterfall
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12. Konark
Is there anyone who does not Konark and the famous Sun Temple that it houses? Well, Konark is one of the most frequented places by almost everyone because of its incredible architecture and historical significance. Konark is one of the famous landmarks of Orissa, and it would not be an exaggeration if we called it the “The jewel in the crown” of Orissa. The ravishing beauty of the Sun temple in Konark is to be experienced by everyone.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar airport
Nearest railway station: Puri Railway Station
Distance from Puri: 35.8 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, history lovers, Architecture lovers, Photographers
Places to visit:
- Konark Sun Temple
- Konark Beach
- Chandrabhaga Beach
- Ramchandi Beach
- Sun Temple Museum
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13. Berhampur
Are you looking for some relaxation after temple-hopping and understanding history and culture? Are your feet aching and is asking you to soak them in the best beaches of Orissa? Sit and enjoy some of the best scenic views at the shores of Berhampur. Berhampur is one of the most popular places after Konark, as it has a lot of historical significance. The presence of the buried fort, Pitogarh, makes it even more exciting to visit Berhampur.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Brahmapur Airport
Nearest railway station: Brahmapur railway station
Distance from Puri: 177 km
Ideal for: Pilgrims, History and Culture lovers, nature lovers, and photographers
Places to visit:
- Taratarini Temple
- Jiranga Monastery
- Khasada Fall
- Pati Sonepur Beach
- Dhabaleswar Beach
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14. Balasore
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Beaches, temples, and some lovely snaps; don’t you think this is one of the perfect ways to spend your vacation time? Well, if you are looking forward to some peaceful venture away from the city and the noise, then go to Balasore. For all Lord Shiva lovers, Balasore boasts of having the largest Shiva lingams in the world at the Baba Bhusandeswar Temple. It is said that only half of the actual Lingam is visible while the other half has been buried deep inside the grounds.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest railway station: Balasore railway station
Distance from Puri: 252 km
Ideal for: Couples, Pilgrims, Beach lovers and photographers
Places to visit:
- Panchalingeswar Temple
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bichitrapur Mangrove Reserve
- Nilagiri Jagannath Temple
- Dagara Beach
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15. Jagatsinghpur
Jagatsinghpur houses one of the famous ports in India, Paradeep. The view of the endless sea with its marine activities can soothe your eyes and calm your soul when you are here. Also, Jagatsinghpur is one of the places that have gone through the test of times during the Freedom struggle. Hence, this place is a must-visit when you are in Puri.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest railway station: Paradeep railway station
Distance from Puri: 76 km
Ideal for: Couples, Beach lovers, pilgrims, and fort lovers
Places to visit:
- Paradeep Port
- Mahanadi River estuary
- Marine Aquarium Paradeep
- Gobardhana Pitha Garoi Ashram
- Paradeep Sea Beach
Further Read: Sea Ports In India: Know About The Important Ports Which Stands As A Glory Of The Country!
So, when you are in Puri, you still have a chance to go around the entire Orissa if you just go through the list of these places, isn’t it? Every site has its significance and cultural values. Going around and knowing about all those things would only make your trip a fantastic one. So, pick your favorite places from the list and plan a trip to any of the Indian destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Puri
Q. When does the Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra happen every year?
A. It generally happens in July and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety.
Q. Would there be a lot of crowd during the Ratha Yatra?
A. Of course, this is one of the most important festivals of Orissa hence; a lot of people come from different parts of the county to take part in this festival.
Q. Is it essential to book the accommodation well in advance in Puri?
A. Since Puri is one of the most frequented pilgrim centers for Hindus, the place would have devotees throughout the year. Hence, it is good to book accommodation well in advance.
Q. Are all these places well-connected in terms of transportation from major cities?
A. Yes, all these places have proper transportation facilities.
Q. Is it fine to travel alone to Orissa?
A. Yes, Orissa is a safe place if you want to explore it solo.
Q. What are some of the best stay options in Puri?
A. There are a lot of five-star hotels in Puri and can book a room here if you are looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Q. Are there cab facilities from Puri to all the places mentioned above?
A. Yes, there are a lot of taxis and cabs that you can hire to travel around these places from Puri.
