Puri, or as we call it Jagannath Puri, is a marvelous city in Odisha. Just by setting foot there, you will get the essence of the positivity that envelops the place. It is one of the most sacred places for Hindus and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.
Not only that, the sceneries and landscape views are spellbinding. There are several major attractions and places to visit that you must not miss while in the city.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Puri,
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Shree Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham sites in India. Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram are the other three. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is also one of the tallest in the country and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
The temple has a spiritual and serene atmosphere, that imparts peace and a certain calmness descends the body and soul while you are here. The temple complex has many structures that showcase the rich sculptures and carvings of India’s ancient heritage. The architecture is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles.
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The Jagannath Temple has a long and fascinating history, with many mysteries and legends associated with it. You will get to know all about it, as you go around and look at all the structures and sites inside the complex. In the evening, the temple is lit up by lamps, creating a magical aura.
Rath Yatra is the main festival celebrated here, during which it gets decorated beautifully.
You can offer puja at the temple if you wish to and might also get the Maha Prashad. Visit inside the main temple and get a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. Take some time and sit somewhere inside the temple complex just to absorb the holy vibes and energies surrounding the shrine.
2. Sea Beach
Being one of the most visited coastal towns in Odisha, the Puri Sea Beach is definitely the most sought-after attraction in the city.
The beach road leads to the majestic sight of the Bay of Bengal, where the roar of the sea waves crashing on the shore sounds heavenly. The tropical ambiance, with its gentle breeze, warm sand, and the earthy and salty fragrance makes the spot much more desirable.
Puri Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can wake up early and drop by the beach to watch the sunrise. Then you can simply sit by the waters to enjoy the calmness. Later on, go for a good swim or maybe bask in the sun. Several vendors sell different kinds of sweets and coconut water by the beach. Have them if you feel hungry after having an amazing time in the water.
The evenings are lively with lights glistening everywhere in the backdrop of the dark black sea. The harmonious sounds of the shank (conch shells), people chattering, and the calling of the vendors fill the air with joy. You can sip some tea and have a few snacks while relishing the panoramic view of the sea at night.
There are several sections of the beach such as Swargadwar Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Golden Beach, etc., each with their own characteristics. You can visit as many of them as possible.
3. Lighthouse
The lighthouse at Puri is situated on Marine Drive Road just by the beach. It was built by the Britishers in the year 1837 and later on, in 1979, it was renovated by the then-Indian Government.
The tower goes up to 82 feet and offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape and the immeasurable Bay of Bengal. You can climb to the top of the structure and admire the picturesque views of the sublime space from the observation deck.
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The lighthouse has become a great attraction point in Puri and one of the best places to observe the sunset. It is absolutely mesmerizing to witness the sky and the sea change colors in harmony. This place is open to tourists from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The cost of the ticket to enter the lighthouse is ₹10 per person.
The climb to the top is worth the effort, as you can capture some amazing Instagram-worthy pictures of nature and yourself from there.
The effort and energy will be worth it once you reach the top. Click a ton of pictures of nature as well as yours from the top. However, if you have difficulty climbing stairs, you might want to avoid the lighthouse.
4. Puri Beach Market
Puri Beach Market is a lively and vibrant market that attracts a lot of shoppers. It starts from near Swargadwar Beach and extends over a large area. A number of shops dot the streets and sell various kinds of items.
Tourists, as well as the locals, love to shop from this market due to its diversity of items. Walking through the alleys of the marketplace, you will notice the local handicrafts of the state, things made of sea shells, brass and bell metalware, and Silver Filigree.
Along with these, there are different kinds of clothing like Kurtis, sarees, tops, men’s clothing, etc. Some of them will have beautiful applique work unique to the area. The bright-colored pieces are very appealing to the eye. Another thing, if you are fond of sarees, look for Sambal Puri Silk, Bomkai, or cotton sarees, as these fabrics are very traditional to Odisha.
The market has a lot of private outlets, stalls, and emporiums that offer authentic and quality products from Odisha. Coming to the food item, you will get several options but the most famous one you can take back home is the Puri Khaja. This sweet dish is the most popular among visitors.
5. Shree Gundicha Temple
Shree Gundicha Temple is a sacred Hindu temple in Puri, where Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra visit every year during the famous Rath Yatra festival. It remains vacant throughout the year and comes into life when the lord himself visits. The temple is called the Garden House of Jagannath as it is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
It is said that the temple was built by King Indradyumna who named it after his queen Gundicha. According to a legend, Gundicha was a great believer in Lord Jagannath and requested the Lord to stay in her temple for a few days each year. Lord Jagannath agreed to her request and came to the temple during Rath Yatra.
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The temple is constructed in the Kalinga Style of architecture, with four gates facing four directions. The gates are named after different animals, namely the lion, horse, elephant, and tiger. The entire complex gets cleaned and decorated before the arrival of Lord Jagannath, his brother, and his sister.
If you visit this temple during the time of the Rath Yatra, you will get to see all the events and rituals that happen there. Many more fascinating facts are associated with the temple. Drop by to learn about them more while adoring the charms of the site.
Here you go! These are some of the places that you can visit while you are in the spiritual city of Puri. Even if you are staying for a few days, you will be able to cover all the locations and bring back the peace and spirituality with you.
Among other things, sunscreen is a must as the sun can be harsh. Try to visit during the winter months for a much more comfortable and soothing experience. You can also visit during the Rath Yatra festival to witness the festive appearance of the city.
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