Top 15 Places to Visit in Puri

Puri, as a city, is a mixture of holy and calm settings. It features several magnificent temples that fulfil pilgrims' wishes. Puri is also surrounded by beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Puri's spectacular history and traditions extend back to the time when it was known as the resting place of Lord Mahadev. Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar makeup Orissa's Golden Triangle, with their religious significance and cultural legacy serving as tourism hotspots. If you are visiting around this period, you should not miss the Rath Yatra (chariot festival), which takes place in June and July.

The Sri Jagannath Puri Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is one of the state's most beautiful sites. For Hindus, it is the holiest pilgrimage place, and it is part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra. Apart from the main shrine, which stands tall, the complex's many minor temples will make you feel as if you've visited God's own home. The town's colourful religious festivals attract a considerable number of visitors. The Rath Yatra, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm, is the most anticipated of them all. The vibrant atmosphere, fascinating ceremonies, and pilgrims' enthusiasm and vitality are all worth seeing.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Char Dham Pilgrimage Sites, Chariot Festival.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year especially during June/July
• Duration: 4-5 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Loknath Temple, Mausima Temple

Puri Beach, on the Bay of Bengal's east coast, is a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. Because this beach falls within the vicinity of Jagannath Temple and other well-known Puri temples, this beach attracts a large number of tourists. Sudarshan Patnaik, an internationally recognised sand artist, has created sand sculptures on the beach. Sculptures are frequently influenced by the art on temple walls or other mythological figures. The part on the Chakratirtha side is more calm and lovely for a long walk, and if you're feeling very courageous, you may even go swimming in the seas.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Puri Beach Festival, Water sports activities.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year 
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camel and horse rides, Surfing, Scuba diving.
• Other Places to visit: Gundicha Temple, Sudarshan Crafts Museum.

Markandeswara temple is famous for its exquisite architectural and aesthetic characteristics and is believed to have been built in the 13th century. The temple's entryway is ornamented with a Nataraja image with ten arms. The miniature idols of Lord Shiva, Devi Parvati, and Lord Ganesha are set in the compartments of the main shrine and are elaborately sculpted. Lord Shiva shrines in various avatars can be found in the temple's corners. This shrine is one of the most popular spots to visit in Puri if you are sincerely seeking tranquillity and peace.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Mythology belief- Sage Markandeya meditated.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Baleshwar Beach, Gundicha Temple.

Narendra Tank is not just one of the most popular sites to visit in Puri, but it is also one of Odisha's largest tanks. The tank, which was built in the 15th century, is encircled by various large and tiny temples. In the middle of the lake, there is an island with a tiny temple called Chandana Mandapa. Jagannath Temple is only 1 kilometre away. So, on your next visit be sure you don't miss it.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Chandana Yatra, Bhaunri Yatra
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year especially during March/ April.
• Duration: 2-3 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Vimala Temple, Alarnatha Temple.

The Sudarshan Crafts Museum was developed by Sri Sudarshan Sahoo to provide a place for craftsmen and artists to show how modern handicrafts progress. The museum depicts the evolution of traditional sculptures across time. Artists are also welcome to use the museum's resources and try their skills on artwork in the work area.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Art work, Sculptures, Paintings.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole Year
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Sonar Gouranga Mandir, Mausima Temple.

Pipli is an incredible place you've ever visited on your Puri trip. Puri's little town is recognized for its exquisite handicrafts. The vibrant embroidery work on display here is truly stunning. To have the finest buying experience in Puri, you must purchase some of their things. Pillowcases, blankets, handbags, and clutches, as well as figures of Gods, birds, animals, and plants, are all of the highest quality. In between shopping, there are various food stalls throughout the area.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Applique and Patchwork handicrafts.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Blue Splash Waterpark, Narendra Tank.

There are myths about  Sakshigopal Temple and how it became one of the most beloved temples for Lord Vishnu. The lord comes to watch a rural wedding in one of the stories. Another legend claims that the temple is one of the 16 temples established for Lord Krishna by King Vajra, Lord Krishna's grandson. This temple is also known as the Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple. It is visited by worshippers from all over the world because of its cultural significance.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Kalinga Style of Architecture, Religious Significance.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 2-3 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Sri Jagannath Temple, Sonar Gouranga Temple.

Spend a day in the company of nature at this exquisite chilika lake and experience tranquillity as you've never experienced before. Chilika Lake, Asia's largest salt-water lagoon, stretches across three locations in Orissa (Puri, Ganjam, and Khordha) and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow neckline. Chilika Lake also has one of the world's most hospitable environments, which means that a diverse range of flora and wildlife can be found here. During the winter, marvel at the beauty of hundreds of flying migratory birds. Aside from bird watching, this lake is known for boating, fishing, and a variety of other activities.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Largest lagoon, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 2-3 hrs

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Boating-Water Scooter, Pedal Boats.
• Other Places to visit: Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Daya River, Baliharachandi Beach.

When you enjoy collecting souvenirs and shopping for locally produced things, you visit Raghurajpur Artist Village. Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts hamlet near Puri, is one of the best Puri tourist attractions. Palm leaf etching, wood and stone sculptures, and Gotipua folk dance, the forerunner of classical Odissi dance, are examples of other art forms. The village is also the only spot where Lord Jagannath's throne's customary adornment, known as Patas, is crafted.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Pattachita art
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Pratyush Ocean World, Lakshmi Temple.

Jagannath Rath Yatra eagerly awaits well-attended celebrations in Orissa and around the country. It is devoted to Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Goddess Subhadra. Every year in June or July, it is observed that around 4-5 lakh devotees visit the Puri Rath Yatra. Indians and foreign visitors both equally gather in great numbers to see the gods in the chariot. All who catch sight of the idols are said to have a happy year ahead of them. Apart from being a religious event, the Puri Rath Yatra represents a strong sense of fraternity among the people who converge here, despite arriving from various social levels and corners of the world.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Rath Yatra, Religious beliefs.
• Best Time to Visit: June/ July
• Duration: 4-5 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Alarnatha Temple, Mausima Temple.

Every tourist in Puri must take a trip to the Lakshmi temple. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped in this temple. When Mahadev and Goddess Parvati got married, it is said that Lakshmiji had invited them to this place. This is a very significant temple because of the myths surrounding its past, and it is located close to the Jagannath Temple. As a result, it is among the most important Puri tourist attractions that you must see during your vacation.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Folklore, Mythological and Religious importance
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 1-2 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Swargadwar Beach, Loknath Temple.

Whenever you want to get away from the chaos and street life, the Golden Beach is a great place to spend a relaxed day enjoying the sunshine and snacking on delicious fruit bowls. Golden Beach, 20 kilometres from Puri, is a gorgeous, laid-back beach away from the city's hustle and bustle. The beach provides peace and solitude, with nothing but the crashing of the waves to cheer you up.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Golden sand, Pilgrimage Site.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 2-3 hrs

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camel rides, Kayaking, Surfing, Boating.
• Other Places to visit: Chilika Temple, Daya River, Baliharachandi Beach.

Blue Splash Water Park is an eight-acre large water park with over seven huge water coasters located across a range of pools. The park features a variety of pools, rides, and activities for visitors of all ages. Apart from the vibrant rides, there are some fantastic culinary options for you and your family to enjoy. This is a wonderful area to come to with family and friends, especially during the summer. Experience the park's many water activities and games before finishing the day with a poolside food feast.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Massive Seven Water Rides
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year especially during the Summer season 
• Duration: 5-6 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Balighai Beach, Baleshwar Beach.

Balighai Beach is recognised for its strange vistas and the tranquillity that it exudes. This beach is home to numerous expensive resorts and is considered one of the greatest spots to visit in Puri. This beach has a pristine environment and is surrounded by vegetation such as Casuarina and Eucalyptus. This is a great place for folks who want to get away from the daily grind without having to drive. Take long strolls, watch the sunset, and enjoy some local cuisine.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Migrating Birds, Bird Watching, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
• Best Time to Visit: October- March
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Boating, Parasailing.
• Other Places to visit: Puri Beach, Sonar Gouranga Temple.

Baleshwar Beach, popularly known as Chandipur Beach, is one of the finest spots to visit in Puri because it is unknown and less busy. The most intriguing feature of this beach is its tide cycle, which attracts visitors. The seawater shrinks up to 5 kilometres from the shore during the ebb tides, leaving muddy features behind. This beach is known for its natural diversity and for being one of the ideal areas to find molluscs, prawns, and horseshoe crabs.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Missile Launching Site, Vanishing Sea.
• Best Time to Visit: Whole year
• Duration: 3-4 hrs

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Puri Beach, Gundicha Temple.

Puri, the historic city of Odisha, is one of India's famous Char Dhams, and only by walking around Puri's many pilgrimages and singing the name of Lord Jagannath may one experience an outpouring of calm in his spirit. Every day, the city offers its visitors a new adventure, either through its known wildlife sanctuary, or stunning lake setting, and yet most importantly, through its clutching seas and sun-toasted beach.