Located along the pristine coastline of the Bay of Bengal, Puri is a gem in India’s cultural and religious legacy. Well known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant local culture and highly revered temples, Puri offers an array of unforgettable adventures for every traveller. From the serene spirituality of the Jagannath Temple to the rhythmic waves of the beach, every corner of this coastal town has a story to tell. Join us on a virtual journey through the best sites Puri has to offer, promising an adventure that effortlessly blends spirituality, history and the sun-soaked pleasures of the sea.
It goes without saying that Sri Jagannath Temple is a must-visit when listing the tourist attractions in Puri. Since the temple is one of India’s Char Dham, it is the reason behind the lakhs of visitors to Odisha. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are the main deities worshipped in this temple. The Jagannath Temple complex also holds the world’s largest kitchen, which serves 10,000 worshippers a day. The fortified walls of the temple structure are 20 feet high, and there are four gates through which devotees can enter. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the Jagannath Temple.
Timings: 5 am to 11 pm
Address: Shree Jagannath Temple, Grand Road, At Post, Puri, Odisha
Entry fees: Free for all
Much like the holy temple, Puri Beach is also a must-see destination for tourists coming to the city. Located along the Bay of Bengal, devotees frequently visit the beach to bathe after paying their respects at the Shree Jagannath Temple. Its pristine golden shore and roaring waves make it a popular tourist attraction in addition to its religious significance. Many people come here to experience its captivating views during sunrise and sunset.
Timings: 5 am to 10 pm
Address: Near Swargadwara, Puri, Odisha
Entry fees: INR 20 per person. INR 100 for the entire day and free for children under 10.
Stretched across Puri, Ganjam, and Khordha districts in Odisha, the Chilika lake is Asia’s largest salt-water lagoon. A narrow neckline separates it from the Bay of Bengal’s waters. Dotted with several tiny islands of verdant natural beauty, this lake is located roughly 50 kilometres away from Puri. Besides bird watching, the lake is well known for boating, fishing and many other things. Thus, don’t skip on exploring this beautiful lake, which is ranked among Puri’s top destinations.
Timings: Any time of the day
Entry fees: Free for all
Have you ever seen a coastal area coupled with a wildlife sanctuary in the forest? If not, then you should have a look at the Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary. It borders Puri-Konark Marine Drive road and runs adjacent to it. Here, you may see hyenas, deer, large tribes of monkeys and the highly endangered black buck. Due to its proximity to the sea, tourists also get to enjoy watching the Olive Ridley Turtles. If you are travelling from Konark, Balukhand Sanctuary is the place to explore.
Timings: 7 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fees: Free for all
If you enjoy shopping for local products and collecting souvenirs, then Raghurajpur Artist Village is a must-visit for you. A traditional craft village near Puri, Raghurajpur is among the top tourist destinations in Puri. Various art forms like wood and stone carvings, papier mache, and palm leaf engravings are available to purchase. In addition to shopping artefacts, you can also enjoy Gotiua folk dance performances. Furthermore, it is the only place where ‘Patas’, the throne of Lord Jagannath, is made.
Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
Address: Jagannathballava, Odisha (12 kilometres from Puri)
Entry fees: Free for all
Bhubaneswar, which has excellent air, road and train connectivity, is located near to Puri. Puri itself is reachable by road and rail from most major parts of the country. The closest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is located roughly 56 kilometres away from Puri City. There are direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi to the airport.