Have you ever thought of standing on golden sands listening to the rhythmic waves under a clear blue sky? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with various things to do in Puri, you have the opportunity to transform this dream into reality. Couples can find their preferred vacation style in Puri because the location provides spiritual blessings as well as beaches to relax on and exciting experiences for tourists. From the legendary Jagannath Temple to the peaceful atmosphere of Chilika Lake, every part of this beach paradise features places that can be enjoyed by visitors. So, why wait? Pack your things because there is an unbelievable variety of things to experience in this wonderful place!
Top 15 Things To Do In Puri
The Indian coastal city of Puri combines the essence of spirituality with culture and natural attractions. The sacred temples along with its peaceful beaches are some of the attractions that attract all types of travelers to Puri. From religious peace, and artistic wonderments to beach relaxation, there are multiple things to do in Puri.
1. Seek blessings at Shree Jagannath Temple
Your trip to Puri should first take you to Shree Jagannath Temple which stands as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Lord Jagannath is worshipped at this temple, which was built in the 12th century with unique Kalinga architectural elements. This extensive spiritual site features numerous high buildings together with detailed artwork that depicts Hindu legends and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Puri for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Only Hindu devotees are allowed within the main temple area while non-Hindus may admire the temple exterior.
- Address: Grand Road, Puri, Odisha.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: During the annual Rath Yatra festival in June or July.
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2. Relax at Puri Beach
If you desire peace near the ocean, you can find it at Puri Beach. The beach features gentle ocean waves alongside golden sand beaches that provide a perfect setting for walking while swimming beside sunbathing, which is preferred as one of the best things to do in Puri. Photographers flock to this spot because the sunset provides an enchanting view across the horizon. Every year Puri Beach Festival brings together cultural shows and local craft displays during its event schedule. Seafood enthusiasts must try fresh seafood available at the various stalls.
- Address: Marine Drive Road in Puri, Odisha.
- Timings: Any time of the day.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and evenings for pleasant weather
3. Explore Raghurajpur Artist Village
You can easily get to Raghurajpur Village through a quick drive from Puri as this place is known for its vibrant arts heritage. You can find traditional artists' work inside each residence to produce Pattachitra paintings and palm leaf engravings together with traditional wall paintings. The artisans welcome visitors to connect with them so you can watch how they craft speciality items that you can directly buy from their hands. It is one of the best things to do in Puri if you want to explore the culture of this place. You can also witness the Gotipua dance performances throughout the village because they established the foundation for classical Odissi dance.
- Address: Raghurajpur, Odisha.
- Timings: Open throughout the day.
- Best Time to Visit: October- March
4. Visit the Konark Sun Temple
People can find the remarkable Konark Sun Temple at a distance of 35 kilometres from Puri which is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built during the 13th century as a vehicle with numerous carved horses and wheels features the Sun God which is worshipped here. Detailed sculptures of the temple, present various life subjects, and mythical and spiritual elements that showcase the ultimate stage of Odishan architecture. Despite the destruction of its central chamber, the remnants of this structure reveal what existed during its original state, making it a must-visit site and one of the best things to do in Puri.
- Address: Konark, Odisha.
- Timings: 6:00 AM- 8:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: November- February.
- Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners.
5. Bird Watching at Chilika Lake
Bird lovers, this one is for you! The largest coastal lagoon in India, Chilika Lake serves as an ideal habitat for birdwatchers. From Siberia, Iran, and Central Asia, numerous birds migrate to the lake during chilly winter months. You can take a boat tour of the lake to observe flamingos together with heron and white-bellied sea eagle species. Such calm surroundings throughout the lake provide viewers with several chances to observe the traditional fishing customs of the nearby communities. This peaceful yet exciting activity is indeed one of the amazing things to do in Puri.
- Address: Chilika Lake, Odisha.
- Timings: 6:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: November- February
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6. Attend the Rath Yatra Festival
Witness the magnificent Rath Yatra event which takes out the deities of Jagannath and Balabhadra along with Subhadra through incredible wooden temple carts. A massive crowd of millions participates in the process of drawing the chariots because they consider it a blessed behaviour, and joining this yatra is indeed one of the exciting things to do in Puri. During Puri's Rath Yatra, the town becomes a supernatural sight through its combinations of devotees' masses with chanting voices and musical vibrations throughout the streets.
- Address: Grand Road, Puri.
- Timings: From the morning of a specific day to the morning of the next day.
- Best Time to Visit: June or July serve as the festival month but dates except on the lunar calendar.
7. Discover the Gundicha Temple
Mostly referred to as the garden house of Lord Jagannath, Gundicha Temple serves as the destination of the Rath Yatra festivities. The temple is built amid green gardens and showcases Kalinga design to provide a tranquil environment for visitors who seek serenity. The Rath Yatra reveals the importance of this town to the visitors while the rest of the year brings peaceful enjoyment to this location.
- Address: Gundicha Temple
- Timings: 6:00 am- 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm- 9:00 pm
- Best Time to Visit: During the Rath Yatra festival i.e., in June- July.
8. Marvel at the Sudarshan Crafts Museum
If you are an art or craftsmanship enthusiast then you will certainly want to experience the Sudarshan Crafts Museum. The museum established by master sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo presents intricate stone, wood, and metal carvings to visitors in its facility, and exploring this museum is one of the exciting things to do in Puri. The artisans create remarkable idols and sculptures while you observe their traditional techniques during their work. People who want to see the traditional art of Odisha should visit this venue to take home a handmade piece as a souvenir.
- Address: Station Road, Puri, Odisha.
- Timings: Between 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and reopens from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during museum hours.
- Entry Fee: ₹5 per person
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9. Visit Lokanath Temple
Puri boasts of two sacred temples yet Lokanath Temple stands as a secret spiritual locality that draws worshipers more than the famous Shree Jagannath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it draws worshippers very much as it is believed that the Shiva Lingam remains underwater at all times, witnessing which is one of the famous things to do in Puri. The religious significance together with the medicinal water inside creates a sacred healing centre according to devotees.
- Address: Lokanath Temple Road, Puri, Odisha.
- Timings: 5:00 AM- 9:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: Shivaratri festival for a grand experience
10. Experience the Unforgettable Beachside Camel Tour on Golden Beach
Golden Beach stands as one of the best and pristine coastal destinations within Puri which serves as an ideal spot and one of the best things to do in Puri for people seeking relaxation during the evening hours. You can enjoy distinctive camel rides that follow the coastline while the ocean waves strike the shore at this location. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from beach shacks while using Golden Beach as a perfect photography site to capture stunning sunset views.
- Address: Marine Drive Road, Puri, Odisha.
- Timings: Morning- Evening,
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for a stunning view.
11. Explore the Ancient Markandeshwar Temple
History enthusiasts will find in Markandeshwar Temple a rare gem located within Puri, which is considered one of the best things to do in Puri. People visit this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva because it shows sacred carvings throughout its structure and the pond possesses mythical healing powers. The temple atmosphere remains peaceful which enables visitors to practice meditation and reach spiritual reflection.
- Address: Markandeswar Sahi, Puri, Odisha.
- Timings: 6:00 AM- 8:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening for a peaceful experience.
12. Indulge in Local Street Food
Visiting Puri means experiencing its traditional delicious foods and without it, your trip will be incomplete. Multiple food vendors in the streets offer visitors enticing dishes including Chhena Poda Dalma Khaja and Puri Malpua. What you have to experience is the fresh seafood sold at beachside stalls. Puri delights every food enthusiast with its flavorful traditional cooking and aromatic cuisine and tasting these delicacies is one of the best things to do in Puri for foodies.
- Best Time to Visit: Evening for fresh seafood and snacks
13. Travel to Kalijai Temple by Boat
The religious site devoted to Goddess Kalijai known as Kalijai Temple rests upon the island territory of Chilika Lake. Boat journeys over the lake, transport you to the peaceful temple so you can see unique birds and playing dolphins. This destination combines wandering with religious practice in an ideal blend.
- Address: Chilika Lake, Puri, Odisha
- Timings: 7:00 AM- 5:00 PM
- Best Time To Visit: November- February
- Cost: Between ₹200 to ₹600 based on the boat variety
14. Visit Narendra Tank which Functions as a Holy Waterbody
Among the five significant holy tanks in Odisha, Narendra Tank stands as the biggest sacred reservoir that defines Puri's religious features. The sacred water body exists among various small temples and receives worship due to its divine characteristics. The celebration of Chandan Yatra during which participants float deities on decorated boats creates a breathtaking experience at this location.
- Address: Near Grand Road, Puri, Odisha
- Timings: 6:00 A.M.- 8:00 P.M
- Best Time to Visit: April-May during Chandan Yatra
15. Spend Some Time at Soothing Baliharachandi Beach
Visitors seeking tranquillity will find their haven at Baliharachandi Beach since it stands apart from the crowded tourist attractions. The beach presents visitors with a quiet destination featuring its golden strands and deep azure seas together with modest crowds, and visiting this beach is one of the best things to do in Puri. The beach serves as the location of the Goddess Baliharachandi Temple which combines natural beauty with religious devotion.
- Address: 25 km from Puri, Odisha
- Timings: Morning and evening hours
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for tranquillity
Conclusion
Historical temples, vast beaches as well as its well-known seafood and exhilarating boating activities make Puri an ultimate destination for the visitors. There are various things to do in Puri which caters to everyone who seeks spiritual enlightenment, natural escapes, or thrill through its enchanting attractions. And guess what? No planning worries exist due to the comprehensive assistance provided by us. Your adventure into Puri awaits your immediate start. So don’t wait anymore and make your Puri travel experience completely stress-free and memorable by planning so that you can only focus on creating beautiful memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the best time to visit Puri?
Visitors should plan their trip to Puri during October through February because the weather conditions create perfect circumstances for sightseeing and beach activities.
2. Is Puri safe for solo tourists?
The town of Puri offers secure environments which make it appropriate for independent tourists to visit. Travelers will experience local hospitality as well as security measures and travel facilities in tourist areas.
3. Which local foods should one taste when visiting Puri?
When visiting Puri visitors should taste the local specialties which include Chhena Poda, Khaja, and Dalma along with fresh seafood available from beachside vendors.
4. Can non-Hindus enter Jagannath Temple?
Non-Hindus receive restrictions preventing their admission into Shree Jagannath Temple yet they may observe it from Raghunandan Library's rooftop viewpoint.
5. How can I travel around Puri?
The local transportation options in Puri include auto-rickshaws along with cycle-rickshaws and taxis and the possibility to rent scooters for exploring the site.
