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Puri!

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Population

200,000

schedule

Best Time

October to March

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Odisha map East India 🏖️ Beaches 🕉️ Spiritual Beach Destinations Pilgrimage Puri Jagannath Temple Odisha beach pilgrimage Rath Yatra seafood sand art

Puri is a coastal city in Odisha, famous for the Jagannath Temple and its beautiful beaches. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus, attracting devotees from all over the world. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, delicious seafood, and intricate sand art.

Puri offers a unique blend of spirituality and relaxation. The Jagannath Temple is a must-visit, but be prepared for large crowds. The beaches are great for unwinding, but can be quite crowded, especially during festivals. The seafood is fresh and delicious, and the sand art is truly impressive.

To fully experience Puri, plan for at least 2-3 days. This allows time to visit the temple, relax on the beach, explore the local markets, and savor the local cuisine. Getting around is easy with auto-rickshaws and taxis readily available.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

20-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and beach activities. The humidity is low, making it comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for visiting the Jagannath Temple and relaxing on the beach. Many festivals take place during this time, offering a glimpse into the local culture. The sea is calm and suitable for swimming.

Tip: This is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. Book accommodations and transportation in advance.

Shoulder Season

July to September

25-35 degrees C

Monsoon season with heavy rainfall and high humidity. The sea can be rough, making swimming dangerous.

Why Visit:

The Rath Yatra festival takes place during this time, offering a unique cultural experience. The crowds are thinner compared to the peak season, and prices for accommodations are lower.

Tip: The heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities. Be prepared for potential delays and cancellations.

Avoid

April to June

30-40 degrees C

Extremely hot and humid weather, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. The sea is also rough and unsuitable for swimming.

Why Avoid:

The heat can be unbearable, making it difficult to explore the city. The beaches are less appealing due to the high temperatures and humidity.

Note: Unless you can tolerate extreme heat, it's best to avoid visiting Puri during these months.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Jagannath Temple

⏱ 3-4 hours Free

The Jagannath Temple is the most important attraction in Puri, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Char Dham ...

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Puri Beach

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Puri Beach is a long stretch of golden sand, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. It is also a hub for local fishermen and vendors....

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Konark Sun Temple

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dedicated to the Sun God. It is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture, featuring intric...

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Chilika Lake

⏱ 4-5 hours Entry to the lake is free, boat rides cost ₹800-₹1500 per boat.

Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, especially du...

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Raghurajpur Artist Village

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village, known for its Pattachitra paintings, stone carvings, and other traditional crafts. It is home to many skille...

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Gundicha Temple

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

The Gundicha Temple is an important temple in Puri, associated with the Rath Yatra festival. During the festival, the deities from Jagannath Temple ar...

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Beleswar Beach

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Beleswar Beach is a serene and less crowded beach compared to Puri Beach. It's known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty....

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Things To Do

attractions

Surfing at Puri Beach

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹800-₹1500 per person

Learn to surf at Puri Beach with experienced instructors. Several surf schools offer lessons for beginners and advanced ...

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attractions

Sand Art Workshop

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-₹1000 per person

Learn the basics of sand art from local artists. Create your own sand sculptures and express your creativity....

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attractions

Yoga and Meditation on the Beach

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 ₹300-₹800 per person

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga and meditation session on Puri Beach. Several instructors offer classes for all ...

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attractions

Boat Ride on Chilika Lake

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹800-₹1500 per boat

Explore the beauty of Chilika Lake with a boat ride. Spot migratory birds, dolphins, and other wildlife....

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Rath Yatra Festival

9-10 days | Free

The Rath Yatra is the most famous festival in Puri, celebrating the journey of Lord Jagannath, his b...

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celebration

Pattachitra Painting Workshop

2-3 hours | ₹500-₹1000

Pattachitra is a traditional form of painting from Odisha, depicting mythological stories and religi...

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celebration

Odissi Dance Performance

1-2 hours | ₹300-₹800

Odissi is a classical dance form from Odisha, known for its graceful movements and expressive storyt...

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celebration

Sand Art Demonstration

1-2 hours | Free

Watch skilled sand artists create intricate sculptures on Puri Beach. Admire their creativity and le...

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celebration

Visit a Local Village

3-4 hours | ₹500-₹1000 (including transportation)

Experience the rural life of Odisha by visiting a local village near Puri. Interact with the village...

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celebration

Attend a Bhajan Performance

1-2 hours | Free

Bhajans are devotional songs, often performed in temples and religious places. Attend a bhajan perfo...

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View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Khicede
Khicede

A simple rice and lentil dish offered as prasad at Jagannath Temple (available inside the temple complex).

Dalma
Dalma

A traditional lentil and vegetable stew, a staple in Odia cuisine (try at any local restaurant).

Chungdi Malai
Chungdi Malai

Prawns cooked in coconut milk, a creamy and flavorful seafood dish (try at sea-facing restaurants).

Puri's Seafood
Puri's Seafood

Freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs grilled or fried (available at beachside shacks).

Where to Eat

Wildgrass Restaurant

Wildgrass Restaurant

₹₹

Multi-Cuisine

📍 VIP Road

A popular restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and good food quality. Offers a wide range of options to suit different tastes.

Seafood and Indian dishes

₹800-₹1200 for two

Harry's Cafe Pure Veg

Harry's Cafe Pure Veg

Vegetarian

📍 Near Jagannath Temple

A clean and affordable vegetarian restaurant. Known for its dosas and thalis.

South Indian and North Indian vegetarian dishes

₹400-₹600 for two

Street Food Spots

Swargadwar Market

Swargadwar Market

💰 Budget: ₹50-₹150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be careful of hygiene. Try to eat from stalls that appear clean and have a high turnover of customers.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Puri

More restaurants & dishes from Puri

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Swargadwar

A bustling area with budget hotels and street food. It can be noisy and crowded, but offers easy access to the beach.

Best For: Budget travelers and backpackers

Chakratirtha Road

A quieter area with mid-range and luxury hotels. Offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is close to the beach and other attractions.

Best For: Families and couples

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-₹1500/night

Hotel New Victoria

📍 Near Puri Beach

Basic but clean rooms, close proximity to the beach. Offers good value for money.

₹800-₹1500/night

Hotel Sonali

📍 Swargadwar

Simple accommodation with essential amenities. Conveniently located near the Swargadwar cremation ground and beach.

₹700-₹1200/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2000-₹4000/night

Hotel Holiday Resort

📍 Chakratirtha Road

Comfortable rooms, swimming pool, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Provides a relaxing stay with good amenities.

₹2000-₹4000/night

Mayfair Heritage

📍 Chakratirtha Road

Well-appointed rooms, spa, and a sea-facing restaurant. Offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional hospitality.

₹2500-₹4500/night

Luxury

₹5000+/night

Chanakya BNR Hotel

📍 Near Sea Beach

Elegant rooms, private beach access, and fine dining options. Known for its impeccable service and luxurious ambiance.

₹5000+/night

The Hans Coco Palms

📍 Puri Konark Marine Drive

Spacious rooms, a private beach, and a range of recreational activities. Offers a tranquil escape with stunning sea views.

₹6000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), 60km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Puri (PURI)

Main railway station in Puri, well-connected to major cities in India.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 26 hours (₹800-₹3000)
  • From Mumbai: 30 hours (₹900-₹3500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Puri Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Bhubaneswar: 2 hours (₹150-₹300)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-₹150

Best for: Short distances within the city

Bargain for the fare before starting the journey. Confirm the destination and route with the driver.

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹200-₹500

Best for: Longer distances and day trips

Book a taxi through a reputable company or hotel. Negotiate the fare in advance.

directions

Bicycle

💰 ₹50-₹100 per day

Best for: Exploring the beach and nearby areas

Rent a bicycle from a local shop. Be careful of traffic and wear a helmet.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid climate.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹800, Mid: ₹2000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Available in the main city areas

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, while cards are accepted at larger establishments.

Bargaining: Expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic vendors.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach infections. Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and necessary medications.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Available from major telecom providers like Airtel and Vodafone. Requires ID and address proof.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and cafes

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English is spoken by many people in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Odia phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-₹50

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