Puri is a beautiful city situated in the state of Odisha in Eastern India, just 60 Km away from the capital. It is located along the bay of Bengal and offers a beautiful sunlit landscape with palm leaves and the glimmering waves on the shoreline. The city flourishes with diverse tourists including the holy worshippers in the temples and sun basking tourists on the beach making it one of the most admired places to visit in not only India but all across the world.
It is one of the Char Dham i.e. the four most pious pilgrimage sites for Hindus and acquires a huge crowd during the magnificent Rath Yatra every year. It has world famous temples such as the Jagannathan Temple, Gundicha temple, Vimala Temple, Lok Nath Temple and many more. It also has the Panch tirtha, a bath into which one completes the pilgrimage to Puri. Along with beautiful places to visit, the city offers great work of artisans to admire and buy from the local shops.
It also offers a glance into the lives of tribal and the traditional Odia culture and heritage of their people. Puri is often known as the beach city and has become a key location for short hippie trips amongst travelers around the world. Tourists love to sit by the shore of beaches and try out various activities such as water sports, boating or even fishing at the shoreline.
The city offers a pleasant coastal climate throughout the year although it gets very humid in summers. The highest the temperature goes in summers is around 36°C and the lowest in winters is around 17°C. The best time to be in Puri is around winter times as it is neither too hot nor too cold.
Places to Visit in Puri
1. Golden Beach
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway far from the bustle of the city, the Golden Beach makes for a perfect spot to enjoy a lazy day soaking the sun while nibbling on exotic fruit bowls. The beach is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from the city which makes for a soothing ride. Try and wait till the sunset hours before you head back for a serene view of the evening sky.
2. Sonar Gouranga Mandir
Located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the iconic Puri Jagannath Temple, this pilgrimages showcases the sculptures of Lord Rama, Vishu, and Lord Jagannath. If you are traveling to this temple, make sure that you keep your camera in a safe place as photography is strictly prohibited here.
3. Daya River
Also known as the river that “once carried human blood,” the origin of this river starts as a branch from the Kuakhai River at Saradeipur. It is also a place of great importance as the great Kalinga war between King Ashoka (of Mourya Dynasty) and the Kalinga kingdom was fought here.
4. Sakshi Gopal Temple
Also known as the Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple, this ancient landmark is dedicated to Lord Gopinatha and visited by devotees from all over the world for its significance in the neighboring cultures.
5. Ganesh Temple
The Natya Ganesha or Dancing Ganesha statue is located inside the famous Jagannath temple and holds great significance as a monument and diety. According to historical sources, the statue of Ganesha was a gift by the King of Kanchi. Despite its miniature like size, the magnitude of devotion that it receives is enormous.
6. Raghurajpur Artist Village
If you are someone who likes to collect souvenirs and love shopping for indigenous goods, then you must definitely visit Raghurajpur Artist Village. A heritage crafts village near Puri, Raghurajpur is one of the best Puri tourist places. One can buy various art forms like palm leaf engraving, papier mache, and wood and stone carvings. Apart from shopping for artifacts, you can also enjoy Gotiua folk dance performances. Also, it is the only place where Lord Jagannath’s throne called Patas is made.
7. Swargadwar Beach
One of the famous Puri destinations, Swargadwar Beach is where you can enjoy watching sunsets. It is the most popular spot in the religious town. The place is crowded throughout the year with visitors. There are a number of stalls from where you can buy seashells, jewelry, and handmade products. Taking a stroll by the beach is one of the best thing to do in puri .Gaze at the ocean while you enjoy munchies and hot tea.
8. Lokanath Temple
Loknath Temple is one of the most popular Puri destinations visited by hundreds of followers every day. The temple is unique in its way. There is a lingam submerged in the water with the River Ganges flowing over it. It is believed that Lord Ramachandra installed the lingam himself. It is only during Pankodhar Ekadasi that the lingam is removed from the water. Thousands of people come to see the ceremony every year.
9. Pratyush Ocean World
Pratyush Ocean World is one of the best tourist attractions in Puri that must be visited with family. This is a water park located on the Batamangala New Bay Pass Road. The park has a variety of fun rides. There are various options for food too. Pratyush Ocean World is also a great venue for hosting family get-togethers and functions.
10. Blue Splash Water Park
There are a variety of water parks in Odisha and this is a popular one. Blue Splash Water Park is a huge water park in Puri. The park has several pools, slides, and rides for people of all age groups. Apart from the colorful rides, there are some amazing food options where you can dine with your family. This is one great place to visit with your loved ones, especially during summers.
11. Mausima Temple
Mausima Temple is a small but highly revered temple in Puri. It is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Ardhasini who is considered to be the guardian of Puri. It is believed that the Goddess had once drunk up half of the water of the sea that flooded Puri. This saved the seat of Lord Jagannath. This temple is a stop-spot during the return of the popular Puri Ratha Yatra. With a striking entrance guarded by two statues on sides, Mausima Temple is one of the best thing to do in puri.
12. Pipili
Pipli will be one of the most colorful travel experiences of your life. This tiny town in Puri is popular for its beautiful handicraft art. The vibrant embroidery work that you will find here is simply spectacular. You must buy some of their products to experience shopping in puri at its best. The products include lamps, wall hangings, handbags, sheets, pillow covers, scarves, footwear, and more. You would love the patterns and figures they draw.
13. Alarnatha Temple
Alarnatha Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. During Anavasara, the idols of Jagannath temple are kept hidden in a secret place. It is believed that a very dedicated devotee known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was devasted for not being able to see God during this time. Seeing his pain, Lord Vishnu sent him to Alarnatha Temple. This tradition is still followed during the Anavasara season. The beautiful white temple has highlights of red and green. The traditional architecture and the interesting background story associated with it make Alarnatha Temples one of the best places to see around Puri.
14. Astaranga Beach
The word Astaranga means “colorful sunset” for which this beach is famous in Puri. Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Puri, this beach is known for all the good reasons. From the picturesque views to the white sand beds covering the space, there is a lot to do. There is a fishing village in the vicinity of the beach where people can witness a market sitting every morning.
15. Sudarshan Crafts Museum
This beautiful crafts museum was founded by Sri Sudarshan Sahoo to create a space for art lovers. The place elevates modern craftsmanship and displays the change which has happened in these years of evolution. The place focuses on showcasing the artwork which has taken place of the traditional sculptures. The museum also offers facilities to the artists and gives them an opportunity to try their hands and art inside the workroom.
16. Sri Jagannath Puri Temple
Believed to be one of the most impressive monuments of the state, Sri Jagannath Puri Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord of the universe and incarnation of Vishnu). Moreover, this temple holds the utmost religious significance among the Hindus and was constructed by the famous Ananda Verman Chodaganga Dev. Termed as one of the best tourist places in Puri, this richly carved structure is constructed on a high pedestal with four gigantic gates.
17. Markandeshwar Temple
Positioned near Bindu Sagar, Markandeshwar Temple is one of the holy temple in puri that was constructed during the 13th century. The figure of Natraj with 10 arms is studded in the Chaitya window and is located at the front of the temple. Images of Goddess Parvati, Lord Muruga, and Sri Ganesh are intricately carved and are placed in front of the sanctum. With its divine ambiance, this temple houses fifty-two sacred shrines of Lord Shiva that is praiseworthy. If you are truly seeking solace and peace, then this shrine is one of the most famous places to visit in Puri.
18. Khandagiri Caves
Positioned within 7 km from Bhubaneswar, Khandagiri Caves was built around the 2nd century BC by King Kharavela. The carvings draw its influences from history and mythology. The most important section to be emphasized is the depiction of the Kalinga War, where women and teenagers are depicted fighting to save their motherland from Ashoka’s army.
