Are you planning to celebrate Rath Yatra in 2025 at the Puri Jagannath Temple? To ensure you make the most of your pilgrimage, we’ve prepared a list of the best places to visit in Puri during this festival.
Odisha is very well-known for its culture and ancient Hindu Temples. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and its Tribal Museum is the primary tourist attraction of this place. Puri, a town in Odisha can be rightly termed as the spiritual capital of the state and it is no wonder that the place sees an influx of thousands of devotees daily.
The tourist attractions in this coastal district cover religious temples, archeological structures, and pristine beaches. The vicinity of the Bay of Bengal blesses the place with moderate temperatures ensuring a pleasant climate throughout the year.
If you ever happen to be in this divine land of spirituality and architecture, then let me suggest you some places, you must visit to make the most out of your pleasant trip and I will going to tell you all you should know about the Jagannath Puri. Now let’s begin the journey of “The divine land of Jagannath Puri, Odisha.” Among the many gems in Odisha, Puri stands out with its own charm — it offers a mix of spirituality and culture making it a hub for exploring some of the most fascinating and highlighted unique places to visit in Puri.
Top Places to Visit in Puri:
So, let’s explore these places and find the most fulfilling spiritual experiences for you.
1. Shree Jagannath Puri Temple:
Considered the pious pilgrimage for Hindus, Jagannath Dham is one of the Char Dhams of the Hindu religion, with others being Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram. The temple worships Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu along with lord Jagannath are his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. All three deities sit inside the main sanctum of the temple.
Why Jagannath Puri is famous?
- There are lots of stories and history relating to the temple and the god. The idols of the deities are different from others, in the way that the idols are not completely made and they appear different from the other god idols we usually encounter.
- The idols here are replaced every 12 years and are carved out of specifically chosen wood. Apart from the before-mentioned gods, temples of many other gods are spread across the temple premises. The temple of other gods and goddesses also hold much importance and are looked upon during many auspicious occasions during the year.
- The structure of the temple is beautifully made in the Kalinga style of architecture. There are four entrance gates to the temple, which have been named Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara, and Vyaghradwara referring to the brave and courageous animals like lions, horses, elephants, and tigers respectively.
- The temple is a mighty structure spread across 10.5 acres and the main entrance gate is the one in the east direction. The height of the main temple is around 192 feet and it holds a Neel chakra that is said to be an alloy of eight important metals. The temple is divided into chambers namely Bhogmandir, Nata-mandir, the Jagamohana, and the sanctum or the Deul, each of which has religious importance.
- The temple is also famous for housing the world’s largest kitchen which cooks prasad for the deity and thousands of his devotees every day. The utensils used here are all earthen pots, which are discarded after a single use. This mega kitchen is worth watching.
- Famous Festival– Rath Yatra
- Date – 27 June 2025
- Darshan Timings: 4:30 am to 11:30 pm
For those looking for important places to visit in Puri, this temple undoubtedly tops the list for both cultural grandeur and spiritual depth.
2. Gundicha Temple:
Gundicha Temple is believed to be the abode of Lord Jagannath’s aunt and is probably the second most popular religious site in Puri after Lord Jagannath’s Temple. During the famous Rath Yatra, the procession of the Lord and their siblings commences from the Jagannath Temple and rest at Gundicha Temple for a week before going back to the main Temple to shower blessings to the devotees.
- The beautiful structure of the temple stands amidst a beautiful garden and the architecture is inspired from Kalinga style. Jagannath Temple Administration has maintained it very well. Puri and the main structure is surrounded by tall cooling coconut trees.
- The temple is constructed using light gray sand stone with intricate and marvelous carvings. The Gundicha Temple has two gates; the western gate is the main gate and gate on the eastern side is refereed as Nakachana Gate.
- The entire Rath Yatra takes place for nine days; the deities travel from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, rest for seven days here and leave back to the main temple on the ninth day.
- The entire journey is also referred to as Gundicha Yatra or Nava Dina Yatra. During Rath Yatra, the deities enter the temple through the western gate and exit from the eastern gate. It is believed to be the most auspicious time to take blessing of the Lords at Gundicha Temple during their stay and is called Adapa Darshana.
Location: Badasankha, Puri, Odisha 752002
Timings: 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
This temple is one of the most iconic Puri tourist places you must experience during Rath Yatra.
3. Sudarshan Crafts Museum:
The Sudarshan Craft Museum is located at the station road at a distance of 2 Km from the Puri railway junction and is a highly recommended place to visit for art lovers. The Museum was established in the year 1977 by the renowned artist.
Shri Sudarshan Sahoo and showcases a unique collection of his artistic works like intricate carvings in wood, stone, and fiberglass apart from fine paintings. The popular attraction of the museum is a Buddhist temple built in the Japanese style of architecture.
Art enthusiasts visits this museum regularly as it features some of most rare works of traditional art which imparts an enriching and knowledgeable experience. The museum also offers a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their talent and different artworks like carving in stone, paintings and handicrafts are available for sale as well. The museum represents some of the forgotten gems of Indian art which are of historical and cultural importance.
Location: Station Rd, Puri, Odisha 752002
Timings: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 5 for Indians & Rs 50 for Foreigners
While you’re planning your sightseeing in Puri , don’t miss this museum for a glimpse into the state’s artistic legacy.
4. Puri Beach:
Puri Beach was awarded by blue flag tag in October 2020. The Puri beach is situated at a distance of 2 km from Lord Jagannath temple and around 2.5 km from the Puri Junction. The pristine white sand beach is located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is considered one of the cleanest beaches in the entire country. It has been a popular tourist attraction and is frequented by visitors along with their families thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and crystal clear water.
The beach also holds religious significance as the pilgrimage by the devotees visiting Lord Jagannath Temple is believed to be incomplete without the purification dip at the Puri beach. However, the currents at the beach are quite strong and unpredictable and visitors are advised to swim cautiously. The tranquil and clean beach draws large crowds of Indians as well as foreigners.
The beach has grown its popularity also due to the detailed sand sculptures designed by internationally renowned sand artist Shri Sudarshan Patnaik. The subject of these sculptures varies from Hindu mythology, contemporary events as well as latest global trends and attracts large crowds. A striking feature of Puri Beach is the opportunity to witness sunrise and sunset on the same beach; quite a rare feature. The annual Puri Beach Festival is held every November for five days and this event witnesses thousands of locals as well as tourists.
It’s one of the important places to see in Puri, especially for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Read More: 7 Best Crystal Clear Beaches in India That are Actually Clearer Than Swimming Pool
5. Narendra Tank/Narendra Pokhari:
The holy tank at Mauza Dandimala Sahi is situated at a distance of 1 km from Jagannath Temple and around 2-3 kms from the Puri railway station. One of the largest, most picturesque, and most celebrated tanks in Orissa, it was constructed in the 15th century A.D. by the then-ruler Narendra Dev. The tank spreads over a vast area of 14.5 acres and is considered holy as it is surrounded by many small and big temples. The water level at the tank is around 10 feet below the road level and the maximum depth of the tank is 28 feet.
The tank features a small island in the middle which houses the small temple of Chandana Mandapa. The temple can be accessed from the southern bank of the tank with a bridge. The tank has 16 ghats which are used by the pilgrims for the holy bath. The steps of the main ghat are made up of Khondalite; a metamorphic rock named after the native Khond tribe of Orissa.
The main tourist attraction at the Narendra Tank is the annual ChandanaYatra of Lord Jagannath for 21 days in the Baisakhi month of the Hindu calendar. During this festival, different deities from the temples surrounding the Tank are taken out and floated in the holy water of this tank. The deities are then applied with a paste of chandana (sandalwood) and washed.
Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Also Read: 14 Festivals in Monsoon Season in India
6. Balighai Beach:
The pristine Balighai beach is situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal at a distance of 8 km from Puri on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive road. This relatively hidden gem is situated at the mouth of the Nuanai River and has remained highly underrated.
A line of majestic Alaska and Eucalyptus trees skirts the beach and this place completely stands out from the crowded Puri beach. Tourists frequently visit the beach to soak in sunbathing witness the serene view of Sunrise and Sunset and indulge in refreshing water activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and boat riding.
The beach is also notable from a bio-diversity point of view as a home for some exotic migratory birds during the winter season. Oliver Ridley Turtles have been spotted during December and January to lay eggs and the Sea Turtle Research Centre is situated quite close to the beach. The endangered species of Balihirana antelope and Indian Black Bucks can be spotted by visiting the nearby Balihirana Deer Sanctuary.
Timings: 24 Hours open
7. Bedi Hanuman Temple:
The small seaside temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is located at a distance of 3 and 1.5 kms from the Jagannath Temple and Puri Junction respectively. The temple is also known as Daria Mahavir; ‘Daria’ means sea in native language and ‘Mahavir’ is another name for Lord Hanuman. It is believed that this temple and Lord Hanuman protect the city against the rage of the adjoining mighty sea.
There is an interesting story behind the origin of the name ‘Bedi Hanuman’ for the temple. According to Indian mythology, when the Jagannath Temple was built, ‘Varuna’- Lord of the Sea came to Puri to pay respects to Lord Jagannath which resulted in a flood in the city causing damage to the temple and the city. Since Lord Hanuman was supposed to be protecting the city from the sea, Lord Jagannath summoned him for an explanation.
Lord Hanuman had gone to Ayodhya without informing Lord Jagannath and as a punishment, he ordered Lord Hanuman’s hands and feet to be tied with a rope/chain (Bedi in Hindi) so that he could not move ever again and was vigilant. Since his hands and feet are tied with rope, the temple is referred to as the Bedi (or chained) Hanuman temple. The main statue of the temple is two armed Hanuman holding ‘Gada’ in his right hand and sweet in his left hand.
- Location: Chakra Tirtha Rd, near Bedi Hanuman, Puri, Odisha 752002
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Entry is free
8. Markandeshwar Temple:
Markandeshwara Temple is one of the Panch Tirthas of Puri and is another famous temple in Puri. It is located at a distance of 1 km from Sri Jagannath Temple and 3 km from Puri Junction and is considered one of the fifty-two sacred Shiva places in India.
The 12th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be erected by sage Markandeya. As per Hindu mythology, sage Markandeya was saved from great danger by Lord Shiva at this very place and the sage built the temple as an act of gratitude. The temple has an open tank which is used for performing rituals as it is considered to be the starting point of Puri pilgrimage. The temple is also known as Markendeya Shiva Temple and Markandeshwara Mahadeva Temple. Despite being a Shiva temple, it is connected to Lord Jagannath through the event of Chandan Yatra.
Location: Mishras st, Markandeswar Sahi Rd, Puri, Odisha 752001
Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 am to 9:00 pm
Also Read: Best Natural Bath & Hot Water Springs in India
9. Lokanath Temple:
The Lokanath Temple is situated at a distance of 2 km and 4.5 km from Sri Jagannath temple and Puri Junction respectively and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 11th-century temple is one of the most important Shivaite temples of Odisha and the main deity of the temple is in the form of lingam.
The striking feature of the temple is that the Shiva lingam remains submerged underwater throughout the year in accordance with the legend of Indian mythology that Goddess Ganga flows from the hair tips of Lord Shiva. However, on the occasion of ‘Pankodhar Ekadasi’ before Mahashivratri, the water is taken out of the temple and the lingam becomes visible. A large number of devotees throng the temple on this particular day as it is believed the deity has the power to cure health-related problems.
Timings: 5:30 am to 8:30 pm
10. Chilika Lake & Sanctuary:
Situated at a distance of 44 km from Puri, Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest inland saltwater lagoon studded with a number of small islands. The pear-shaped lake sprawls in more than 1100 sq km in area and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow strip of marshy islands. The Chilika Lake was declared as the first Indian wetland of international importance in the year 1981.
The Chilika Lake is a peculiar example of a large sustaining ecosystem supporting more than 1.5 lakh villagers living on the islands and mainland. The lake witnesses a large variety of migratory birds in the winter from the Caspian Sea, Russia, Mongolia, and the Himalayas to name a few. The lake is a bird watcher’s delight thanks to the spotting of different exotic birds like flamingos, sea eagles, herons, graylag geese, etc. The aquatic wildlife is abundant as well including Irrawaddy dolphins with strikingly different fins and color. Additionally, wild animals such as blackbuck, golden jackals, and hyenas can be found here.
With such a vast biodiversity, eco-tourism has increased manifold in the last decade. A recently conducted environmental survey estimates the presence of more than 700 rare aquatic and non-aquatic plants in the vicinity of Chilika Lake. Tourists frequently visit the lake throughout the year and the tourism peaks between the months of November to February due to the abundance of migratory birds. Boating and bird watching are the most popular activities of the Chilika Lake Sanctuary.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
11. Konark Sun Temple:
The World Heritage Monument of Konark Sun Temple is located 36 km from Puri on Marine Drive road. Konark Sun Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It is believed that King Narasimhadeva-I built the present-day structure in the 13th century and is undoubtedly the epitome of temple architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Sun god and is shaped in the form of a 30-meter-high chariot having intrinsic carvings on wheels and pillars. The temple structure built in Kalinga architecture is a testimony to the Indian heritage the mathematical minds of our ancient scholars and the craftsmanship of sculptors.
The chariot’s twelve pairs of wheels represent 12 months of the Hindu calendar each month paired into two cycles. These 24 elaborately carved stone wheels are roughly 12 feet in diameter and are pulled by a set of seven horses. The Konark Sun temple is a remarkable monument in terms of architectural design, detailing, and fineness. The entire temple sprawls in around 26 acres of land and is an archeological marvel.
The Konark Temple in its present form has witnessed a series of attacks and damages since its inception in 13th century but the ruins of the erstwhile temple that remains still have the captivating charm.
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 40 for Indian visitors and Rs 600 for foreigners.
12. Sakshi Gopal Temple:
Sakshi Gopal Temple located close to Puri on the Bhubaneswar Highway is termed as the temple of Lord Krishna and is approximately 21 km away from the Jagannath Temple. The temple has a specialty of offering wheat instead of rice. It has a beautiful legend where Lord Krishna came as a witness (Sakshi) for a devotee’s promise. The temple follows Kalinga-style architecture and celebrates festivals like Amla Navami, Janmashtami, and Holi with great devotion.
Location: Puri, Sakhigopal, Odisha 752002
Timings: 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
13. Balukhand – Konark Wildlife Sanctuary:
Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a quiet retreat around Puri, where history and nature can meet. People are able to walk along green forests, calm beaches, and numerous animals such as deer, birds, and even jungle cats can be seen. It is a wonderful place where nature lovers and families can rest and explore.
Location: Konark Rd, Mohanipur, Odisha
Timings: Open 24 hours
All of these places make up the most incredible Puri travel places you’ll ever experience in Odisha.
Puri has numerous temples and it would be really impossible to include details of all of the temples in just one article. Still, we would try to mention some of them so that you get an idea about the temple and plan your itinerary accordingly. Chakranarayan Temple: A temple dedicated to Lakshmi – Narasimha.
- Ardhasani Temple: Small temple dedicated to goddess Ardhasani; aunt of Lord Jagannath.
- Jameswara Temple: A 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Jameswara Siva.
- Alarnatha Temple: an 11th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Read More: Explore India’s Top 50 Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks by State
Best Time to Visit Puri:
If you ask me climate-wise, I would suggest you visit the place between the months of October to March which is most probably wintertime, when the climate is pleasant and cool. But if want to be part of the spectacular Ratha Yatra-The biggest festival of Jagannath Puri, then plan your trip in the months of June- July accordingly. Due to heavy rain and thunderstorms monsoon is not the recommended season and in summer the weather of Puri is extremely hot and humid so monsoon and summer are not perfect to visit Jagannath Puri.
- Best time to visit Puri – October to March
- Best Season to Visit Puri – Winter
Things to Buy from Puri:
- Buy colorful religious items and small souvenirs
- Pick beautiful handicrafts made by local artists
- Take home sea-shell decorated gift items
- Shop for traditional Patta Chitra (Palm leaf paintings)
- Choose handloom sarees like Passapali, Bomkai, Ikat, and Sambalpuri
- Buy stone crafts and finely carved statues
- Look for detailed silver jewelry and silver items
- Get decorative trays and hand-crafted cigar boxes
- Check out horn work items and soapstone figures
- Buy soft silk-cotton handloom fabric from local shops
Conclusion:
Apart from the above-mentioned places, there are many more spiritual sojourns, pristine beaches, and natural wonders to explore here. tourist places to visit in Puri will leave you spiritually uplifted and culturally enriched. Puri is a complete package in itself to fit into the desires of every kind of person.
Hope this article will be helpful to you if you are planning a trip to this divine place. Don’t forget to share your valuable experience of Puri once you are back…
FAQs:
The best time to visit Puri is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. If you want to see the grand Rath Yatra, plan your trip in June or July.
Jagannath Temple is one of the Char Dhams and is a sacred place for Hindus. The temple is known for its unique wooden idols that are changed every 12 years and the world’s largest kitchen that serves prasad to thousands every day.
During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken in huge chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. They stay there for 7 days and then return, making it a 9-day holy journey.
You can buy Patta Chitra (palm leaf paintings), sea-shell crafts, Sambalpuri sarees, stone and silver items, and traditional handicrafts from local shops and markets.
Most temples including Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, and Lokanath Temple have free entry for devotees. Some tourist places like Konark Sun Temple have an entry fee.
Puri is well connected by rail and road. Once you reach Puri, you can use autos, taxis, or rickshaws to explore nearby places easily.
