10 Best Places to Visit in Puri in 2024

Puri is a coastal city in the state of Odisha in the eastern state. It is known by several names as Sri Jagannatha Dhama or Sri Kshetra. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the country.

Travelers can experience the land of scenic beauty. Puri is famous for its beaches and is a profound pilgrimage spot. Discover amazing travel experiences and the best destinations to visit in Puri.

Here is the list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puri, Odisha:

1. Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake located at a distance of about 55 km from Puri. It is one of the finest places for tourists to visit. It offers you several things to do. Bird watching is the most prominent one. The migration to winter birds from different parts of the world flock to this region. The region of Chilika Lake is one of the only two locations in the world where Irradwady Dolphins can be observed.

Chilika Lake is accessible from several neighboring towns and hence Boating is yet another refreshing experience to come across. The tour begins in the town of Satapada. Visitors can hire boats and enjoy views of different dolphin species. People also are madly in love with the variety of fish, jumbo prawns, and scrumptious crabs available as local cuisine.

• Location: About 50 km from Puri, Odisha.
• How to Reach: Chilika Lake is easily accessible by road from Puri. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the lake.
• What to Expect: Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a haven for bird watchers. The lake is famous for its migratory birds, especially during the winter season. The Satapada area of the lake is known for dolphin sightings.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February, but September is also pleasant after the monsoons.
• Activities: Bird watching, boat rides, dolphin spotting, and visiting the Kalijai Temple.
• Tips: Start early in the day for boat rides, as afternoons can get hot. Carry binoculars for bird watching. Pack snacks and water, as facilities around the lake are limited.

2. Jagannath Temple

Sri Jagannath Temple is the pride of India built in the 11th Century. The temple is the abode of Lord Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most beloved pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is also included in the Char Dham Yatra with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram. It has an Oriya architectural style with splendid carvings.

You shall not miss the Mangal Aarti and Mahaprasad. Major festivals celebrated at Jagannath Puri Temple are Puri Rath Yatra, Snana Yatra, Chandan Yatra, Dola Yatra, and Makara Sankranti. You have an opportunity to visit and be a part of the dazzling festivals in May to July.

Timings: Open from 5 a.m to midnight.

Entry Fee: The temple does not charge any fees for general darshan. However, if you wish to be a part of some rituals, you might have to pay INR 10-50.

• How to Reach: The temple is centrally located in Puri and can be easily reached by auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws.
• What to Expect: Jagannath Temple is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is famous for the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, but they can view it from the nearby Raghunandan Library.
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, but September offers a relatively less crowded experience.
• Activities: Offering prayers, attending the aarti, and exploring the temple’s architecture.
• Tips: Dress modestly and be prepared for long queues, especially during festivals. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises.

3. Daring Badi

Daring Badi is generally known as the “Kashmir of Odisha”. It is a slope station which is the main attraction to record excessive snowfall in winter. It is a place filled with wild creatures, Pine Jungles, Beautiful valleys, and Plateaus specked with beautiful Coffee Gardens. This beautiful tourist destination is a perfect summer resort to spend quality time with your friends and family.

Daringbadi Nature Camp with ten cottages on the hilltop is a perfect gateway for people looking for some time off from their daily busy life. Daringbadi is the native land of the most primitive and ancient tribes of India “Kutia Kondhas”. Eco-tourists can taste their culture and traditions during their stay in the cottages.

• Location: About 220 km from Puri, in the Kandhamal district of Odisha.
• How to Reach: Daring Badi can be reached by road from Puri via Bhubaneswar. It is recommended to hire a taxi or take a private vehicle.
• What to Expect: Known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” Daring Badi is a hill station famous for its cool climate, coffee gardens, and scenic views. It’s an offbeat destination offering a refreshing change from the coastal heat.
• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Activities: Nature walks, exploring coffee gardens, and visiting waterfalls.
• Tips: Carry warm clothing, as the temperature can drop in the evenings. The region is remote, so plan your accommodation in advance.

4. Puri Beach

Puri Beach is the Golden Beach located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a sacred Hindu place and one of the best tourist attractions. You can go for a morning walk or simply sit by the shore and watch the sunrise and waves splashing.

You can enjoy the camel rides in the evening. The beach market offers different utility items, Odisha handloom, and dotted textiles for shopaholics. You can also indulge yourself in activities like kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, and boating.

• Location: Along the Bay of Bengal, in Puri.
• How to Reach: The beach is easily accessible from any part of Puri by walking, cycling, or taking an auto-rickshaw.
• What to Expect: Puri Beach is famous for its golden sands and the annual Puri Beach Festival. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the sunrise, and watch local fishermen at work.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March / During winter (December to February).
• Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, camel rides, and shopping for seashells and local handicrafts.
• Tips: The beach can get crowded in the evenings. Early morning is the best time for a peaceful experience. Be cautious of strong currents if swimming.

5. Raghurajpur Artist Village

Raghurajpur is a Hindu Pilgrimage town on the southern banks of river Bhargabi. It is a well-known village for its master Pattachitra painters. It is home to crafts like Tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, wooden, cow dung, and papier-mache toys and masks.

It also has traditional decorations called Patas used under the throne of Lord Jagannath. The village is also famous as the birthplace of Kelucharan Mohapatra, the finest Odissi exponents, and Guru.

• Location: About 14 km from Puri, Odisha.
• How to Reach: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Puri to reach the village.
• What to Expect: Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village famous for Pattachitra paintings, an ancient art form. The village is also known for its traditional crafts and folk dances.
• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Activities: Interacting with artists, buying local crafts, and exploring the village.
• Tips: Carry cash if you plan to buy artworks, as digital payment options may be limited. Respect the artists’ time and space while visiting their workshops.

6. Vimala Temple

The Vimala Temple also known as the Bimala Temple is a Hindu Temple regarded as Shakti Peeth. The temple is faced towards the east and is made up of sandstones. A pond named Rohini Kund is located near the temple. The construction of the Vimala Temple is in the Deula style.

Durga puja is one of the grand celebrations conducted here. It goes on for 16 days and the temple is brilliantly decorated. Thousands of people flock to witness this a be a part of this magical event.

Timings: 5 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 11.30 PM

Aarti Timings: 5 AM to 6 AM

• Location: Inside the Jagannath Temple complex, Puri.
• How to Reach: The temple is located within the Jagannath Temple complex and is accessible by foot from any part of Puri.
• What to Expect: Vimala Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Goddess Vimala, a form of Goddess Durga. It is an important part of the rituals at Jagannath Temple.
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, with September offering pleasant weather.
• Activities: Offering prayers, attending aarti, and exploring the temple’s architecture.
• Tips: As with the Jagannath Temple, dress modestly and follow the temple’s rules. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

7. Wonder World Water Park

Wonder World Water Park is a perfect way to relax and chill out with your family and friends. It is the biggest water park in Odisha, located at Malatipatapur, Puri. It is a place full of wonders and fascinating slides and rides. The park has several waterslides, Camp night, a banquet hall, and resorts.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

• Location: About 8 km from Puri, on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive.
• How to Reach: Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Puri.
• What to Expect: Wonder World Water Park is a family-friendly attraction with water slides, pools, and other recreational activities. It’s a great place to cool off, especially in the hotter months.
• Best Time to Visit: September to May.
• Activities: Enjoying water slides, swimming, and relaxing by the pool.
• Tips: Carry swimwear and towels. The park may have a dress code for certain rides, so check the requirements in advance.

8. Lingaraj Temple

It is one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Puri built of deep red sandstone. It has big lion carvings on both sides of its main gate. Probably this is why it is also known as Lions Gate. It has beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and different animals and birds. Lingraj is referred to as Swyambhu which means originated Shivling. The Shivling is known as Hari Hara. The temple is out of bounds for non-Hindus. One can view the entire temple complex.

Shivratri is the major festival held in February/March. The other attraction of the temple is the Bindusagar Lake, on the north side of the temple. On the western banks of Bindu Sagar, lies a beautiful garden of Ekarma Van or a forest of single mango trees. The garden has a spiritual as well as medicinal significance.

Timings: 6 AM to 12.30 PM and 3.30 PM to 9 PM.

• Location: Bhubaneswar, about 60 km from Puri.
• How to Reach: You can reach Lingaraj Temple by road from Puri. Buses and taxis are readily available.
• What to Expect: Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Odisha, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an architectural marvel and a major pilgrimage site.
• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Activities: Offering prayers, exploring the temple’s intricate architecture, and attending the daily rituals.
• Tips: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, but they can view it from a platform outside. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises.

9. Other Temples and Beaches

Puri has numerous temples and beaches for you to discover. Every place has its own significance and beauty to enhance. Mention a few temples worth your visit. Jatia Baba Samadhi Mandir, Lakshmi Temple, Kanchi Ganesha Temple, Narendra Sarovara, Markandesvara Temple, Bedi Hanuman Temple, Sri Sonar Gouranga Mandir, Loknath Temple, Ratha Yatra, Govardhan Peetham, Gundicha Temple, Shri Gaur Vihar Ashram, and Alarnatha Temple.

Puri Light House, Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, Baliharachandi Beach, Balighai Beach, and Baleshwar Beach are a few best beaches to visit.

• Temples: Puri and nearby Bhubaneswar are home to several ancient temples, such as the Konark Sun Temple, Gundicha Temple, and Ramachandi Temple. These temples offer spiritual experiences and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
• Beaches: Besides Puri Beach, there are other scenic beaches nearby, such as Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark and Balighai Beach, which is known for its tranquil environment.
• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Activities: Temple visits, beach walks, photography, and enjoying the local cuisine.
• Tips: For temple visits, dress conservatively and be mindful of temple customs. Beaches are best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.