Puri, the historic home of Lord Jagannatha, is one of the most well-liked pilgrimage sites in the nation. As one of the holiest “Char Dham” pilgrimage locations, Puri is peppered with several ancient temples that are very significant from the perspectives of architecture, history, and religion. The affluent region, formerly known as “Sri Kshetra,” was besieged 18 times by Hindu and Muslim kings who sought the treasures of the temple.
The economy of this holy town still largely rests on the activities related to the Jagannatha Temple, which dates back to the 12th century. The peak season for tourism in Puri is during its lively festivals, particularly Ratha Yatra (Chariot festival).
How to reach Puri?
By Train: You can reach the Puri central station, which is the nearest station, from your place.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik Airport which is located in Bhubaneswar, almost 60 kilometres from Puri.
By Road: You can fly to Bhubaneshwar, and from there, you can reach Puri by road.
Tourist places in Puri you should visit
Along with the temples, Puri tourist places include some lovely beaches that are great for spending an evening away from the bustle of city life. The creative state of Odisha has produced talented craftspeople who are experts in Pattachitra paintings, appliqué art, stone carving, and sand art.
Jagannath Temple
As one of the holiest Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, the Puri Jagannath Temple, built approximately a thousand years ago, is highly revered by Hindus. The intricately carved temple edifice is perched on a tall pedestal and is surrounded by four grand gates. Prasadam is produced using centuries-old, conserved recipes, and the food here is never wasted out of respect for the traditional Indian notion that a visitor should never be sent away with an empty stomach.
Timings: All days of the week; 5.30 AM to 10 PM.
Source: Wikipedia
Puri Beach
For those who love the outdoors, the bay of Bengal’s east coast’s golden sand beach is a tranquil haven. The beach has a high number of people all year round due to its near proximity to Puri’s famous temples, including Jagannath Temple.
This beach is an ideal location to have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends, thanks to the abundance of lodging alternatives and the accessibility of a wide variety of cuisine options. The honeymooners who stroll along the breezy coast and enjoy taking in the stunning sunrises and sunsets together frequently choose this sun-kissed beach as their destination.
You can visit this Puri place on all days of the week from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Konark
Konark, a well-liked pilgrimage site close to the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is well-known for its Sun Temple, which dates back to the 7th century. The architectural wonder is composed of statues of the sun deity, depicted in three distinct pictures and positioned in three different orientations to exactly capture the sun’s rays during mornings, afternoons, and nights. It is built in the mediaeval architectural style of Odisha.
The enormous temple, which honours the Sun deity, is built in the shape of a chariot. Konark, which is about 35 kilometres from Puri along the Bay of Bengal, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to relax on quiet beaches and marvel at the beauty of ancient temples.
The Konark Sun temple is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for tourists.
A ticket can be purchased at Rs 40 for Indians, whereas if you are a foreigner, then you have to pay Rs 600.
Source: Wikipedia
Chilika Lake
You must visit Chilika Lake if you’re anywhere near Puri, Bhubaneswar, or just about everywhere else in Odisha. At the mouth of the Daya River, which empties into the Bay of Bengal, lies Chilika Lake, one of the top tourist attractions in the region. Chilika Lake, which is about 70 kilometres from Puri and 61 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, supplies food for fishing families from about 132 villages that are located on the lake’s islands or beaches.
As many as 160 different kinds of birds congregate near the lake during the migratory seasons. Due to the lake’s abundant eco-biodiversity, Irrawaddy dolphins, which can be seen on the Satapada islands, have made it their home as well.
Timings: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Markandeshwar Temple
The sacred site where sage Markandeya meditated on Lord Shiva as a youngster is thought to be the Markandeshwar Temple. A sculpture of Lord Nataraja with 10 hands welcomes visitors to the temple, which dates back to the 13th century.
As one travels farther, they will see several statues of Lord Shiva in all of his incarnations, as well as numerous idols of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha. The temple draws visitors from all over the world because of its magnificent architectural and aesthetic attractiveness.
The worshippers nearly never leave town without visiting this historic temple because it is so close to Puri Jagannath Temple. Markandeshwar Temple is open 24 hours and all seven days a week.
Source: Wikipedia
Narendra Tank
One of Odisha’s biggest tanks, Narendra Tank is thought to have been constructed in the fifteenth century. This tank is revered and is surrounded by several tiny and large temples. The Chandana Mandapa temple is located on an island in the centre of the lake.
The Sudarshan Crafts
Sri Sudarshan Sahoo founded the Sudarshan Crafts Museum to provide a venue where artists and art enthusiasts may see the development of contemporary handicrafts. The museum showcases the evolution of conventional sculptures over the years. Artists may practise their trade in the workroom and have a showroom to present it in, thanks to the museum’s amenities.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Pipili
Pipili is a town in Puri that is well-known for the numerous handicraft items that are offered for sale there. The arts and crafts industry supports the overall economy and offers a wide range of goods. Here, you may get the highest quality figurines of deities, creatures, birds, and flowers, as well as pillowcases, sheets, handbags, and purses. There are many food stalls around the town, so you can satisfy your stomach as you browse.
Gundicha Temple
The Gundicha Temple, which is three kilometres from Jagannath’s primary temple complex, serves as Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama, and his sister Subhadra’s summer retreat. The Ratha Yatra comes to a close at this temple, after which the gods travel back to their original residence for a week of respite. Except for the numerous pictures that commemorate the Lord’s life, the Gundicha temple remains deserted for the rest of the year.
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Daya River
A tributary of the Kuakhai River, the Daya River drains into Chilika Lake, which is famous for its dolphin population. The river has played a significant role in India’s history, not just that of the Odisha-Bihar area. The infamous Kalinga War, which signalled the end of Emperor Ashoka’s aggressive methods and his conversion to Buddhism, was fought on the banks of the Daya River amid the lush slopes of the Dhauli Hills. On the surface of the rocks up the hill, there are a lot of Ashokan decrees.
Source: Pinterest
FAQs
What time of year is ideal for visiting Puri?
The winter season, which lasts from November to February, has a mild climate. A vacation in the spring, when it's usually bright, and you can get practically everywhere in Puri using public transportation, is another option.
How many days are enough for Puri?
For visiting and discovering Puri's attractions, at least 3 days are needed. You may spend a week here if you wish to engage in both religious and recreational activities.
