Puri

Puri

About Puri

Known as the “Spiritual Capital of Odisha” and one of India's holiest pilgrimage destinations, Puri is a beautiful coastal city famous for its ancient temples, golden beaches, vibrant festivals and rich cultural heritage. Puri is situated on the Bay of Bengal and is one of the four Char Dham sites, which is famous for the magnificent Shree Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Built during the 12th century under the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the temple is one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture and attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. Puri is also known for the grand Rath Yatra, which is a grand chariot festival held every year and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The city is also known for its spiritual importance; however, it also has a number of beautiful seaside places, such as Puri Beach, Golden Beach, and Balighai Beach, where visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets and a calm seaside experience. The nearby places are Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village, Chilika Lake, and Konark Sun Temple, adding to its tourism appeal. Puri is also the hub of traditional paintings of Pattachitra, intricate handicrafts, Mahaprasad of the temples and Odia delicacies. Puri is a city filled with spiritual, historical and coastal delights, ranging from visiting ancient temples to soaking in the golden sands of the beaches, to immersing oneself in the traditional villages, indulging in local seafood, and experiencing colourful cultural festivals.

Best Time to Visit Puri

Puri is a great place to visit from October through March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable to explore its famous temples, beaches, heritage sites and nearby attractions. Beach activities, sightseeing, heritage walks and beautiful views of sunrise and sunset along the coastline are available during the winter months. November and December are the best months to enjoy cultural activities and festivals, and the famous Konark Dance Festival is among these festivals. For those who love religious traditions and grand festivities, the Rath Yatra - which occurs in June or July - is another special time to visit Puri, though it is very busy during this season. The monsoon season (July - September) is characterised by heavy rains and humid weather, and the summer season (April - June) is typically hot and humid, which may make outdoor touring less comfortable.

Puri: Places, Experiences & Food

Places to Visit in Puri

• Shree Jagannath Temple
• Puri Beach
• Golden Beach
• Gundicha Temple
• Narendra Sarovar
• Loknath Temple
• Markandeshwar Temple
• Swargadwar Beach
• Atharnala Bridge
• Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village
• Sudarshan Craft Museum
• Puri Lighthouse
• Balighai Beach
• Ramachandi Temple
• Chandrabhaga Beach
• Konark Sun Temple
• Chilika Lake (Satapada)
• Alarnath Temple
• Sakhigopal Temple
• Baliharachandi Temple
• Astaranga Beach
• Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary

Things to Do in Puri

• Famous Shree Jagannath Temple
• Grand Rath Yatra festival
• Relaxing walk along Puri Beach
• Sunrise and sunset views over the Bay of Bengal
• Peaceful surroundings of Golden Beach
• Historic Gundicha Temple
• Mahaprasad at Ananda Bazar
• Local markets near the Jagannath Temple
• Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village
• Traditional Pattachitra paintings and handicrafts
• Scenic boat ride at Chilika Lake
• Spot dolphins at Satapada
• Magnificent Konark Sun Temple
• Historic Atharnala Bridge
• Seafood and authentic Odia cuisine
• Traditional Odissi dance and cultural performances
• Beautiful coastal route between Puri and Konark
• Photography along the scenic beaches

What to Eat in Puri

• Khaja
• Mahaprasad (Abhada)
• Dalma
• Pakhala Bhata
• Besara
• Santula
• Chhena Poda
• Rasagola
• Chhena Gaja
• Chhena Jhili
• Manda Pitha
• Chakuli Pitha
• Enduri Pitha
• Poda Pitha
• Dalma with Rice
• Dahi Bara Aloo Dum
• Gupchup
• Bara Ghuguni
• Seafood Thali
• Machha Besara
• Crab Curry
• Prawn Curry
• Malpua