Best places to visit in Puri

Puri, a holy place in Orissa is one of the most popular Char Dhams that holds immense significance in the Hindu religion. This beach city is on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and just a few kilometres away from West Bengal. Anyone can simply head out to this location and visit the mesmerising monuments and natural spots here. The best time to visit Puri is October to February as at this time the weather is cool and pleasant. This place in Orissa is a must-visit for all the Devotees of Lord Vishnu as Lord Jagannath is an incarnation of the same. Various devotees of Lord Shiva also visit the place to witness the grand Shiva and Nataraja Idol that are preserved here.

Here we have compiled a brief itinerary for you so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. You can visit Puri from all over India, know-how:

Air route: Puri doesn’t have an airport hence one can get down at the Biju Patnail Airport which is located in Bhubaneswar. Later you can hire a cab till Puri. Puri from Bhubaneswar is around 60 km away hence travelling via road is convenient.

Rail route: Puri is the last stop hence taking any popular train like Jagannath express or New Delhi Purushottam Express is a great option. 

Road route: If you are nearby like Bhubaneswar, or Cuttack then travelling by road is also another great option. One can hire any private cab and travel hassle-free. 

Here is a brief list of the Best Places to visit in Puri:

Sri Jagannath Puri

A magnificent monument that is known for its excellent craftsmanship. This impressive temple is where tons of people believe. The Sri Jagannath Puri temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath who is known as the Lord of the entire universe as well as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Tourists visit the temples from all over India as it holds a significant place in the Hindu religion. 

Reasons to visit: Devotees need no other reason than the presence of Lord Jaganath itself. Visit the temple for blessings by attending the daily aarti/prayers.

Commute: One can take a private cab from the Puri central station.

Extra Information: The times to visit the temple are 11 Am to 1: 20 pm and 5:30 to 8 pm.

Entry Fee: N/A

Chilika Lake

If you haven’t yet visited Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon then it’s time to pack your bags and get ready to explore this magnificent lake where various migratory birds can be observed. This lies close to Bay of Bengal and it’s bounded by small dense green islands. There are various other activities too that can be done like fishing, boating and sightseeing. We would suggest that you don’t miss visiting this while you are in Orissa. 

Reasons to visit: Enjoy boating, fishing and sightseeing. 

Commute: You can take a cab or public vehicle to the lake. Enjoy the view with your family and friends. 

Extra Information: The best time to visit Chilika lake is November to February.

Entry Fee: N/A

Puri Beach

A paradise where you can relax and breathe fresh air. Puri beach is on the eastern coast of India that lies in close proximity to the Bay of Bengal. This beach is an amazing place to observe sunrise as well as a sunset. It’s popular amongst the locals as well as tourists as it’s one of the closest beaches that one can visit in the Northeastern part of India. It is also known as the Golden Beach Puri.

Reasons to visit: If you are someone who loves to observe the dance of waves then visiting the beach where water flows into the Bay of Bengal is a must-visit place in your itinerary.

Commute: You can take a cab or public vehicle to the lake. Enjoy the view with your family and friends. 

Extra Information: Puri beach is close to Jagannath Temple hence you can visit both places in a single trip. 

Entry Fee: N/A

Also read: Places to visit in West Bengal

Markandeshwar Temple

A treasure from the 13^th century is preserved in Orissa that anyone who is in Orissa must visit. This is where you can admire the exceptional statue of Natraj with 10 arms. These 10 arms are studded in Chaitya and placed in front of the temple. This is the space where you can feel peaceful in the divine presence. Here you can also witness the grand statue of Shiva that makes the visit to Orissa successful. 

Reasons to visit: Devotees can visit the temple for no other reason than to admire the grand idols of Shiva in different forms. Be here and feel the divine energy.

Commute: You can take a cab or public vehicle to the temple. Enjoy the view with your family and friends. 

Extra Information: Visit the temple for blessings by attending the daily aarti/prayers. The timings to visit the temple are 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm – 9 pm.

Entry Fee: N/A

Jagannath Rath Yatra

This is one of the grandest events of Orissa where people come to be a part of all over India. As the name suggests this Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is also commonly known as Gundicha Yatra, Chariot festival as well as Dasavatara. The Yatra is attended by over 4 to 5 lakh pilgrims annually.

Reasons to visit: An annual gathering of devotees to pay tribute to Lord Jagannath and seek blessings. 

Commute: One can take a cab or bus as both are convenient but do remember that the Yatra season can be very crowded.

Extra Information: It is commonly believed that anyone who gets to see the idols of the Yatra will experience a year full of prosperity. 

Entry Fee: N/A

Know More About Puri

After you have explored some of the best places Puri it’s time to pull up your socks as the list is still going on. Here are a few more spots you must check out while you are visiting Puri:

Pipili Village: This is where tourists can shop for handicrafts. The entire village community is dependent on selling the handicraft items like covers, bags, sheets, idols of God, birds etc. You can also snack here with street food.

Sudarshan Crafts Museum: The art of various artists can be witnessed here. This museum is much known to display the changes that have occurred with time in the traditional monuments and sculptures. 

Raghurajpur Artist Village: This village is around 8 km from the centre of the city. It’s a popular heritage village famous for the local Pattachitra paintings. You can check out the papier mache, Gotipua folk dance, and Odissi classical dance. This village is also popular for the decorated throne of Lord Jagannath called the Patas. This village rich with art is as old as 5 BCE.

Astaranga Beach: The word Astaranga means “colourful sunset”. This is another must-visit beach in Orissa. Here the sky offers a serene view with changing hues with time. Visit this beach with friends and family and plan activities like a short picnic, swimming, and watching turtles and the sunset.

Vimala Temple: This is a popular temple dedicated to Goddess Vimala in the complex of Jagannath temple. This is one out of 12 Shakti Peeth shrines. This is also popular as a tantric manifestation of Goddess Sati.  

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