Along the eastern coastline of India, Puri is famous for pilgrims as well as admired by tourists for its beauty. Respected for its culture, quiet beaches and joyful festivals, Puri is a wonderful mix of spirituality and natural beauty. If you love travelling, love nature or need to unwind, Puri has the perfect options for you.

Below, you’ll find a guide to the best spots in Puri, offering enjoyable history, scenic nature and peaceful vibes.

1. It is Jagannath Temple that makes Puri famous

Puri’s best known sight is surely the Jagannath Temple. Buddhists built this temple for Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna and it is included in the Char Dham pilgrimage list. Thousands of visitors come each year to watch the grand architecture and take part in the Ratha Yatra festival, held in Puri.

Key Highlights:

• You can see in this temple the mark of its own architecture: tall towering spires and detailed decorations on the walls.
• Each summer, the Ratha Yatra festival becomes one of the most colourful and popular in the nation.
• A great number of Hindus visit this temple for religious and cultural purposes every year.
• This temple is one of the top places to see in the country.

2. Puri Beach: Listen to the Ocean and Restore Your Body

At Puri Beach, all will find a peaceful hideaway if they love the beach. Because of its golden beach, gentle sea and peaceful ambiance, this is an ideal area to get away for a day of sun and sea. For long walks by the sea, a sunrise experience or outside dining on Oriya delicacies, Puri Beach should be on your mind.

Why Visit:

• There’s something relaxing and fun for everyone at the beach. You might try surfing, swimming or riding camels on the water.
• The beach celebrates Makar Sankranti with kite flying and shows of cultural performances.
• See more beautiful beaches in Odisha

3. Konark Sun Temple is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site

Only 35 kilometres from Puri, Konark Sun Temple impresses people with its magnificent architecture. Because of its highly carved wheels and chariot form, the temple was built for Surya, the Sun God. The temple constructed in the 13th century is now a World Heritage Site, in addition to being an outstanding example of ancient Indian architecture.

Key Highlights:

• Because its shape is a chariot with 24 wheels and tall stone horses, the temple demonstrates how the sun moves and stands for divine power.
• A range of activities from past daily life in India is illustrated by the artwork on the walls.
• Ravana’s Cave is best followed by a peaceful time at Konark Beach afterward.
• India’s oldest remarkable buildings

4. Chilika Lake is Popular with Bird Watchers

Just 50 kilometres from Puri is Chilika Lake, Asia’s biggest brackish water lagoon. Migratory birds find this peaceful lake a quality habitat and it’s great for those hoping to experience nature. Anyone interested in seeing birds should visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, set within the lake.

Why Visit:

• More than 200 different birds, some of them migratory, have their homes in the lake.
• A boat trip gives you the chance to see dolphins as well as many other animals near the lake.
• A boat trip in the Satapada region gives you a great chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins.
• Consider making bird watching an activity on your next holiday in India

5. Gundicha Temple Is A Place Most Travellers Don’t Visit

Although the Jagannath Temple is well-known in Puri, it’s the Gundicha Temple that is important during Ratha Yatra. The temple is thought to be where Lord Jagannath remains during the annual procession of chariots. This temple is peaceful and quiet and you can meditate there just near the Jagannath Temple.

Key Highlights:

• Because it’s less banked with visitors, Bindu Madhaba offers a peaceful experience for faith followers.
• There are pretty gardens and trees all around the amazing complex.
• If you desire peace and quiet over the crowds at the main temple, those are what you’ll find here.
• Odisha is home to unusual spiritual places.

6. Puri Sea Beach Market is a place to find souvenirs

Once you have relaxed at the beach, check out the Puri Beach Market for some new souvenirs. The area is famous for all the colourful and varied products, both old and new such as local handicrafts, jewellery and clothing.

Must-Buy:

• Many believe Puri Patta Sarees to be unique, thanks to their fine handwoven designs.
• Crafts: Wood carved pieces, stone sculptures and old art pieces.
• SeaShell Jewellery: Handmade in Hawaii from the shells found along our coastline.

7. Swargadeo Temple gives a taste of spirituality

The Lord of Heaven is worshipped at the important Swargadeo Temple in Puri. Religious travellers note the temple for its attractive style and peaceful setting. It is a site big in religious history for both locals and those making pilgrimages.

Why Visit:

• Ideal for religious travellers looking for new sites.
• You will mostly have the place to yourself, as the famous Jagannath Temple fills up quickly.
• Seeing the area around the temple from the top is wonderful.

8. Artists at Raghurajpur Village carry on the time-honoured practises of their craft

Set only 10 kilometres from Puri, Raghurajpur is famous for its lively traditional art. Pattachitra paintings, Sambalpuri handloom and stone carvings are what make the village known. When you visit Raghurajpur, you’ll find yourself among artists who are creating local artwork in the village.

Why Visit:

• Get involved with local artists and see this region’s traditional handicrafts being made.
• Get genuine Pattachitra works as keepsakes; they’re wonderful souvenirs.
• The village is known for colourful, lovely houses and you might find Gotipua dances—an early type of Odissi dance.
• Both handicrafts and traditional art are hugely present in Odisha

9. Loknath Temple is Another name for “The Temple of Lord Shiva”

The Loknath Temple is a very old temple, devoted to Lord Shiva in Puri. It stands on a hill, so guests can enjoy calm meditation.

Key Highlights:

• Locals and pilgrims consider the temple important because they come to seek blessings for their spiritual lives.
• You’ll find that the area is especially beautiful, as the temple is set in a thick forest and near mountainous hills.

10. Niladri Vihara: A Monument of Buddhist Origin

On the edge of Puri, Niladri Vihara is an old Buddhist monastic centre not yet widely explored. It’s a tranquil place where you can see some of the area’s Buddhist heritage.

Why Visit:

• Learn about Odisha’s great Buddhist history.
• A good place for those interested in spirituality because it’s less crowded.
• Surrounded by beautiful nature, Nature Resort welcomes people with peaceful walks.
• In Puri, you’ll want to try the delicious traditional food.
• Odisha cuisine and many tasty dishes are a highlight in Puri.

Must-Try Delicacies:

• Chhena Poda: A dish cooked from cheese and sugar.
• A popular food in hot weather, Pakhala Bhata is a classic fermented rice dish.
• Macha Tarkari uses fish from the sea near Havelock and makes a delicious fish curry.
• Dahi Pakhala is a refreshing chill yogurt meal, especially eaten during hot weather.

Where to Find Accommodation in Puri, From Simple to Expensive

• Whether you want luxury or budget, you will find many types of places to stay in Puri.
• Mayfair Waves, The Hans Coco Palms are both considered luxury.
• Mid-Range: There is Toshali Sands and then there is Sterling Puri.
• The website shows guesthouses and beach cottages that are nearby the temple.

When Should the Best Time to Visit Puri

The winters from October to February are best for visiting Puri because it’s not too hot or cold. For those curious about Ratha Yatra, be sure to arrive in July, when the major festival happens.

Ways of Getting to Puri

• Bhupeneswar’s Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearest (it is 65 km from Puri).
• Trains from Puri Railway Station reach Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Chennai easily.
• Those coming by car or bus can reach Puri along the Chilika Expressway that links to Bhubaneswar.

What You Should Take Away When Touring Puri

For anyone interested in spirituality, history or nature, Puri has something for you. The famous Jagannath Temple and Konark Sun Temple can be appreciated by all, as there are also peaceful beaches and beautiful lakes nearby.

Enjoying the charms of Puri’s beaches, traditions and culture should be on your agenda.