Things to Do in Puri

Located in the sacred town of Puri, the Jagannath Temple or the pride of India was built in the 11th century by King Indradyumna. This glorious temple is the abode of Lord Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu.

Puri Beach is one of the finest coastlines in East India, bordering the Bay of Bengal and is located at a distance of 35 km from the Sun Temple. With the sun gleaming on the pristine waters of the beach, the place is ideal for holidaymakers looking for some solitude. 

Chilika Lake is the largest internal saltwater lake in Asia, it is a paradise on earth for bird watchers and nature lovers. The pear-shaped lake is dotted with a few small islands and has fisheries and salt pans around its shore. The Chilika Lake also houses the most accommodating ecosystems in the world.

Narendra Tank is one of the largest tanks in Odisha and is believed to have been built during the 15th century. This tank is considered holy and has a lot of small and big temples surrounding it. There is an island in the middle of the lake with a small temple called Chandana Mandapa.

Raghurajpur village is a heritage crafts village near Puri, known for Pattachitra paintings and other art forms like palm leaf engraving, wood and stone carvings, papier mache and Gotipua folk dance, the predecessor of the classical Odissi dance style.

Assumed to have been constructed during the 13th century, Markandeswara temple is known for its magnificent architectural and artistic essence. The temple's entrance is adorned with a figure of Nataraja with ten arms. 

Sri Sudarshan Sahoo established the Sudarshan Crafts Museum to create a location where artists and art lovers can see the evolution of modern craftsmanship. The museum displays the change that has taken place in traditional sculptures over the decades.

The temples of Puri are some of the most visited in India. Puri in Odisha is one of the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus because of Jagannath Temple, which forms the part of Char Dham in India, among many other temples.

In addition to the majestic temples, the chiming of bells, and an all-around religious aura, the beautiful beaches in Puri need no real introduction. Glowing with immaculate white sands, these beaches offer a respite from the chaotic city life.

Pipili is a town in Puri famous for the abundant handicraft products which are available here for sale. Figures of gods, animals, birds, flowers, pillow covers, sheets, handbags, and purses are the best quality here. 

Puri, famously renowned as one of the Char Dharmas of the Hindu religion, offers much to a traveller: spiritual upliftment and tasty food to keep one’s spirits high. Puri is situated on the Bay of Bengal and has a pleasant atmosphere throughout the year.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most awaited and much-celebrated festivals in Orissa and countrywide. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath i.e. Lord Krishna, his sister Goddess Subhadra and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra. 

Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is situated on the Nalbana Island in Odisha, a part of the Chilika Lake- India’s largest brackish water lagoon. It is known for the large green spaces of land that are the refuge points of several migratory birds.