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.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
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.
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.
Best Time to Visit: September to May
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.
Best Time to Visit: During winter (December to February).
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.
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
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
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.
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.
