Puri, which is regarded as a coastal gem in Odisha, is a city where you can find spirituality and serenity coming together, with a sense of perfect harmony. This destination is renowned across the globe , as one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Puri draws towards itself a huge population of devotees to the majestic Jagannath Temple. But if you go beyond its spiritual aura, there is a lot more that the city has to offer: right from golden beaches and vibrant local markets to architectural wonders and cultural festivals that bring the streets alive. Whether you are on the look out for spiritual solace, or a seaside relaxation, or wanting to dive into Odisha’s rich heritage, Puri is the right place for you to visit.
20 Best Places to Visit in Puri
The combination of faith, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty in Puri guarantees an unforgettable experience. Sacred temples, vibrant traditions, gorgeous beaches, and cultural treasures abound in this metropolis, each offering something unique. On your next vacation to Odisha, make sure to stop at Puri to soak up some of the state's rich history and stunning natural scenery. Here is the list of 20 best tourist place in puri, curated for you.
1. The Jagannath Temple
Among all the puri tourist places, The Jagannath Temple is the spiritual center of Puri and one of India's four most important Char Dham pilgrimage sites. King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva built the temple in the 12th century. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The city's skyline is dominated by its tall spire, and the temple complex has many smaller shrines, each with its own meaning. The famous Rath Yatra is the most important event of the year. During this time, millions of devotees come to see the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra being paraded in beautiful chariots. The temple is one of the most famous puri places because of its long history, deep devotion, and beautiful architecture.
Location: Puri, Grand Road
Entry Fee: Free; only Hindus can go inside the temple (non-Hindus can watch from the roof of Raghunandan Library).
Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM (rituals may change slightly)
The best time to go is between June and July for the Rath Yatra, or from October to February when the weather is nice.
2. Puri Beach (Golden Beach)
Puri Beach, stretching along the Bay of Bengal, stands out as one of the cleanest and most beautiful destinations in Puri. This beach holds a Blue Flag certification, which is an international acknowledgment of its cleanliness, environmentally friendly facilities, and adherence to safety standards. The beach is renowned for its golden sands, captivating sunrises and sunsets, and the lively ambiance brought to life by camel rides, seashell vendors, and local delicacies. The Puri Beach Festival takes place here, showcasing cultural performances and sand art exhibitions by the acclaimed artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, which enchant visitors. A puri famous place, Puri Beach is loved by travelers for its calm walks at sunrise, picture-perfect views, and the soothing charm of the sea breeze.
Location: Situated close to Marine Drive Road, just 2 kilometers away from Puri Railway Station.
Entry Fee: No cost to enter
Hours: Open throughout the day
The ideal times to go are early mornings to catch the sunrise and evenings for lively beach activities.
3. Konark Sun Temple.
UNESCO has named the Konark Sun Temple a World Heritage Site and one of India's most well-known sites. It's only 35 km away from Puri. It is formed like the wheels and horses of a huge chariot of the Sun God. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I in the 1300s. Some of the buildings are in ruins now, but people are still amazed by how beautiful they are and how important they are historically. At the Konark Dance Festival, classical dancers from all over the country come every year. This makes it even more exciting. By far, this is the unique places to visit in puri if you like history, art, and photos.
Location: Puri is 35 km away from Konark.
Entry Fee: People from outside India have to pay ₹600 to get in.
Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM.
If you're planning your trip, the best time to visit Puri and nearby attractions like Konark is from November to February, especially during the Konark Dance Festival when the weather is pleasant.
4. Gundicha Temple
The Gundicha Temple is widely recognized as the temporary residence of Lord Jagannath, specifically during the annual Rath Yatra. It stands out as one of the most significant and distinctive sites to explore in Puri. The temple showcases the classic Kalinga architectural style, enveloped by vibrant gardens and a peaceful atmosphere. During Rath Yatra, the deities are brought here in a grand procession and remain for seven days before heading back to the Jagannath Temple. The temple provides a serene atmosphere for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle, even when the festival season has passed. The Gundicha Temple, with its deep-rooted mythology and elegant design, is a must-visit for anyone in search of culture and spirituality.
Location: Situated 3 km northeast of Jagannath Temple, Puri
Entry Fee: No cost to enter
Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed for a few hours in the afternoon on certain days)
The ideal time to visit is during Rath Yatra for a complete experience, or in the winter months for a more peaceful visit.
5. The Atharanala Bridge
The Atharanala Bridge is a historical landmark and one of the oldest buildings still standing in the city. It was built in the 13th century. The name comes from the 18 arches that hold up the bridge. "Athara" means "eighteen" in Odia. It was the main way for pilgrims to get to the Jagannath Temple from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack hundreds of years ago. Now it is regarded as a heritage monument that shows off Odisha's medieval architecture. The stone bridge, with its old arches and timeless beauty, visitors who are interested in history should definitely see this while they are in Puri.
Location: This is the way to get to Puri town from the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway.
Entry Fee: No charge to get in
Hours: Open all day
Best time to visit: The best time to go is during the day, when you can take pictures and explore the area around you.
6. The Lakshmi Temple
The Lakshmi Temple is a small but very important shrine near the Jagannath Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is Lord Jagannath's wife. According to local legends, this is where Goddess Lakshmi asked Lord Jagannath questions during the Rath Yatra, which makes it even more culturally significant. The temple is a great example of traditional Odia architecture and is a peaceful place to get away from it all. Its spiritual atmosphere makes it one of the best places in Puri for devotees, even though it is small.
Location: Located behind the Jagannath Temple in Puri
Entry Fee: No fee to get in
Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning for a peaceful darshan
7. The Sudarshan Crafts Museum
The Sudarshan Crafts Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Puri for people who love art and culture. The museum was founded by the well-known sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo, who made beautiful sculptures out of stone, wood, and fiberglass. You can also see traditional crafts, paintings, and carvings that show off Odisha's rich artistic history. The museum's active workshop is what makes it special. Visitors can see artisans making beautiful works of art, which gives them a look at how they work. This museum is a treasure trove of craftsmanship for anyone who wants to see more of Puri than just its temples and beaches.
Location: near Puri Railway Station on Station Road
Entry Fee: ₹20 (may change)
Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The best time to go is in the afternoon, when the workshops are going on.
8. Chandrabhaga Beach
If you are looking for a clean and eco-friendly place to visit in Puri, Chandrabhaga Beach is the one for you. It is about 30 km from Puri and 3 km east of the Konark Sun Temple. It was the first beach in India to get the Blue Flag certification, which means it meets high standards for safety and the environment. People in the area think of the beach as sacred because of its ties to the Sun God. Today, people come to see its wide sandy beach, calm waters, and beautiful sunsets. Beyond relaxing on the pristine sands, there are many exciting things to do in Puri and its surrounding areas. Chandrabhaga is one of the best places to visit near Puri for those who are willing to get away from the busy city life and relax.
Location: 30 km from Puri, near Konark
Entry Fee: Free
Hours: All day long
The best time to go is at sunrise and sunset to see the sights.
9. Narendra Tank
It is one of the largest holy tanks in Odisha, and people who go to Puri to see it are well aware of its importance. It was built in the 1400s and has several small shrines around it as well as an island temple in the middle that is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. People here are very excited about the Chandan Yatra festival that happens every year. During this festival, the gods are taken to a tank to bathe in a special way. Because it has both faith and history, it is still one of the most important places to visit in Puri.
Location: Mauza Dandimala Sahi, Puri
Entry Fee: Free
Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The best time to go is during the Chandan Yatra festival, which runs from April to May.
10. Temple of Markandeswara
The Markandeswara Temple is a shrine from the 13th century that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an example of classic Odia architecture. There are beautiful carvings of animals, flowers, and Hindu mythological figures on the temple. People say that Sage Markandeya meditated here, which makes it even more sacred. People who are on a pilgrimage often stop here before or after going to the Jagannath Temple. This is a famous place in Puri for people who love history and architecture. It has both cultural depth and devotion.
Location: Markandeswar Street in Puri
Cost to enter: free
Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Best Time to Go is Early in the morning for ceremonies and to avoid crowds
11. The Raghurajpur Artist Village
Raghurajpur Artist Village is one of the most interesting places to visit in Puri. It is about 10 km from the city. It is famous for its Pattachitra painting, which is a traditional scroll art form that has been around for hundreds of years. In this village, every house is an artist's workshop where visitors can see bright paintings, palm-leaf engravings, masks, and traditional crafts being made. The village is also famous for Gotipua dance, which is a classical dance style that boys do. A walk through Raghurajpur is a unique way to experience the culture that makes it different from other tourist spots.
Location: The place is 10 km from Puri on the Bhubaneswar highway.
Entry Fee: Free to get in (you can buy artworks)
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The best time to go is between October and March, when the weather is nice.
12. Beach in Balghai
Balghai Beach is one of the best-kept secrets among Puri tourist spots for people who want to be alone. The beach is only a short drive from the city and is famous for its calm atmosphere, golden sands, and casuarina trees. Nature lovers also like the beach because it's where the Nuanai River meets the sea, which is a place where migratory birds and sea turtles are often seen. It is a great place for picnics, photos, and leisurely walks because it is quiet. Balghai is a nice place to step away from the overcrowded beaches of Puri.
Location: The place is 8 km from Puri on the Puri–Konark Marine Drive.
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours: Open all day
From November to February, when migrating birds can be seen, is the best time to go.
13. Temple of Alarnath
The Alarnath Temple is in Brahmagiri, which is about 25 km from Puri. It is a shrine to Lord Vishnu and a major destination for Vaishnavites on journey. During the Anavasara period, when Lord Jagannath is believed to have fallen ill and is hidden from view by the Jagannath Temple, the temple holds significant importance. At this time, a lot of people go to Alarnath Temple to worship the god. The temple's design is simple but striking, and those looking for spiritual comfort will find peace in its religious environment. It is one of the best places near Puri for followers to go.
Location: It is in Brahmagiri, 25 km from Puri.
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours :6 AM to 9 PM.
It's best to go during the Anavasara season, which runs from June to July.
14. Sakhigopal Temple
It is also called the Satyabadi Gopinath Temple. The Sakhigopal Temple is for Lord Krishna and Radha. Legend has it that Lord Krishna once went with a follower as a witness, which is where the name Sakhigopal comes from. People come in large numbers to the temple every year for the Anla Navami festival. It is also a place where people can learn about other cultures, as there are schools close that teach traditional Odia and play music. For people who are deeply religious and love Krishna, this is one of the best places to visit in Puri.
Location: Satyabadi is on NH 316, 20 km from Puri.
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM.
When is the best time to go? November, during Anla Navami
15. Temple of Lokanath
Another important temple in Puri is the Lokanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been built by Lord Ram himself. The main lingam of the temple stays submerged in water to represent cleanliness and divinity. Thousands of followers come here during Shivaratri, a big festival, when the temple is full of big religious festivals. The Lokanath Temple is known for having a peaceful and highly spiritual atmosphere. It is located next to the more famous Jagannath Temple in Puri's spiritual landscape. It is a well-known spot in Puri that gives a different kind of devotion.
Location: Lokanath Road, Puri is the address.
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Maha Shivaratri is the best time to check it out.
16. Chilika Lake
Located approximately 50 km from Puri, Satapada serves as the most well-known access point to the renowned Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will love this place, especially in the winter when thousands of migrating birds come here. There are also Irrawaddy dolphins in Satapada, which can often be seen from boats. It's a great place to get away from the noise and chaos of the city because of the calm waters, beautiful islands, and fishing towns. If you want to see beautiful nature, Satapada is one of the best places to go near Puri. Nature enthusiasts can also explore other natural wonders in Odisha like Duduma waterfalls for a complete scenic experience.
Location: It's 50 km from Puri to Satapada.
Entry Fee: It's free to get in, but boat rides cost at least ₹150 per person.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The best time to go is between November and February to see birds and dolphins.
17. Temple of Bedi Hanuman
There is a small but interesting shrine called the Bedi Hanuman Temple in Puri. It is close to the Chakratirtha area. Lord Hanuman is shown here with his hands and feet tied together, which is different from most Hanuman shrines. Legend has it that Lord Jagannath tied Hanuman up so he couldn't leave Puri. This was done to keep the sea calm and protect the followers. Even though the temple is small, it is filled with devotees who want to pray for safety and strength. It is thought to be one of the most interesting places to visit in Puri because of its interesting legends.
Location: Puri's Chakratirtha Road
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours: 6 AM to 7 PM.
Any time of the year is a good time to go.
18. Beach at Astaranga
Astaranga Beach, whose name means "colorful sunset," is a beautiful place to visit about 60 km from Puri. True to its name, the beach has beautiful views of the distance as the sky changes colors at night. It's also a center for fishing in the area, and tourists can experience the busy life of the fishing community here. The beach is still not very well known, which makes it a great choice for tourists who like to be in peaceful, natural places. Because of its beauty and one-of-a-kind vibe, Astaranga is one of the best places for unusual tourists to visit near Puri.
Location: It's 60 km from Puri and on the Devi River.
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours: Open all day
Evening is the best time to go to see the beautiful sunsets.
19. Village of Pipili
Pipili Village is a lively craft stop on the way from Bhubaneswar to Puri. It is known for its appliqué crafts. Along the streets of the town are brightly colored shops that sell umbrellas, wall hangings, lamp shades, and other handcrafted goods. People in Odisha have been making this kind of art, called Pipili Chandua, for hundreds of years. It is often used in temple ceremonies and events. When you come here, you not only support local artists, but you also get unique souvenirs to take back home. Pipili is without a question one of the most unique places to visit in puri for art lovers.
Location: 40 km from Puri on the highway that goes from Puri to Bhubaneswar
Entry Fee: Free to enter
Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
October through March is the best time to go.
20.Swargadwar Beach
Swargadwar Beach offers a remarkable combination of spiritual significance and natural beauty, establishing it as one of the key attractions in Puri. “Swargadwar” translates to “Gateway to Heaven,” and it is thought that taking a dip in this beach can cleanse sins and pave the way to salvation. Visitors and residents gather here to carry out final ceremonies for their cherished ones, filling the beach with a profound spiritual essence. Even with its spiritual significance, the beach presents the allure of crashing waves, evening food stalls, and a lively market vibe. Swargadwar provides travelers with a view of Puri’s cultural essence, where spirituality intertwines with everyday existence.
Location: Situated near Swargadwar Square, in proximity to Jagannath Temple
Entry Fee: No cost to enter
Hours: Open throughout the day
The ideal times to visit are early morning or late evening to enjoy a tranquil environment.
Conclusion
Puri, as a well known destination, isn't just a place of temples, there is so much more to it. It is one of the most popular places to visit in India because it has a lot of religious significance, cultural relevance, history, and natural beauty. Puri has something for everyone, from the beautiful Jagannath Temple that draws millions of devotees every year, to the golden beaches that come to life with sunset. In addition to its spiritual vibe, you can visit traditional craft towns, peaceful lakes, wildlife refuges, and places where old traditions are still practiced today. The 20 best places to visit in Puri are just the start. Every part of the city has something interesting to offer. A trip to Puri is more than just a trip; it's a memory full of love, learning, and joy.
