Jagannath Puri
( Odisha )
Introduction
Jagannath Puri, located on the golden coastline of Odisha, is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations and one of the Char Dham temples. The holy Shree Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), stands as a symbol of devotion, tradition, and vibrant culture.
Puri is a place where spirituality meets the sea. The rhythmic chants from the temple, the serene waves of the Bay of Bengal, the aroma of Mahaprasad, and the sound of conch shells create an atmosphere full of devotion and peace.
From the world-famous Rath Yatra to pristine beaches, ancient temples, wildlife spots, and delicious Odia cuisine — Puri offers spiritual bliss, cultural richness, and natural beauty in every corner.
Quick Info Box
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Puri, Odisha |
| Temple Timings | 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
| Ideal Duration | 2–3 days |
| Famous For | Shree Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra, Golden Beach, Mahaprasad |
| Nearest Airport | Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik Airport (60 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Puri Railway Station |
| Languages | Odia, Hindi, Bengali, English |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Photography | Strictly prohibited inside Jagannath Temple |
| Sea Level | 0–10 meters |
Temple Overview
Puri is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage destinations of India. This divine coastal city is home to the Jagannath Temple, famous for its unique idol forms, daily rituals, Mahaprasad, and the globally celebrated Rath Yatra festival.
Beyond spirituality, Puri offers long golden beaches, peaceful sunrise and sunset views, vibrant markets, cultural performances, and ancient monuments.
Visitors also explore the nearby heritage town of Konark, the artistic village of Raghurajpur, and the mesmerizing Chilika Lake, home to dolphins and migratory birds.
Puri is not just a destination — it is an experience of culture, devotion, beach relaxation, and traditional Odisha heritage.
Top 11 Attractions in Jagannath Puri
1. Shree Jagannath Temple
Famous For: Char Dham temple, Mahaprasad, unique rituals
Timings: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Expanded Description:
Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra & Goddess Subhadra, the temple is known for its towering architecture, sacred rituals, and spiritual aura. The Mahaprasad cooked in earthen pots is divine and famous worldwide.
Tips:
• Mandir remains very crowded on weekends
2. Puri Golden Beach (Blue Flag Beach)
Famous For: Clean blue-flag beach, sunrise & sunset
Timings: 24 Hours
Expanded Description:
A pristine, clean, and well-maintained beach perfect for families. Known for golden sand, calm waves, and beautiful mornings.
Tips:
• Sunrise view is a must-see
3. Gundicha Temple
Famous For: Destination of the Rath Yatra
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description:
Also called Janma Bedi, this is the place where the deities stay for 7 days during Rath Yatra.
Tips:
• Best visited during Rath Yatra week
4. Narendra Tank
Famous For: Ancient holy water tank
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Expanded Description:
A sacred tank used for rituals, festivals, and religious occasions. Peaceful and less crowded.
Tips:
• Visit during evening aarti
5. Puri Beach Market
Famous For: Seashells, handicrafts, paintings
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Expanded Description:
A vibrant market near the beach selling handmade jewelry, Odisha crafts, local clothes, and souvenirs.
Tips:
• Bargaining helps
6. Konark Sun Temple (40 km)
Famous For: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Expanded Description:
A magnificent 13th-century stone chariot temple dedicated to the Sun God. The sculptures, wheels, and architectural details are world-renowned.
Tips:
• Visit early morning for best photos
7. Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Famous For: Pattachitra art, handicrafts
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
A beautiful village where every house is an art gallery. Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, wooden toys & traditional artwork are made here.
Tips:
• Buy directly from artists
8. Chilika Lake (Satpada)
Famous For: Dolphins, boating, migratory birds
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Spot Irrawaddy dolphins, visit bird islands, and enjoy scenic boat rides.
Tips:
• Mornings are best for dolphin sightings
9. Loknath Temple
Famous For: Lord Shiva temple
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description:
An ancient Shiva temple where the lingam remains submerged in water. The energy is calming and spiritual.
Tips:
• Visit before Jagannath Temple darshan
10. Swargadwar Beach
Famous For: Cremation rituals & sea view
Timings: 24 Hours
Expanded Description:
A spiritually significant beach known for its cultural rituals. Also great for evening walks and street food.
Tips:
• Safe, crowded, and lively
11. Sudarshan Crafts Museum
Famous For: Stone & wood carvings
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Expanded Description:
A museum showcasing Odisha’s traditional stone, wood, and fiber art. You can see artists working live.
Tips:
• Ideal for cultural lovers
Best Cafés & Local Eateries
1. Anandam Restaurant
Satvik veg meals & thalis.
2. Shree Mandir Mahaprasad (Ananda Bazaar)
Must try: Khechudi, Dal, Besara, Khatta.
3. Wildgrass Restaurant
Indian meals, seafood, and snacks.
How to Reach
By Road:
• Connected via NH-316 from Bhubaneswar
• Buses available from Kolkata, Cuttack, Berhampur
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Temple & Beach
• Jagannath Temple Darshan
• Explore Ananda Bazaar
• Golden Beach sunset
• Puri Market stroll
Day 2: Heritage & Culture
• Konark Sun Temple
• Chandrabhaga Beach
• Raghurajpur Heritage Village
• Evening at Swargadwar
Day 3: Nature Day
• Satpada Dolphin Point (Chilika Lake)
• Boat ride & bird watching
• Return to Puri / Leave for Bhubaneswar
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1000–3000/night |
| Food | 300–600/day |
| Local Travel | 300–900 |
| Temple Offerings | 50–300 |
| Konark Trip | 500–1200 |
| Chilika Trip | 600–1500 |
Hidden Gems of Jagannath Puri
1. Blue Flag Golden Beach Night View
Clean, peaceful & beautifully lit.
2. Markanda Temple (Mini Konark)
Ancient temple complex near Puri.
3. Balighai Beach
Quiet, untouched, less crowded.