Top things to do in Puri – Land of Lord Jagannath

January 18, 2026

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN SREEKSHETRA PURI

TOP THINGS TO DO IN PURI:– JAGANNATH TEMPLE, GUNDICHA TEMPLE, SUDARSHAN CRAFT, PURI BEACH, EXPLORE SWARGADWAR, CHILIKA LAKE, SUDARSHAN CRAFT MUSEUM, BALGHAI BEACH, MARKANDESHWARA TEMPLE, RAGHURAJPUR VILLAGE, MOHONA (RIVER MOUTH)

Puri Swargadwar sea beach | Pic. by Pajamatraveller

Our journey to Odisha will take you to caves, historical sites, beaches, and lakes, highlighting the most renowned and cherished temples of Odisha, while introducing you to the state’s arts and crafts.

You will have the opportunity to explore the temples of Bhubaneshwar, Puri, and Konark while enjoying the enchanting Chilika Lake and the beaches of Puri. The caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri, along with the rocks of Dhauli, will astound you.

Did we mention that you will also have the chance to visit Pipili Artisan Village and witness the famous Pattachitra village-style paintings during the tour?

Marine Drive. Puri | Pic. by Pajamatraveller

For those who cherish the beach, delight in culinary experiences, or are on a pilgrimage, Puri is an ideal vacation spot for you and your family. This city is a great choice for a quick weekend getaway. Over the years, it has attracted millions of visitors. Puri offers an exquisite blend of extensive coastlines, age-old temples, traditional Odiya cuisine, beautifully crafted local textiles, stunning architecture, and much more. 

Located in Odisha, Puri is a prominent town along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The state is bordered by West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. Puri boasts excellent connectivity to other cities through roadways, airports, and railways. You can visit this city at any time of the year, as each season has its own charm. To enhance your experience, we have curated a list of 11 activities to enjoy in this destination. If you can spare 4 to 5 days for your stay, consider following our suggested itinerary or crafting your own travel plan as needed.

Puri (poo-rih) literally means "city" in Sanskrit. The ancient metropolis and its saga are deeply connected with Lord Jagannath. This city is one of the Char Dham (Four holy places) in India. The Char Dham were founded by Adi Shankaracharya. Alongside the worship of Lord Jagannath & the mystique linked with Puri, it’s one of the rare spots where one can blend spiritual enlightenment with enjoyment & excitement. The city features numerous ancient temples and Mathas (Ashrams), each harboring its own unique tale that intertwines with the grand narrative surrounding Lord Jagannath.

Odisha is a place that elegantly merges ancient legacy with natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you are an architecture lover, a nature enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a culinary explorer, Odisha has something for everyone. Its distinct mix of attractions and the heartfelt hospitality of its people make it an enthralling destination. Discovering Odisha is not merely a voyage through picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks, but a deep dive into the core of India’s cultural variety.

New Marine Drive. Puri | Pic. by Pajamatraveller

Location: 60 km south of Bhubaneswar
Climate:
Summers: 36⁰ C (Maximum), 27⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 25⁰ C (Maximum), 15⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar
Nearest Railhead: Puri Railway Station
Language Spoken: Oriya, Hindi, Bengali
STD Code: 06752

PURI TRIP ITINERARY:–

In Puri, there are several hotels and Holiday Home as per your budget. Price starting from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 12000/-+GST. Off season is the best time for budget travellers.

DAY 1:– Arrive in Puri in the morning. All surrounding states have good connectivity to Puri. Trains run frequently, and the closest airport is in Bhubaneswar, located 67 kilometers away from Puri. Therefore, taking the train is recommended for both frequent visitors and budget-conscious travelers. In Puri, hotel check-in and check-out times are at 7 am, so your day begins at 8 am with a traditional Odia breakfast, which includes Aloo Puri and fried Bada with Ghugni. The first day is free for you to explore the Marine Drive and the beach.

Recommendation -

• Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Visit the Jagannath Temple. It is best to go early to avoid long queues. Don't forget to visit the Ananda Bazar inside to see the world's largest kitchen.
• Late Morning (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Walk down Grand Road (Bada Danda). Explore the local shops for handicrafts and try the famous Khaja (a sweet pastry).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Visit the Gundicha Temple at the other end of Grand Road. It is known as the "Garden House" of the Lord.
• Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Relax at Golden Beach (a Blue Flag certified beach). You can see incredible sand art sculptures and enjoy the sunset.

DAY 2:– Hire a car as per your trip members. An auto or magic car is easily available from Marine Drive. Visit to the Gundicha temple, which is 3 km from the Jagannath Temple in Grand Road. After that, move to Raghurajpur Craft village. 15 km from Puri via NH–316, Chandanpur Village. Back to the Puri before lunchtime. And the rest of the day is free for the food trail.

DAY 3:– Hire a car for full day trip to the Konark Sun Temple, Dhauligiri, Kamdagiri, Udaygiri, Lingaraj Temple, Nandankanan Zoo, and more. Back to the city in the evening.

Recommended Heritage and Wonders

• Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Take a short drive (35 km) to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its chariot-shaped architecture is a must-see.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): On your way back, stop at Raghurajpur Heritage Village. Every household here is an artist’s studio where you can see Pattachitra (traditional cloth painting) being made.
• Evening (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM): End your trip at Chilika Lake (Satapada side) for a boat ride to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

DAY 4:– This day can be reserved for the second full-day trip with Chilika Lake and local sightseeing. Hire a car and leave for Chilika Lake, which is 44 km from Puri. Spend 2/3 hrs in Chilika Lake, back to the Sudarshan Art Museum, Balghai Beach, Markandeshwara Temple, and more.

DAY 5:– This is the last day in Puri. So early morning, around 7 a.m., I leave for the Jagannath Temple. 1.5 km from Marine Drive, just 20 min walking distance. After Darshan returns to the Swargadwar and after breakfast, take a coastal trek to Mohana (a river mouth). In the evening, leave for the railway station, or you can extend another day, it will be better for your trip.

Below is our compilation of the essential activities and experiences to immerse yourself in around Puri. Plan your visit to align with some of these events to dive deep into the culture and heritage of Odisha. We promise that the list will leave you in Odisha Awe! Get the best out of your experience by making these 11 places in your itinerary.

Explore all important places during your visit to PURI -

Aerial view of Lord Jagannath Temple. Puri | Pic. by Dipak Jana

SHREE JAGANNATH TEMPLE: – (ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର Jagannātha Mandira) Puri is basically known for this century-old Hindu temple. One of the Char Dham Destinations, the Lord Jagannath Temple have strong history and mysterious stories. This temple was built by King Chodaganga. Actually temple was completed by Anangabhima Deva in 1174 AD. One of the main attractions of the temple is the flag hosting. Which happens during Sunrise and sunset. It is believed thatthe flag blows against the wind direction. Another mystery of the temple is that there is no shadow of the temple at any time of the day, where the temple height is 108ft.

SHREE GUNDICHA TEMPLE | Pic. by Iskcon Bangalore.

SHREE GUNDICHA TEMPLE: – The temple is better known as “Masir Badi”. Just 3 km away from the Lord Jagannath temple. Situated in Grand Road. During the famous Puri “Ratha Yatra”, lord Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra travel to the Gundicha temple through the Grand Road and stay here for 7 days, and duringthe Ratha Yatra festival, it is a common place among the devotees. Last day when they return home, the entire journey is known as Gundicha Yatra or Nava Dina Yatra or Ghosa Yatra. The temple was built by the Gundicha Maharani, the queen of King Indradyumna, the founder of Jagannath Temple. This kalinga style architectural temple is situated in the middle of a lush green garden, surrounded by tall coconut trees. The temple is maintained by the Jagannath Temple Administration of Puri.

Puri Beach | Pic. by Pajamatraveller

PURI BEACH: – A most popular tourist attraction in Puri is the long coastal line of the Bay of Bengal. Mainly famous for beach lovers. Endless activities are waiting for you. Swimming, volleyball, water sports, and more are waiting for your beach entertainment.

Puri Beach NIGHT BAZAR | Pic. by Pajamatraveller

The beach is also a canvas for sand sculpture. Famous sand artist Sudarshan Pattanaik is from Odisha. There are more options for food lovers. Morning starts with tea, bread, omelette, ghugni, and bada. Also with puri Bhaji and evening starts witha tea stall, chat stall, Maslar Motui, sweet vendors, and lots more options. Puri is actually famous among the Hindu Bengali Community. and this community exceptionally preferred fish items in a fried or curry format at any time, from lunch to dinner. So the entire sea beach and Marine Drive are occupied by fish stalls on scattered way. They offer various types of fried fish and crab. A huge temporary bazaar in sea-beach near Swargadwar is also the main attraction for tourists. You will find most of the stalls selling seashell items made out of shells and Oysters, handloom items, handmade products, gift items, toys, etc. You can buy items with proper bargaining.

EXPLORE SWARGADWAR

Swargadwar | Pic. by Pajamatraveller

“Swargadwar” is the cremation ground of Hindus. The name is derived from two words. “Swarga” means Heaven, and “Dwar” means Doors or gateway.

“The Gateway of Heaven” is the meaning of Swargadwar. The Hindu community believes that this holy place is the gateway to Sojourn towards heaven, where your eternal soul can rest in peace. Swargadwar is the main marketplace in Puri. From here, you can feel the essence of Pure Odiya culture. Just opposite the Puri sea beach market, the entire Marine Drive is covered by shops. From Marine Drive, where the Mahaprabhu Sree Chaitanya Dev’s statue is situated, the temple road begins from here. Almost 1km radius occupied by vendors. They offered multiple options of Odishi Textile. From Kotki to Sambalpuri to Bomkai or Bichitrapuri. The Boyonika, owned by the Government of Odisha Textile Department. The various types of designer Sarees are available with affordable price tag. Other thanthe textile shop, Swargadwar is famous for Souvenir shop, sweet shops. Among the tourist the street is also known as “Khaja Gali”. Khaja is a very popular sweet item in Puri. This fashion street is not only popular for textiles or sweets. There are wood craft items, food court, wine shops, tea and snacks stall, Bar and restaurant, and more creates a perfect add zone for the tourist.

BALIGHAI BEACH: – A spectacular beach with white sand and the blue water bordering the horizon. Balighai Beach, most popular beach for a picnic spot among the local people. The Beach is situated on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive Road, around 8km from Puri. This unexplored beach is a hotspot for travelers. Balighai Beach is the best place for swimming. The virgin beach is also house of Shy Baliharina Deer. If you are lucky enough, you can spot one of them. The famous Sea Turtle Research Centre is also situated here.

MARKANDESWAR TEMPLE: – The Markandeswar Temple is one of the Pancha Tirthas of Puri and also one of the 52 sacred Shiva places of the country. The temple is also known as Markandya Shiva Temple, or Markandesvada Temple, or Markandeswara Mahadeva Temple. This temple is connected with the rituals of the famous Chandam Yatra. This Shiva temple is situated in Markandeswar Street beside Markandeswar Tank, north of the Jagannath Temple, around 700 mt.

MOHONA, DHAUDIA RIVER MOUTH:– Muhana - where Dhaudia River meets the sea. This is the spot to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Swargadwar and enjoy a serene atmosphere with amazing natural scenic beauty. This place is out of the locality, around 4km from Swargadwar, and very few tourists visit every day. Beautiful shells lie abundantly, which are not disturbed by the public. There were plenty of jellyfish over here, and they can be found only in this place. As far as locality, large crabs also move around freely. But they never harm anybody and play around. When people move, they hide themselves in the sand holes. Fishermen catch fish over here. I had noticed some migrated bird here during my last winter visit.

LOKANATHA TEMPLE- Dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid himself from Shani, under a pond. The Shivalinga here is partially submerged, and the pond is teeming with fish. Priests here tend to be very strict, so maintain etiquette. Shoes, cameras, mobile phones, and bags are prohibited within the temple complex; you have to submit them at a nearby stand.

RAGHURAJPUR CRAFT VILLAGE:– A patachipa Village, famous among art enthusiasts. The entire village is a canvas drawn by nature. Lush greenery, Lake, mud houses, art and craft, century-old Odishi dance, authentic Odiya food, and home are the reflection of Odishi essence in the village

JAMBESWARA TEMPLE:- Also referred to as Yameswar Temple, it stands as one of the most significant yet lesser-known landmarks of Puri. The temple is closely linked with the Jagannath Temple. Historians surmise it was erected between the 10th and 11th centuries AD. The principal deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Yameswara.

SAKSHIGOPAL TEMPLE:- Sakshigopal temple is situated 20 km from Puri on the Puri-Bhubaneswar highway in the town of Sakhigopal. This town is also called the gateway of Jaganath Dham, where people arrive in this holy city via train or can 1 Bus. This temple is one of the 16 shrines of King Vajra, the grandson of Lord Krishna. Page formally, this temple is also known as Satyaleadi Gopinath Temple. The kalinga style architecture temple was beautifully encripted like the Jagannath Temple. The temple is mainly crowded during Amla Navami. Other than Kartik Purnima, Dola Purnima, Chandan Yatra, etc., festivals are located in the temple premises.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND PURI –

Parsurameshwar Temple
Mukteshwar Temple
Rajarani Temple
Lingaraj Temple.

Khandagiri and Udaigiri Caves
Chaushathi Yogini Temple
Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)
Pipli Artisan Village Market

BEST SEASON TO VISIT PURI – Optimal Time to Visit - All year round

The best time to visit Puri is from June to March.

Winter Season - The months of December to February are considered the winter season of the city, which generally has the coo temperature. The city witnesses the temperature between the range of between 10°C and 18°C.

Monsoon Season - The city experiences its monsoon season from June to September. Generally, the city witnesses medium rainfall in its initial stage, and then at the end of the month it experiences heavy rainfall.

Summer Season - The city witnesses its summer season from March to May. Usually in the summer season, the city has mercury levels which vary between 19°C and 45°C.

Traveling Necessities
During winter, a jacket and warm clothing are essential. Summers are hot and can be sweltering. It is advisable to bring a cap/hat and sunscreen lotion.

HOW TO REACH PURI –

Puri is near Bhubaneswar, which has excellent air, road, and train connections. Puri is easily accessible by road and train from nearly every major Indian city. Puri may be reached in the following ways:

BY AIR

Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, which is nearly 56 km from the heart of Puri city. The airport is connected to Delhi and Mumbai. International travelers need to get connections through Delhi or Kolkata.

BY TRAIN

Puri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from many cities in India, including Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Popular Train Routes -

Delhi to Chandigarh Trains | Jaipur to Jodhpur Trains | Chandigarh to Delhi Trains | Delhi to Chandigarh Trains | Delhi to Lucknow Trains | Chandigarh to Delhi Trains | Lucknow to Delhi Trains | Jodhpur to Jaipur Trains | Delhi to Ahmedabad Trains | Ahmedabad to Delhi Trains | Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam Trains | Lucknow to Delhi Trains | Delhi to Kanpur Trains | Delhi to Patna Trains | Patna to Delhi Trains | Delhi to Jaipur Trains | Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad Trains | Delhi to Jodhpur Trains

BY ROAD

Puri is connected with the neighboring cities through well-constructed roads. Buses are considered to be the main option to travel to Puri as the bus stand in near the Gundicha Temple. Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack can be reached in 15mins by bus.

Popular Bus Routes: Kolkata to Puri Bus | Raipur to Puri Bus | Bhilai to Puri Bus | Jharsuguda to Puri Bus | Bhubaneswar to Puri Bus | Raigarh to Puri Bus | Korba to Puri Bus | Raurkela to Puri Bus | Rourkela to Puri Bus | Gangapur (Odisha) to Puri Bus

LOCATION: PURI, ODISHA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS –

Is a guide available at Puri Beach?

Local guides are available at the Puri Beach on a payment basis.

Accessible to the Physically Challenged?

Who is permitted entry into the Jagannath Temple?
Entry into the main temple area is restricted to Hindus only.

Puri Beach is fully accessible to people with physical disabilities.

When is the ideal time to visit Puri?
The optimal period for a visit is from October to February, during the cooler seasons.

Which festival is well-known in Puri?
The Rath Yatra, also known as the Car Festival, is the most celebrated event, where the deities journey to the Gundicha Temple.

How do I reach Puri? Puri is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (about 60 km away) with regular taxi services available from Odisha Travel Agency.

What is notable about the architecture of the Jagannath Temple?

It is said that the shadow of the temple is ever seen during daylight hours, and the main edifice appears identical from all viewpoints.

Is the beach in Puri safe for swimming?
Yes, certain areas of the Golden Beach are deemed safe for swimming and are properly maintained.

What is the most effective way to reach Puri?
Puri features its own railway station, which links to major cities in India. The closest airport is located in Bhubaneswar, approximately 60 kilometers away.

What items should I purchase in Puri?
Artisan crafts, especially Pattachitra artworks, applique creations from Pipili, and goods made from seashells are recommended.

What does "Mahaprasad" refer to in the temple?
It refers to the holy food offered to Lord Jagannath, prepared in clay pots, and is greatly esteemed.

How can I minimize long wait times at the temple?
It is advised to visit either in the early morning (before 6 AM) or in the late afternoon.

What other tourist attractions are located nearby?
Popular day trips include the Sun Temple at Konark, the Craft Village of Raghurajpur, and Chilika Lake.

Key Tips for Visiting PURI :

• Jagannath Temple Darshan: The temple often has different opening/closing times (neeti). It is highly recommended to check with temple officials, but late night or very early morning (before 6 AM) usually offers a faster, calmer experience.
• Prohibited Items: Cameras, mobile phones, headphones, and any electronic gadgets or leather items are strictly prohibited inside the Jagannath temple complex.
• Dress Code: Wear modest, traditional, or comfortable clothing. Women should opt for sarees or salwar kameez.