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If you’re someone who dreams of reconnecting with nature, exploring age-old temples and shopping to your heart’s content during the upcoming getaway, then Puri is just the right destination for you. Historic antiquities. Religious sanctuaries. Architectural magnificence. Sea-scape beauty. Sacred pilgrimage centers. The famous Jagannath Temple. Be it the food lover in you or the curious geographer, the wandering traveler or the nature enthusiast- Puri is a gem that attracts many every year, leaving them with no other option other than to pay a visit to the place.
By air: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, 60 kms away.
By rail: Puri is a terminus on the East Coast Railway having direct express and super fast train links with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Okha, Ahmedabad, Tirupati etc. Some important trains are Kolkata (Howrah) Puri Howrah Express, Jagannath Express; New Delhi; Purushottam Express. Khurda Road Station, 44 km away from Puri is a convenient railhead for the train to Chennai and Western India. The station is about one km north of the town.
By road: The bus stand near the Gundicha Temple provides connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Minibuses to Konark leave every 20-30 minutes and also from Jatiababa Chhak. There are direct buses for Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.
If you are planning a visit to Puri anytime soon, get the best out of your experience by marking these five places in your itinerary.
The first thing that comes to people’s minds when one mentions Puri, is the famous temples in Puri . These architectural landmarks attract thousands of people every year and is a symbol of Puri’s grandeur. The Jagannath temple is extremely important to devotees as its one of the Char-Dham pilgrimages. It is also famous for its annual “Rath Yatra” which is witnessed by millions every year, as the three gigantic chariots carry the deities.
One just cannot visit Puri and not pay homage to the Jagannath Temple. Millions of people visit Puri to gain Lord Jagannath’s blessings. If you are one on a spiritual journey or just a curious tourist, this destination is a must-visit to get an insight into Puri’s eminent culture and traditions.
Timings:
All days of the week
5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Entry fee:
No entry fee
Chilika Lake in Puri is Asia’s biggest internal saltwater pond surrounded by tiny islands including the most charming Honeymoon Island and the Breakfast Island. The lake is known as a paradise for bird-lovers. It is also a habitat of one of the biggest breeding places of flamingos in the world. It is also one of the most popular destinations for eco-tourism in India. If you want to get in touch with nature and spot exquisite flora and fauna, backed by some breath-taking photographs- Chilika Lake is your escape.
Timings:
All days of the week
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Boating charges:
From Gobakunda, Mirzapur, Gangadharpur and Sipakuda
Route: 1
Boating hours: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket cost: Rs. 800
Boat capacity: 8 Adults + 2 children (one family only)
Route: 2
Boating hours: 3 hours 30 minutes
Ticket cost: Rs. 1700
Boat capacity: 8 Adults + 2 children (one family only)
From Satapada
Route: 1
Boating hours: 1 hours 30 minutes
Ticket cost: Subject to change
Boat capacity: 6 Adults + 2 children (one family only)
Extra person: Rs 100
Located on the exotic coastline of Orissa, Puri Beach is just the right spot to have memorable strolls on sun-kissed beaches in Puri and soak yourself in the rejuvenating vibes of this scenic location. The Puri beach is an excellent place for water sports activities like angling, boat ride, swimming, surfing and sea cruising to get your adrenaline pumping. If you’re one to have an interest in a more quiet rendezvous, you can simply take a stroll in the evening and view breath-taking sunsets. For sightseeing, you can board a boat and go boat riding in the sea.
Timings:
All days of the week
12:00 am – 12:00 pm
Entry fee:
No entry fee
Narendra Tank is one of the largest tanks in Odisha. The tank is considered holy and is spread over a vast area, with an island in the middle, housing a small temple called Chandana Mandapa. The temple is especially famous for the Chandana Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which is celebrated annually, During the festival, all the deities are floated in the pious water of the lake. The experience of attending the festivities, is a memorable one, as you share the joy and celebrations with thousands of other people.
Timings:
All days of the week
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry fee:
No entry fee
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village in Odisha, 10 km from Puri. The artists’ village is especially known for its Pattachitra painters, an art form that dates back to 5 BC. They also make traditional masks, stone idols, paper mache, sculptures, wooden toys. There are about 100 houses in this small village and almost everyone is an artist. The front room of each house serves as both, a studio and an exhibition space. The locals are non-commercial in their approach and very welcoming, as they would take out time and explain intricacies of their art to you, if you ask. A visit to this village is without a doubt, a unique experience and one that can ignite your hidden artist as well.
You can book an auto for half a day at Rs 500 or so from Puri. Another alternative mode takes a local bus from Puri bus stand to Chandanpur (Rs 7 per head) and walks down to the village – it’s a beautiful but long walk – roughly 3 km from Chandanpur.
These five places are just an introduction to the book of beauties that Puri hides. A trip to Puri is bound to be a soulful experience and after a visit to all its cultural landmarks, you would come back with loads of stories to tell and memories to cherish.
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April 15, 2024 
