10 Places To See In Puri, From Temples To Beaches For The Perfect Vacay

The most famous beach in Puri is Puri Beach, also known as Golden Beach. It offers a variety of exciting water sports and adventures suitable for both kids and adults. It is known as the cleanest beach in India, featuring enchanting views of the sand and water. The beach also showcases numerous sand art displays, including works by local artists and some internationally acclaimed ones, primarily by Sudarsan Pattnaik. 

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 5 AM - 10 PM

Entry: Free

How To Reach: Take a cab or auto from Puri city center. 

Things To Do Here: Camel rides, horse rides, sunbathing on the warm sand, and shopping from local shacks. 

Shri Jagannath Temple is one of Puri's most famous landmarks, attracting hundreds of devotees each year. It is believed to be the eternal abode of Lord Jagannath, regarded as one of the 'dhamas' (holiest of holy places), and features breathtaking architecture. If you have a religious inclination, this site is absolutely unmissable. The temple hosts many festivals throughout the year, and we highly recommend visiting during the Dussehra festival. Legends have it that the Krishna idol here has the beating heart of the lord, placed inside the idol. 

Highlight: Nabakalebara is a unique tradition of this temple which occurs once at intervals of 8, 11, 12 and 19 years.  'Nabakalebara' means new embodiment; the periodical which involves the total replacement of the five worshipped wooden idols.

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM

Entry: For Darshan facilities and accomodation, check here.

How To Reach: Take a cab or auto from Puri railway station. 

LBB Tip: Jagannath Temple will be closed for Darshan for 15 days in the month of June/July every year after 'Snana Yatra' so plan your trip accordingly. 

Located just a few kilometres from Shri Jagannath Temple, Swargadwar Beach is renowned for its panoramic views and holds deep religious significance for locals. It is believed that those who take a dip here directly reach the gates of heaven, making it a sacred spot for followers of Vaishnavism.

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free

A car ride to Brahmagiri will take you to Alarnath Temple in Odisha, another popular site for religious visits. According to folklore, Lord Chaitanya is said to have visualised the appearance of Lord Jagannath at Alarnath and spent a long time worshipping the deity there. If, for some reason, you can't visit the main Jagannath Temple, locals believe that visiting this site will help you seek the blessings of Jagannath. The temple is also known for its prasad, which is kheer. 

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM

How To Reach: Puri and Brahmagiri are separated by 23 kms, a one hour cab ride is the best way to reach here. 

LBB Tip: It becomes crowded during the Krishnapaksha of Ashadha, after the Snana Yatra when devotees are not allowed to visit the Jagannath temple. 

There’s nothing better than a pit stop at a water park when travelling with kids, and this is the ultimate destination for that. Wonder World Water Park is the largest water park in Odisha, offering two excellent accommodation options: a resort and camp-style stays. This expansive water park features a wide array of slides, making it a fantastic way to spend the day with your family.

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Price: INR 799 onwards

Housing exquisite collections of crafts, artworks, and sculptures, Sudarshan Crafts Museum is a must-visit for any art or decor enthusiast. Named after Sudarshan Sahoo, who received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri for his contributions to the arts, the museum showcases rare artworks and artifacts. Additionally, there is a Buddhist temple on the museum grounds, built in a Japanese architectural style, which is quite fascinating. Alongside workshop areas, training programs also take place here.

Google Ratings: 4.2/5

Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM, 2 PM to 5 PM, 6 PM to 8 PM

Price: INR 5 for Indians and INR 50 for foreign nationals

Balukhand Bird Sanctuary spans 87 kilometres and is located between the towns of Puri and Konark. If you are a wildlife enthusiast who loves discussing birds, you’re in for a treat here. The sanctuary is home to many rare bird species, as well as hyenas, jackals, and wild cats, making it a fantastic adventure for all ages. 

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry: The guide fee for a half-day tour is INR 1,800 for 1–5 people and the fee for a full-day tour is INR 2,200. 

How To Reach: As the sanctuary is situated in Konark, you can take a cab from Puri. You can also combine a visit to the Sun Temple with this outing. 

Chilika Lake, the largest wintering ground for migratory birds and the second-largest coastal lagoon in Asia, is home to many endangered species and serves as a hotspot for diverse plant life. It is also a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site. Revel in breathtaking views and witness remarkable natural wonders here—it's a perfect destination for a spectacular experience.

Timings:  6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

How To Reach Here: You can hire a boat from Puri to Chilika lake. 

Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit the lake is the winter months of November to February when a variety of migratory birds can be witnessed.

Back in 2000, Raghurajpur was honoured as a 'heritage village' by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The village is renowned for its Pattachitra art, a traditional style of painting that involves intricate detailing, vibrant colours, and mythological narratives. This nearly 25-year-old village has lanes of artisans who warmly welcome visitors and share their insights into their art's origins and techniques. You can also purchase their creations and learn more about their story here.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM

Entry: Free

How To Reach: By road from Bhubaneswar, the village is around 45 kilometres away. From Puri, the village is about 10 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these cities to reach the village. 

Built in the 15th century, the Narendra Pushkarinee or Narendra Tank is one of the largest tanks in Odisha. This place is considered holy as it has a lot of small and big temples surrounding it. The tank also boasts of a tiny island in the middle of the lake with a small temple called Chandana Mandapa.

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Timing: 6 AM to 9 PM

How To Reach: It is 2 km away from Shri Jagannath temple and can be reached by walk or an auto ride. 

LBB Tip: The Chandana Yatra, a three-week sandalwood festival, takes place annually in the tank. During the festival, replicas of deities are taken around the tank in decorated boats and due to the festival, the tank is also called 'Chandan Pushakarinee (Sandalwood Tank).'