Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of devotees and tourists annually. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual enlightenment, to witness the iconic Rath Yatra, or to explore the cultural and historical grandeur of Puri, planning your journey effectively is essential. This detailed travel guide outlines various ways to reach Puri, including by air, train, road, and even waterways, along with essential travel tips to ensure a smooth journey.
How to Reach Jagannath Temple Puri – Travel Options
By Air: Nearest Airport to Puri
The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 60 km away. This airport is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Flight Options:
- Direct flights from major Indian cities
- International connections via New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai
- Airlines operating include Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet
How to Reach Puri from Bhubaneswar Airport:
- Taxi: Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are available, costing around INR 1,500-2,000.
- Bus: OSRTC buses and private buses operate frequently and cost between INR 100-300.
- Train: From Bhubaneswar Railway Station (5 km from the airport), you can take a direct train to Puri, which takes about an hour.
By Train: Reaching Puri via Rail
Puri is well-connected by Indian Railways, with Puri Railway Station (PURI) serving as a major terminus for several important trains across India.
Major Trains to Puri:
- Purushottam Express (Delhi to Puri)
- Puri Express (New Delhi to Puri)
- Howrah-Puri Express (Kolkata to Puri)
- Yesvantpur-Puri Express (Bangalore to Puri)
- Chennai-Puri Express
How to Reach the Temple from Puri Railway Station:
- Auto-rickshaws & Cycle-rickshaws: Available outside the station; fares range from INR 50-150.
- Local Buses: Affordable, costing around INR 20-30 per ride.
- Taxis: Available for INR 200-500, depending on the type of vehicle.
By Road: Bus & Car Options
Puri is well-connected by road to major cities in Odisha and neighboring states via NH-316.
By Bus:
- OSRTC Government Buses: Regular services from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, and Sambalpur.
- Private Volvo Buses: Operate from Kolkata, Ranchi, Vizag, and Raipur.
- Fares: Range from INR 200-1,500 depending on the bus type.
By Car:
Driving to Puri offers flexibility and scenic views of Odisha’s countryside.
- Bhubaneswar to Puri: 1.5-hour drive via NH-316
- Kolkata to Puri: 9-hour drive via NH-16 and NH-316
- Vizag to Puri: 7-hour drive via NH-16
- Raipur to Puri: 9-hour drive via NH-49
Car rental services and app-based taxis are available from Bhubaneswar and other major cities.
By Water: Exploring the Upcoming Marine Route
Though not yet fully operational, there are proposals for waterway connections to Puri via Chilika Lake and Bay of Bengal, which may become a unique travel option in the future.
Best Time to Visit Jagannath Temple
The best time to visit depends on the purpose of your trip:
- For the Rath Yatra: June-July (massive crowds, but an unforgettable experience)
- For pleasant weather: October-March (winter season with comfortable temperatures)
- For a quieter pilgrimage: April-May (pre-monsoon, fewer crowds but hot weather)
Important Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey:
Accommodation Near Jagannath Temple
- Budget Options: Dharmashalas, Guest Houses (INR 300-800)
- Mid-range Hotels: 2-3 star hotels (INR 1,000-3,000)
- Luxury Stays: 4-5 star beach resorts (INR 5,000+)
Local Transport in Puri
- Auto-rickshaws & Cycle-rickshaws: Best for short distances
- Buses: Affordable for local commuting
- Rental Scooters & Bikes: Available for INR 300-500 per day
- Palanquin Service: Available for elderly devotees at INR 100-300
Temple Etiquette & Guidelines
- Dress Modestly: Traditional attire is recommended.
- No Non-Hindus Allowed: Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple.
- No Mobile Phones & Cameras: Lockers are available outside the temple.
- Prasadam Purchase: Available at Ananda Bazaar inside the temple premises.
Other Attractions Near Jagannath Temple
- Puri Beach: 2 km away, perfect for a serene experience.
- Chilika Lake: 50 km away, known for migratory birds and dolphin spotting.
- Konark Sun Temple: 35 km away, a UNESCO heritage site.
- Raghurajpur Heritage Village: 15 km away, famous for Pattachitra art.
Conclusion
Visiting Jagannath Temple in Puri is a spiritually fulfilling and culturally rich experience. Whether traveling by air, train, or road, planning your journey in advance ensures a hassle-free pilgrimage. With these multiple travel options and practical tips, you are now well-prepared for a seamless trip to one of India’s most sacred temples.
Relevant Reading:
- Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri 2025: History, Dates, and Highlights
- Jagannath Temple Puri: History & Fascinating Facts
- Hill Stations to Visit in Odisha
- Places to See in Odisha in December
- Odisha Wildlife National Parks
- Popular Waterfalls in Odisha
- Places in Odisha to Visit in August
- Popular Temples in Odisha
- Odisha Places to See in July
- Places to Visit in Odisha in June
- Buddhist Places to Visit in Odisha
- Odisha Destinations to See in February
- Travel in Odisha in March for Best Places
- April Visit in Odisha for Popular Destinations
- Odisha Tour Places to See in May
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the nearest airport to Jagannath Temple, Puri?
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, about 60 km away.
2. Are there direct trains to Puri from major cities?
Yes, Puri Railway Station is well-connected with direct trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
3. What is the best time to visit Jagannath Temple?
The best time is from October to March for pleasant weather, but for experiencing the Rath Yatra, visit in June-July.
4. Can non-Hindus enter Jagannath Temple?
No, only Hindus are allowed inside the temple premises.
5. What are the transportation options from Puri Railway Station to the temple?
Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available at the station.
6. Is photography allowed inside Jagannath Temple?
No, mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside the temple.
7. Are there budget accommodation options near the temple?
Yes, dharmashalas and guest houses are available near the temple starting from INR 300.
