India is a land that’s blessed with fascinating religious stories and legends. Every corner of the country holds a rich piece of historic information that fascinates every explorer in search of answers. If you go to the very northeast of the map, you’ll find a state that is considered to be one of the key places of the Char Dham Yatra. Odisha is known for housing the Jagannath Puri temple and having a vibrant art culture. One of the most active cities is Puri, a place dotted with temples and devout devotees.
Every year, on the second day of Ashadha, Puri comes alive with people from all over the world as the famous Rath Yatra commences. It’s when scores of people gather to seek blessings from the mighty Lord Jagannath. Apart from being known for the Jagannath Temple, Puri is also famous for the Sun Temple of Konark and pristine beaches that fill your heart with awe. From a village dedicated to artful handicrafts to lakes and views that are just great – Puri is a destination that should be high up on your travel list. Want to know more about the destination? Check out this travel guide to Puri! It has everything you need to know and by the end, you’re going to want to visit the place.
History And Culture Of Puri
Whenever the city of Puri is mentioned, Lord Jagannath always follows synonymously. The legend of Jagannath can be traced back to the 12th century – making it an important part of history. There are two different stories behind the celebration of Rath Yatra or the connection with Lord Jagannath. One of the tales surrounds the journey of Lord Jagannath (an avatar of Lord Krishna) who was visiting his aunt with his siblings: brother Balabdhara and sister Subhadra. His journey and arrival to what is now known as Gundicha Temple is reenacted every year and celebrated in grandeur. The other story is believed to be about Lord Krishna’s journey to Mathura with Balaram after killing their evil uncle, Kansa. A little fun fact: The word ‘Juggernaut’ comes from Lord Jagannath!
Speaking of the culture, a majority of it revolves around the Jagannath Temple or Vaishnavism. You’ll also find that art is an important part of the culture in Puri, Odisha. Along with Jagannath Temple, the Sun Temple of Konark has its fair share of cultural events that give you a peep into the festivities of the locals. For instance, the Konark Dance Festival displays the traditional art of dancing via some very talented artists. The Patta paintings and stone architecture are some of the other things that portray the Odhisha culture impeccably.
How To Get To Puri
By Air
Book a flight to Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneshwar to reach Puri the quickest. The airport is 49 km from Puri and has regular domestic flights flying in. After landing, you can book a taxi to your hotel or whatever destination you wish to get down at.
By Train
To travel via the picturesque route, you can take a train. Puri has its own railway station and most of the trains on the Chennai-Calcutta route make a halt there.
By Road
There are buses available from Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar that’ll take you to Puri. There’s also a bus stand close to Gundicha Temple, making it an accessible option.
Getting Around Puri
To go to different places in Puri, you can hire cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and motorbikes. For the most affordable price and an authentic experience, you must hire a cycle-rickshaw. Or you can get an auto-rickshaw but be prepared to bargain because they don’t work by meters. To hire a motorbike for the entire day, you’ll spend an average of INR 400-500.
Best Time To Visit Puri
The Peak Season – October to February
To beat the heat and enjoy pleasant weather, visiting Puri between the months of October to February is your best bet. The temperature, between 16°C and 28°C, makes sightseeing a wholesome experience, and the clear skies, every photographer’s dream. This is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
The Moderate Season – June To September
The monsoon arrives in Puri during these months, bringing much-needed respite from the summer heat. Rainfall can be heavy at times, but it usually clears up quickly, leaving behind a cool and refreshing atmosphere. The lush greenery and scenic beauty of Puri come alive during this season. This is also the time for the world-famous Rath Yatra festival, a spectacular chariot procession that attracts devotees from all over the world.
The Off-Season – March To May
Summers in Puri can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. But, if you can tolerate the heat, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and significant discounts on hotels and flights. This can be a good time to visit if you’re on a budget and prefer a more laid-back vacation.
Where To Stay In Puri
1. The Greenstar Inn Premium
This hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay near Puri’s bustling heart. While it might not be the most luxurious option, it’s a budget-friendly choice with clean rooms and likely good value for money.
Price: Starting From INR 2,550
Address: Baliapanda Road, In Front Of Gaudiya Matha, Baliapanda Housing Board Colony, Puri
2. Sea View Residency
As the name suggests, this hotel promises stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. If you crave a beachfront location with easy access to the sand and surf, Sea View Residency could be your perfect pick.
Price: Starting From INR 1,387
Address: Golden Beach, Puri
3. Sterling Puri
This established resort offers a complete vacation experience. Imagine spacious rooms or suites, a relaxing poolside atmosphere, a restaurant catering to various tastes, and all the amenities you’d expect from a reputed brand.
Price: Starting From INR 4,871
Address: 255/2 And 255/3, Sipasarubali Village, Baliapanda, Puri
4. The Chariot Resort & Spa
Pamper yourself at this luxurious beachfront resort. The Chariot boasts elegant rooms, a variety of restaurants serving delectable cuisine, a spa for ultimate relaxation, and a swimming pool, all with the mesmerizing beach as your backdrop.
Price: Starting From INR 6,908
Address: Sipasarubali Baliapanda, End Of Marine Drive, Near Sterling Hotel, Puri
Places To Visit In Puri
Shree Jagannath Temple
No visit to Puri is complete without experiencing the grandeur of the Shree Jagannath Temple. This iconic landmark is not just a religious site, but a cultural and architectural marvel. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rituals and witness the awe-inspiring chariot procession (Rath Yatra) that takes place annually on the second day of Ashadha. It’s dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu who visited his aunt during the 12th century in Puri, Odisha.
The temple was built by King Indrayuma and reflects intricate patterns of the Oriya architecture. Do indulge in the Mahaprasad that is prepared in one of the largest kitchens in all of India. They feed about a thousand people on a daily basis. The Jagannath Temple is now a part of one of the biggest pilgrimages – the Char Dham Yatra. So, be sure that this temple is one of the first places that you visit when you’re in Puri.
Timings: 5.30 am to 10:00 pm
Puri Beach
The golden sands of Puri Beach are legendary. Stretch out on a sun lounger, feel the soft sand between your toes, and soak up the warm sun. Take a refreshing dip in the Bay of Bengal, enjoy exhilarating water sports, or witness the mesmerizing sunrise or sunset. The beach comes alive in the evenings with bustling food stalls offering local delicacies, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. Catch a beautiful sunset where the sun melts behind the ocean, leaving behind a trail of beautiful colors.
Chilika Lake
Escape the crowds and explore the wonders of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Recognized as a haven for migratory birds, this wetland ecosystem boasts incredible biodiversity. Take a boat tour to spot dolphins, explore the islands within the lake, or simply marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty. Chilika Lake offers a unique experience for nature lovers and photographers. This pear-shaped lake is known to be the largest internal saltwater lake in all of Asia and it’s a marvel indeed!
Price For Boating: Approx INR 1,700
Konark Sun Temple
Although not technically in Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short day trip away and deserves a spot on your itinerary. This architectural masterpiece, shaped like a giant chariot, is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. The intricate carvings and sculptures on the temple walls depict scenes from mythology and everyday life, offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of ancient India. The sheer scale and grandeur of the Konark Sun Temple leave a lasting impression.
Summing Up
Now that you have the ultimate Puri travel guide with you, you no longer need to fret about planning a trip. All you have to look out for is the best time to visit the places that appeal to you the most. Despite being one of the locations for Char Dham, Puri is still an underrated destination that can be known for more than its temples.
FAQs
What Is Puri In Odisha Famous For?
Puri is famous amidst the people for its Rath Yatra which is the biggest Chariot festival that is ever celebrated.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Puri?
September to February is the best time to visit Puri as the winds are pleasant and you can go sightseeing without having to worry about too much heat or rains.
Are 2 Days Enough For Puri?
Ideally, three nights and four days are perfect for touring Puri without following a hectic itinerary.
Why Do Planes Not Fly Above The Jagannath Temple Of Puri?
There’s a metal Nilachakra placed on top of the Jagannath Temple of Puri that is said to cause disturbance and scramble all wireless communications. That’s the reason why planes don’t fly from above the temple.
What Is The Best Thing To Buy In Puri?
You can buy some amazing quality rudraksha beads, images of Lord Jagannath, paintings on coconut, and miniature wooden chariots from Puri.
How Much Does A Puri Trip Cost?
A trip for five days to Puri costs approximately INR 30,500.
