Puri

This laid-back town comes alive during the famous Puri Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival when the city resonates with hundreds of people swarming its roads, beaches and temple premises. Quite a hippy trail in the 70s, Puri’s remarkable charm attracts backpackers and family vacationers alike.

Major Attractions of Puri

Jagannath Temple
Built by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the ruler of Kalinga in mid 12th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. Embellished with intricate carvings & sculptures, Jaganntah Temple is an architectural splendor that reigns over the skyline of Puri. The image of Lord Jagannath has been carved from wood and is replaced every 12 years. The temple’s glory is at its height during the Chariot Festival in Puri.

Gundicha Ghar Temple
Located amidst beautiful gardens at the end of the main route for Jagannath Rath Yatra, this sandstone temple is often known as the Garden Home of Lord Jagannath.

Puri Beach
Pristine sands and rolling waves of the famous Puri beach are home to glorious sunrise and sunsets. Besides its religious importance as the holy waters of the Char Dham, the beach is also a holiday hotspot of Puri. Exquisite sand art at Puri beach is a common sight. Thrill seekers may try their hand at angling, swimming, surfing and sea cruising.

Atharnala Bridge
Literally meaning eighteen passages, this 13th century stone bridge is the portal to Puri. An engineering marvel and a heritage structure, Atharnala Bridge depicts the architectural & engineering genius of the local craftsmen.

Model Beach
This community run beach is perfect for long walks, watching vermillion sunsets, relaxing on a beach chair and enjoying a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.

Balakhund-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
Located along the sea coast between Puri & Konark, this sanctuary is the nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Black-buck, spotted deer, stripped hyena and jungle cat are its others inhabitants.

Sudarshan Crafts Museum
Founded by the renowned sculptor and artist, Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, this museum is home to many artistic works of the founder including wood carvings, stone & fiber glass articles and various paintings.

Major Attractions of Puri

• Chandrabhaga Beach
• Raghurajpur Artistic Village
• Markandesvara Temple
• Alarnatha Mandira
• Sakshi Gopal Temple

Nearby Excursions

Konark (35kms) - Home to the ruins of the famous Sun Temple and pretty beaches.
Chilika Lake (104kms) - A brackish lagoon famous for its exotic birdlife and rare Irrawaddy Dolphins

Fairs and Festivals of Puri

• Puri Rath Yatra- The famous Chariot Festival of Jagannath Temple held in June-July
• Puri Beach Festival- Held annually in November, its highlight is the captivating sand art at the beaches.
• Chandan Yatra- Lord Jagannath’s boat ride festival held annually in April or May.

Shopping in Puri
Sea shell & mother of pearl artifacts & jewelry, traditional sarees like Ikat, Bomkai & Passapali, palm leaf paintings or Patachitra, silver filigree boxes & other curios and stone sculptures are some of the collectibles from Puri.

Food in Puri
The flavorful Oriya Khichdi (rice & lentils dish), Chungdi Malai (creamy prawn recipe), Chennapoda (Oriya cheesecake), Santula (mixed veg curry), and Khaja (sweet snack) are some of the culinary delights of Puri.

Best time to Visit
Puri is best visited in the winter months from October to March. However, if you wish to be a part of the Chariot Festival, then June-July is the time to visit, the dates depending on the lunar calendar.

How to Reach
By Air- Bhubaneswar Airport, around 56kms away, is the closest airport to Puri.
By Rail- Puri is connected with all major cities in the country with a good network of direct & express trains.
By Road- A good number of roads & highways connect Puri to major Indian cities.
Travel with us to this serene temple town and walk its narrow streets, visit its many temples, eat the homely food and unwind on the beaches. Our Tour Packages are designed to make the most of the relaxed vibe of Puri and boost your holiday spirit.