Things to Do in Puri: A Comprehensive Guide
Puri, located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Odisha, is a vibrant city renowned for its spiritual significance, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a devotee visiting the sacred Jagannath Temple or a traveler looking to explore the picturesque landscapes and local attractions, Puri offers a diverse range of experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Puri.
Also Read: Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: All You Need To Know
1. Visit the Jagannath Temple
Overview
The Jagannath Temple is the heart of Puri, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, this temple is an architectural marvel and a significant pilgrimage site.
Key Features
- Location: Grand Road, Puri
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) held every July is a major event here.
Tips
- Dress modestly as it is a sacred site.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises.
2. Relax at Puri Beach
Overview
Puri Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand along the Bay of Bengal, perfect for relaxation and leisure. It offers a serene environment with stunning sunrises and a vibrant local market.
Key Features
- Location: Along the coastline of Puri
- Activities: Swimming, beach games, sunbathing
- Local Markets: Buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks
Tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
- Be cautious while swimming as the tides can be strong.
3. Explore Chilika Lake
Overview
Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. It is situated about 50 kilometers from Puri and offers boat rides and stunning views of migratory birds.
Key Features
- Location: Chilika Lake, Khurda District
- Activities: Boat rides, bird watching, visiting nearby islands
- Highlights: Satpada Island, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Tips
- Carry binoculars for bird watching.
- Best visited between November and February for the migratory bird season.
4. Visit the Konark Sun Temple
Overview
A short drive from Puri, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable Kalinga architecture and intricate stone carvings. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is shaped like a chariot with twelve pairs of wheels.
Key Features
- Location: Konark, about 35 kilometers from Puri
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 40 (Indian), INR 600 (Foreigners)
- Highlights: The Sun Temple’s grand chariot and intricate sculptures
Tips
- Hire a local guide to understand the temple’s history and architecture better.
- Carry water and sun protection as there is minimal shade.
5. Experience the Raghurajpur Artist Village
Overview
Raghurajpur, located around 14 kilometers from Puri, is famous for its traditional arts and crafts, including Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, and Odisha’s traditional dance forms.
Key Features
- Location: Raghurajpur Village, near Puri
- Activities: Explore art galleries, buy local crafts, interact with artisans
- Highlights: Pattachitra paintings, traditional dance performances
Tips
- Engage with local artists to learn about their craft.
- Bargain respectfully while shopping for souvenirs.
6. Discover the Pipli Village Crafts
Overview
Pipli Village, located about 20 kilometers from Puri, is renowned for its vibrant applique work, a traditional craft involving colorful fabric patches sewn together to create decorative items.
Key Features
- Location: Pipli Village, Khurda District
- Activities: Shopping for applique work, observing artisans at work
- Highlights: Decorative wall hangings, bags, and other handcrafted items
Tips
- Visit during the day to get the best view of the artisans’ work.
- Be prepared for a range of prices depending on the complexity of the work.
7. Visit the Gundicha Temple
Overview
The Gundicha Temple, also known as the Garden Temple, is another significant religious site in Puri. It is associated with the annual Rath Yatra and is believed to be the residence of Lord Jagannath during the festival.
Key Features
- Location: Near the Jagannath Temple, Puri
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: Its association with the Rath Yatra festival and its peaceful ambiance
Tips
- It is less crowded compared to the Jagannath Temple, making it a serene place for reflection.
- Check the festival schedule to plan your visit during Rath Yatra.
8. Explore the Local Cuisine
Overview
Puri offers a delectable array of Odia cuisine that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region. From street food to traditional meals, the local food scene is diverse and flavorful.
Key Features
- Must-Try Dishes: Khicede, Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, and Rasgulla
- Popular Restaurants: Abhishek, Wildgrass, and Chhappan Bhog
- Street Food: Visit the local markets for fresh and affordable snacks
Tips
- Try local eateries and street vendors to experience authentic flavors.
- Be cautious about food hygiene to avoid any stomach issues.
Conclusion
Puri is a city that blends spirituality, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly. Whether you’re visiting for religious purposes, exploring cultural heritage, or simply enjoying the beach, Puri has something to offer every traveler. From the grand Jagannath Temple and serene Puri Beach to the artistic marvels of Raghurajpur and the scenic Chilika Lake, Puri promises an enriching and memorable experience.
How to Reach Puri
Puri, a prominent city on the eastern coast of India, is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Puri by air, train, and bus:
By Air
Overview The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. This airport is approximately 60 kilometers away from Puri.
Key Details:
- Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI)
- Distance from Puri: About 60 km
- Travel Time to Puri: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road
- Airlines: Major Indian airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights to Bhubaneswar from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
From the Airport to Puri:
- By Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and can be booked in advance. The journey to Puri takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- By Train: You can take a train from Bhubaneswar Railway Station to Puri Railway Station. The travel time is about 1.5 hours.
- By Bus: Private buses and state transport buses are available from Bhubaneswar to Puri. The journey typically takes around 2 hours.
By Train
Overview Puri is well-connected by rail, with a major railway station that handles numerous trains from various parts of India.
Key Details:
- Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (PURI)
- Major Trains: The station is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore through various trains.
- Popular Trains:
- Howrah-Puri Express: Connects Howrah (Kolkata) to Puri.
- Konark Express: Connects Delhi to Puri.
- Puri-Mumbai LTT Express: Connects Mumbai to Puri.
Travel Tips:
- Booking Tickets: Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or at railway reservation counters.
- Advance Booking: It’s advisable to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.
By Bus
Overview Puri is accessible by road from various cities in Odisha and neighboring states. Several state and private bus operators provide services to Puri.
Key Details:
- State Transport Buses: Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) offers regular bus services to Puri from major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other towns in Odisha.
- Private Buses: Several private operators run deluxe, semi-deluxe, and luxury buses from cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam to Puri.
Travel Tips:
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online through various travel websites or at the bus station.
- Comfort: Choose an AC bus or luxury bus for a more comfortable journey, especially if traveling from distant locations.
Conclusion
Puri is well-connected by air, train, and bus, making it accessible from different parts of India. Whether you prefer the convenience of flying, the scenic route by train, or a road trip by bus, there are multiple options to suit your travel needs. With its efficient transport links, reaching Puri and enjoying its cultural and natural attractions is both convenient and enjoyable.
