Cover Image Credit: Wikipedia
Known for the awe-inspiring Jagannath Temple, Puri is one of the most-visited cities in the state of Odisha. This city is considered to be one of the four Dhamas; the other 3 being Badrinath, Rameswar, and Dwarika. There’s so much to explore and numerous things to do in Puri, as the city is known for its vibrant cultural aspects. The beaches are considered to be the best sights in the city. A haven for backpackers since 1970, Puri welcomes all kinds of travelers across the country.
10 Things To Do In Puri
Let’s explore this ancient state located in the eastern part of India. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Puri.
1. Jagannath Mandir
Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an Avatar of Lord Vishnu, this 11th century AD temple is full of excellent carvings and so is a fine specimen of the Kalinga architecture. The temple is spread over 4,00,000 square feet with a 20 feet high wall around. Unlike those found in other Hindu temples, idols of the main deities are carved from wood.
How to Reach: Located at a distance of 2.5 km from Puri Junction, tourists can hire taxi, auto rickshaws or board a bus to reach this temple
Visiting Hours: 5.30 AM to 10.00 PM every day
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2. Markandeswara Temple
Image Credit: Sidsahu for Wikipedia
Located at a distance of 1 km from the Sri Jagannath Temple and 3 km from Puri Junction, Markandeshwara Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the town of Puri. A visit to this 12th-century temple is one of the most interesting things to do in Puri, Odisha, as it will give you a good insight into the religious structure of the city.
How to Reach: Located at a distance of 3 km from Puri Junction, it can be reached by bus/taxi/auto or even by walking
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Suggested Read: Puri Jagannath Yatra: A Confluence Of Faith And Culture
3. Gundicha Temple
Gundicha Temple is one of the most renowned and sacred Hindu temples in Puri. It is a commonplace of the festivities during the annual Ratha Yatra. The temple is located right next to the Jagannath Temple and is popularly referred to as “His Aunt’s house”.
How to Reach: It is about 1.5 km from the main railway station namely Puri Junction and just 3 km from the Jagannath Temple. Cabs/autos are easily available.
Entry Fee: INR 5/- per person.
Visiting Hours: 6.00 AM to 3.00 PM & 4.00 PM to 10.00 PM
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4. Loknath Temple
Image Credit: balouriarajesh for Pixabay
Lokanath Temple is an ancient temple located in the Puri town. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most important Shiva shrines of Odisha. The unique feature of this temple is that the Shiva linga is always submerged with water. It can only be seen on Pankodhar Ekadasi, before Shivaratri, when the water is comparatively clearer.
How to Reach: It is at a distance of 4.5 km from the Puri Junction railway station from where regular cabs/autos are available.
Visiting Hours: 5 AM to 8 PM
Suggested Read: 10 Beaches In Odisha That Are So Lit That You Will Want To Visit Them Again
5. Alarnatha Temple
Alarnatha Temple is an ancient temple located in Brahmagiri near Puri. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is one of the famous temples of Lord Vishnu in Odisha. Said to be 200 years older than the famous Jagannath Mandir, don’t forget seeing the lake behind it.
How to Reach: It is at a distance of 22 km from Puri Junction railway station. Tourists can go by bus, cab or auto rickshaws. The travel time is nearly 30 minutes.
Visiting Hours: 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM
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6. Puri Beach
Besides some of the popular temples of the country, Puri has enough spots for those seeking an entertaining experience here. Playing at the Puri Beach can be one of the ultimate fun and frolic things to do in Puri. This pristine beach is located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Puri, Odisha. Considered as one of the cleanest beaches in India and the most visited beaches along the eastern coast of India, your visit to this beach would be one of the best things to do in Puri Odisha. The renowned artist Sudarshan Patnaik’s sand sculptures are considered to be the highlight of this beach.
How to Reach: Puri beach is just 2.5 km from the main railway station of Puri Junction. A plethora of transport options ranging from buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws are available for the tourists
Visiting Hours: 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM
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7. Balighai Beach
Image Credit: Quangpraha for Pixabay
Situated at the mouth of the Nuanai River, Balighai Beach is one of the most notable beaches in Odisha that remains relatively undiscovered. This white sand beach is lined by the Alaska and Eucalyptus trees. You can enjoy a magnificent view of sunrise and sunset amidst the dazzling golden hues.
How to Reach: It is 8 km from Puri Junction railway station. Several buses, cab and auto-rickshaw transportation options are available for the tourists
Visiting Hours: 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM
Suggested Read: 28 Best Places To Visit In Puri For A Wholesome Vacation In Orissa
8. Baleshwar Beach
This is one of the most prominent points of interest around the city of Puri. The beach is enveloped within a forest cover, adding an exotic element to it. Travellers make it a point to visit this beach for unlimited fun and entertainment. Mahashivaratri festival is celebrated with great fervour at the temple nearby and is visited by thousands of devotees during the festival.
How to Reach: It is at a distance of 17 km from the main railway station of Puri Junction. Buses or cabs are ideal for reaching this place
Visiting Hours: 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM
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9. Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is Asia’s biggest inland saltwater lagoon. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India which attracts migratory birds from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia to Ladakh and Himalayas. The lake spread over 1,100 square km and is home to Irrawaddy dolphins.
How to Reach: Located at a distance of 44 km from Puri, visit Chilika Lake almost consumes half a day. It is best to hire a cab for both way journey.
Special Attraction: Boating across the lake.
Fee for Boating: INR 2,500/- to INR 3,000/- for a trip of one and a half hours.
Visiting Hours: 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM
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10. Raghurajpur Craft Village
It goes without saying that consider your trip to Puri incomplete if you skip the visit to Raghurajpur Craft Village, as one of the best things to do at Puri at night is considered to be shopping. Buy the world-famous Pattachitra paintings at prices which are a steal. The paintings are on treated cloth or dried palm leaves or paper. Evenings since late-night remain fun-filled and completely exciting.
How to Reach: It is 11 km away from Puri main Bus Station. Bus or cab is ideal to reach this place
Visiting Hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM
Further Read: Sea Ports In India: Know About The Important Ports Which Stands As A Glory Of The Country!
Puri in Odisha has a distinct culture and ecology of its own. There are several things to do in Puri and most of the tourists visit this place for the architectural uniqueness of its temples. However, the serene beaches and rare species of birds and animals at the world-famous Chilika Lake. Take a break from the routine and bask in the relatively laid-back Puri and make the most of your vacation in Odisha.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Puri
How many days are enough to explore Puri?
Normally a two-day visit is sufficient to complete most of the things to do in Puri but you can stay more for maximum exploration.
What is the budget we should be prepared for a visit to Puri?
It all depends on which place you are reaching Puri and what are your needs, preferences and comfort level demands. The normal tour packages which encompass all the things to do in Puri start from INR 4,900/- for a 2 day/1 night trip.
What is the best time to visit Puri?
Puri is a coastal area and summers are extremely hot. The rainy season between July and September months is marshy and muggy. Winter period from November to February is ideal to visit Puri to have a great outing.
What should be packed for a Puri trip?
It depends on the time of your visit. If you are planning to visit during the summers then you should be prepared to be equipped with the light cotton and umbrellas and goggles. Winters are not very much harsh hence if your visit is during the months of November to February, carry light woollens along with a good pair of extra shoes.
When is the Rath Yatra at Puri?
The traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is held during the months of June/July (Aashada maasa of Hindu calendar).
What type of food is locally available in Puri?
Traditional Odiya food is delicious and offers a pleasant experience for the tourists. Both South Indian and North Indian cuisine and also Bengali cuisine recipes are available all over the area under Puri district.
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