Renowned across the globe, Puri rests along the sun-drenched eastern coast of India in Odisha and offers much more than just a beach town experience. It’s a dynamic cultural hub, a spiritual epicenter, and a haven for art lovers. At its heart stands the iconic Jagannath Temple, one of Hinduism’s sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, drawing millions of devotees and tourists each year. From its golden beaches and colorful festivals to its traditional arts villages and rich culinary heritage, Puri offers a captivating blend of serenity and celebration. Fringed by the Bay of Bengal, it seamlessly merges timeless spiritual traditions with the vibrant energy of coastal life.
Where is Puri Located?
Puri occupies the centre of the Puri district in the state of Odisha and faces the Bay of Bengal on India’s east coast. The Bay of Bengal bounds it to the southeast, Mauza Sipaurubilla to the west, Mauza Gopinathpur to the north, and Mauza Balukhand to the east. Puri is located on the Bay of Bengal’s coast in the Mahanadi River’s coastal delta.
Top 10 Attractions in Puri
With its extensive list of top attractions, Puri provides visitors with a rich cultural and visual experience. The top ten places in Puri you simply must see are as follows:
Jagganath Temple
Without a doubt, Puri’s most recognisable feature is the Jagannath Temple. Devotees have dedicated this temple to one of the four pilgrimage sites in India’s Char Dham yatra, Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. A visit to the temple is a profoundly spiritual experience because of its imposing architecture and extensive history. Millions of devotees attend the temple’s annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, which is a remarkable display of devotion.
Puri Beach (Golden Beach)
One of the most visited beaches on the eastern coast of India is Puri Beach. This beach, which is well-known for its golden beaches and the breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal, is ideal for people who like to unwind, swim, or go on lengthy walks. Additionally, the beach is the site of the Puri Beach Festival, an annual occasion that features dance, music, and art acts to highlight Odisha’s cultural variety.
Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Indian temple construction, stands roughly 35 kilometres from Puri. Constructed during the 13th century, the temple features elaborately carved stone wheels, walls, and sculptures in the appearance of a massive chariot. Artisans crafted the temple to honour the Sun God, and it is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and design.
Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, is around 50 km from Puri. The lake’s Satapada area is well-known for boat trips to Rajhans Island and the Sea Mouth, as well as for seeing Irrawaddy dolphins. The lake becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise in the winter when thousands of migratory birds flock there.
Gundicha Temple
The Gundicha Temple, another significant temple in Puri, plays a key role in the yearly Rath Yatra. During the festival, devotees bring Lord Jagannath and his siblings to this location. Verdant grounds encircle the temple, sometimes called the ‘Garden House of Jagannath,’ and provide guests with a calm environment.
Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Located only 14 km from Puri, Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts town famous for its Pattachitra paintings, a traditional art style of Odisha. The community is home to talented craftspeople who produce wooden toys, elaborate paintings, and stone sculptures, among other handicrafts.
Swargadar Beach
People revere Swargadwar Beach in Puri as the place where Lord Vishnu ascended to heaven. People also frequently perform rituals for deceased souls on the beach. In addition to its religious significance, the beach is a wonderful spot for strolls and the consumption of regional street cuisine, such as pakhala bhata and khaja.
Lokath Temple
Devotees worship Lord Shiva at this temple, one of the oldest in Puri. Here, the Shivling is thought to be from a natural watercourse and is always submerged.
Tank and Temple of Markandeswar
Named for the scholar Markandeya, this temple is a serene location with an air of antiquity. Pilgrims utilise the neighbouring tank for ritual showers since it is revered.
Alarnarh Temple (Brahmagiri)
During the Anavasara period, devotees visit this temple, located around 25 miles from Puri, when the Jagannath idols are unavailable for darshan. According to devotees, during that period, Lord Jagannath manifested here as Lord Alarnath.
Puri Tours and Their Cost
Puri provides a variety of tour packages to suit a range of spending limits and tastes:
- ₹5,200 to ₹7,100 per person for two to three days in Puri only, including sightseeing, lodging, and transfers.
- Konark Sun Temple is included in the 3-day Puri & Konark package, which costs ₹6,800 and more.
- Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri are all included in the Golden Triangle, which is available for 4-5 days for ₹9,600–₹14,100 per person for premium stays and ₹12,350–₹25,750 for luxury groups.
- 5+ day Odisha Circuit: All-inclusive multi-city tours (flights, lodging, meals, and sightseeing) can cost up to ₹45,000 to ₹55,000.
A guided day package for additional private tours (temple, beach, crafts village) starts at about ₹3,200, which does not include admission or boat fees.
Things To Do in Puri
Puri Beach Festival Activities
Take part in the Puri Beach Festival, which takes place every November and illuminates the city with rock concerts, sand art, fashion shows, folk and classical dance performances, cultural events, and colourful food vendors.
Sand Art Experiences
During festival season, observe globally recognised sand artists at Golden Beach as they create intricate and sizable sculptures that are frequently inspired by mythology or current affairs.
City and Market Tours
Take part in guided cycling or autorickshaw tours to discover Puri’s old town alleys, neighbourhood marketplaces, and temple architecture, which offer insights into both history and daily life.
Temple Cuisine Tasting
At Jagannath Temple, savour the well-known Mahaprasad (temple cuisine), which is prepared in traditional clay pots and is regarded as a spiritual and culinary delight.
Evening Aarti by the Sea
Take in the calm evening aarti ceremonies by the sea, where smaller shrines and the beach are enchanted by the chanting and lamps.
Chilika Lake Bird-watching
Visit Chilika Lake for boating and bird watching, particularly in the winter when thousands of migratory birds, such as herons and flamingos, swarm the area.
Witness Sand Art at Puri Beach
In addition to its natural beauty, Puri Beach is well-known for the breathtaking sand sculptures made by Sudarsan Pattnaik, a highly regarded artist worldwide. These elaborate sand sculptures are visually stunning and frequently portray religious, social, or cultural concerns.
Shopping at Local Markets
Stalls offering a range of goods, including religious souvenirs, handicrafts, saris, seashell products, and the well-known Pattachitra paintings, are scattered across the vicinity of the Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach. Make sure you also get the taste of the Odia delicacy, Khaja.
Hotels in Puri and Current Deals
Nightly rates at budget hotels range from ₹253 to ₹626 in Puri. Many hotels offer free breakfasts, discounts, or waterfront accommodations.
| Famous Hotel | Starting Price (Sept 2025) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Golden Tree | ₹989/night | Popular, family-friendly, breakfast |
| Sterling Puri | ₹2,775/night | Sea-facing, breakfast, pool |
| Asian Inn Beach Resort | ₹2,775/night | Sea-facing, high user ratings |
| Mayfair Heritage | ₹9,624/night | Luxury segment, spa, sea view |
| OTDC Panthanivas | ₹4,100/night | Government-run, close to attractions |
| Kakkson Inn | ₹626/night | One of the best budget choices |
| Hotel Sonar Bangla | ₹4,677/night | Beachfront, good reviews |
| Empires Hotel | from ₹3,990 | Trendy, modern, breakfast included |
Disclaimer: Hotel rates are estimates that can change depending on the time of year, dates of booking, and demand.
Estimated Budget For a Visit to Puri
The average cost of a one-person trip to Puri for three nights and four days from a major city like Delhi or Mumbai is shown below.
| Expense Head | Budget Option | Midrange Option | Luxury Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (Delhi– Bhubaneswar) | ₹13,000 | ₹15,000 | ₹20,000+ |
| Airport Transfers | ₹800 | ₹1,200 | ₹2,500 |
| Hotel (per night) | ₹626–₹1,200 | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | ₹6,000–₹10,000 |
| Meals (per day) | ₹350 | ₹800 | ₹1,800 |
| Local Transport | ₹200–₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Sightseeing/Tours | ₹1,000/day | ₹2,500/day | ₹5,000/day |
| Miscellaneous | ₹800 | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Total (3N/4D) | ₹18,000–₹21,000 | ₹28,000–₹36,000 | ₹60,000+ |
Budget Tip:
- For a modest itinerary, trains can bring the total down to less than ₹8,000 because they are significantly less expensive than flights.
- Additional savings are offered by group tours and off-season hotel rates.
Disclaimer: Due to demand, seasonality, and currency fluctuations, all prices listed are estimates that could change. Rates may change, so always check with providers before making a reservation.
Best Time to Visit Puri
The best time to visit puri is during the winter season, between the months of October and February. With temperatures between 16°C to 28°C, the weather is relatively mild during this time. The ethereal charm of Puri’s tourism attractions is enhanced throughout this season. Major events like the Puri Beach Festival take place at this time, and the air is joyous but not muggy.
- The monsoon season (June to September) provides considerable rainfall and the huge Rath Yatra festival, while the summer months (March to May) are sweltering.
- This is followed by June to September. It is the on-set of monsoon and you will get to witness the scenic lush green surroundings. This time is budget friendly as well as not many tourists are present in Puri. The temperatures range between 24°C to 29°C.
- March to May is the off-season. It is the hottest time with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C. The days will be humid, but the evenings will be pleasant with clear skies at night. Stays at hotels and resorts will be at discounted rates.
Cautions To Be Taken
- Travel and Road Safety: Steer clear of highways at night because they may be empty. For safety, use authorised ride-sharing services or official prepaid taxis.
- Tips for Health and Hygiene: Keep a first aid kit, basic medications, and bug repellent on hand. Drink bottled or filtered water to prevent stomach problems. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water if you’re going in the summer.
- Water and Beach Safety: Only swim in approved safe areas (strong currents may be present at Puri Beach). Steer clear of deep water during high tide. Check for caution signs and lifeguard flags. Watch out for sand erosion close to Swargadwar Beach.
- Cultural Etiquette and Temples: Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting Jagannath and Lokanath temples. Adhere to local traditions and refrain from taking pictures inside temples. Although the Jagannath Temple is off-limits to non-Hindus, you may still see it from the Raghunandan Library.
- Watch Out for Pickpockets and Congested Places: During the Rath Yatra Festival (June–July), be especially cautious because large people congregate. Store your cash and valuables in your front pockets or a safe money belt. Steer clear of carrying too much cash and, if at all possible, use digital payments.
Conclusion
Puri is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. You can visit the famous Jagannath Temple, relax on golden beaches, explore old villages, and enjoy local food. With friendly locals, affordable stays, and a mix of culture and fun, it’s popular with both Indian and foreign tourists. For the best experience, visit in winter, try local dishes, and balance your time between sightseeing and relaxing. A little planning and respect for local traditions will make your trip smooth and memorable.
FAQs:
Ans. Puri is located in the Puri district of Odisha and is situated on the Bay of Bengal, India’s east coast.
Ans. The top attractions in Puri are the Puri beach, Jagganath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, Raghurajpur Heritage Village, and more.
Ans. The average cost of a one-person trip to Puri for three nights and four days from a major city like Delhi or Mumbai could range between Rs. 18,000 to 60,000+.
Ans. The best time to visit Puri is during the winter season, between October and February
Ans. Puri provides a variety of tour packages to suit a range of spending limits, from Rs. 6000 to an all-inclusive multi-city tour of Rs. 55,000 +.
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