Puri Tour

Jagannath Temple

Dating back to the 12th century, the temple is a splendid specimen of exquisite sculptures and intricate carvings that dominate the skyline of Puri. The presiding deities, Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balbhadra and Goddess Subhadra, grace the temple sanctum and are pulled in a marvelous chariot during the chariot festival. Puri is believed to be the dining place of Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. Therefore, the temple has elaborate kitchens where delicious Mahaprasadam is cooked in clay pots.

Gundicha Ghar Temple

Set amidst tall coconut groves, Gundicha Ghar Temple is the destination for the colorful Chariot Festival of Puri. The deities then stay at the temple for 9 days before embarking on a return journey to the Jagannath temple.

Puri Beach

The sprawling Puri beach, with its pristine sands, gentle waves, and magnificent sunrise & sunset views, is a beach bum’s paradise. Soak in the sun, frolic in the waves, watch the amazing sand sculptures, and bask in the laid-back vibes of Puri beach.

Atharnala Bridge

This gorgeous, 13th century stone-arched bridge at the entrance of Puri, is an engineering wonder depicting the fine craftsmanship of the architects of the bygone era.

Balakhund-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary

Sprawled along the coastline between Puri and Konark, this sanctuary is home to black-buck, spotted deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, monitor lizards, and other animals. Its proximity to the sea attracts a lot of Olive Ridley turtles that come here for nesting.

Other Attractions of Puri

• Model Beach- A beautiful community-run beach
• Sudarshan Crafts Museum- Check out the artistic handiwork of the world famous Sudarshan Sahoo
• Raghurajpur Artistic Village- An artisans village around 15kms from Puri
• Sakshigopal Temple- Dedicated to Lord Vishnu

Nearby Excursions

• Konark (35kms) - Home to the glorious Sun Temple.
• Chilika Lake (104kms) - A brackish lagoon known for its exotic birdlife and rare Irrawaddy Dolphins

Fairs and Festivals of Puri

• Puri Rath Yatra- The famous Chariot Festival of Jagannath Temple held in June-July
• Puri Beach Festival- Held annually in November, it showcases the fascinating sand art at the beaches of Puri. 
• Chandan Yatra- Lord Jagannath’s boat ride festival held annually in April or May.

Shopping in Puri

Puri is a great place to pick some interesting souvenirs. Mother-of-pearl jewelry & artifacts, delicate palm-leaf paintings, silver filigree boxes, colorful masks, wooden toys, traditional handlooms, and stone sculptures are some of the gorgeous tokens you may pick from Puri. Visit Rahurajpur Artisans Village for handicrafts galore!

Food in Puri

Oriya food is quite simple and less spicy. Delicious Oriya Khichdi, creamy prawns, local cheesecake known as Chennapoda, and delicious Khaja promise you the taste of Puri.

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Puri would be in winter from October to March. However, if you wish to witness the grand Chariot Festival of Puri, then June-July would be the time to visit, the exact date depending on the lunar calendar. 

How to Reach

By Air- Bhubaneswar International Airport, around 56kms away, is the closest airport connecting Puri with major Indian cities and select international destinations. 

By Rail- Puri is connected with all major cities in the country with a good network of direct & express trains. 

By Road- Puri is connected to the cities in the region with well-maintained roads & highways.