You may look for a breathtaking, spiritual destination with plenty of culture and history. Then, Puri is the perfect place for you! Here are a few of the best places to visit in Puri.
Puri is a city in Odisha, India. It is on the east coast of India and is one of the holiest cities for Hindus.
Hindu pilgrims visit Puri’s Jagannath Temple every year. The city is also home to many other impressive temples and monuments.
You can also enjoy delicious Oriya cuisine, take a boat ride on the Bay of Bengal, or stroll through the bustling markets.
History Of Puri
Puri is located on the east coast of India, in Odisha. It is one of Odisha’s four biggest cities and one of the ancient cities in India.
Puri is known for its large beach, the Puri Jagannath Temple, and its annual Rath Yatra festival.
Ashoka founded Puri in the 3rd century BCE. It was an important trade city and home to many artists and musicians.
The city was also an important learning center, with many schools and colleges.
The Puri Jagannath Temple was built in the 11th century CE. Millions of Hindus visit the shrine each year.
Why Should You Visit Puri?
Puri is a beautiful city located on the east coast of India. It is known for its stunning beaches, temples, and friendly people.
Here are four good reasons to go to Puri:
1. Some of the most critical places for Hindus to visit in India are the temples in Puri. The world-famous Jagannath Temple is located here, as are many other smaller temples worth visiting.
2. The beaches in Puri are breathtaking. Here’s the spot to be if you want to kick back and enjoy the sunshine.
3. The people in Puri are friendly and welcoming. You’ll instantly feel at home, no matter where you come from.
4. There’s so much to see and do in Puri!
10 Best Places To Visit In Puri
Here are top 10 best places to visit in Puri:
1. Shree Jagannath Temple– Places to visit in Puri
The Jagannath Temple also called the pride of India, is in the holy town of Puri. It was built in the 11th century by King Indradyumna.
Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, lives in this beautiful temple. It’s the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination, along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram.
Aside from the main shrine, which is very tall, there are many small temples in the complex that will make you feel like you’ve entered God’s home.
The Jagannath Puri Temple is made of beautiful Oriya architecture, which is the cherry on top. The carvings on the four gates are beautiful and very detailed.
You shouldn’t miss out on the delicious Mahaprasad at the temple. In one of India’s largest kitchens, tasty food is cooked in earthen pots daily for tens of thousands of devotees.
The town’s lively religious celebrations bring in a lot of tourists. However, the Rath Yatra is the one people look forward to the most.
It’s worth seeing the colorful setting, exciting rituals, and energy of the pilgrims.
The Jagannath Puri temple is sacred, offers excellent cuisine, is peaceful, and the locals are ecstatic about God. It’s a place you should put on your bucket list.
2. Puri Beach
Puri Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in India.
The beach is about 3 kilometers long and is flanked by two rivers, the Bay of Bengal and the Mahanadi River.
Puri Beach is a lovely spot to relax and watch the surf. Surfing and swimming are done every day at the beach.
You may eat and drink at various restaurants and cafés along the beach.
3. Gundicha Temple
The Gundicha Temple is 3 km from the main Jagannath temple complex. It is where Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama, and his sister Subhadra spend the summer.
This temple marks the end of the Ratha Yatra, where the gods rest for seven days before returning to their original home. The rest of the year, the Gundicha temple is empty, except for the many pictures of the Lord’s life.
4. Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is a place of unparalleled natural beauty. It is the largest lagoon in Asia and is in the Indian state of Odisha.
It is home to many different plants and animals. In addition, the lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 260 species recorded here.
It is also essential for several endangered species, like the Oriental white-backed vulture, to raise their young.
Many Indian dolphins live in Chilika Lake, in addition to the birds that live there. These playful creatures often swim and surf in the lagoon’s waters.
Visiting Chilika Lake is an unforgettable experience. The lake’s serene beauty and abundance of wildlife make it a truly magical place.
5. Khandagiri Caves
The Khandagiri Caves are a must-see for any history lover visiting India. These ancient artificial caves were made in the 2nd century BCE and show how early cave dwellers lived.
The caves were initially carved out as residential quarters for Jain monks. So, they have beautiful carvings and paintings that show stories from Jain mythology.
The caves are also an excellent example of early Indian architecture.
Today, the Khandagiri Caves are a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about their fascinating history.
6. Udaygiri
History and archaeology buffs should visit Puri’s Udaygiri Caves. Buddhist monks created beautiful patterns and paintings in the caves of the 2nd century BC.
The caves are popular tourist spots and offer stunning views of the surrounding city. Visitors can also see the remains of an ancient monastery and learn about Buddhism’s history in India.
7. Dhauligiri
The Dhauli Giri Hill is located approximately 8 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. They are on the bank of the Daya River.
However, they are considered part of the city and one of its most popular tourist spots. These hills, which are surrounded by plains, forests, and the Daya River, are significant to Odisha’s and India’s history.
This is where the famous Kalinga War between the Mauryan Kingdom and the Kalinga Kingdom took place. When Emperor Ashoka won the battle, he was startled by the casualties and devastation.
As a form of penance, he chose to follow the Buddhist path here.
Shanti Stupa, or Peace Pagoda, was erected on these hills to memorialize this conflict and how it transformed Ashoka. These hills are also near the Ashokan Rock Edicts.
These mandates are another sign of how Emperor Ashoka changed because they have messages of peace and the teachings of Buddhism.
8. Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple is a Hindu temple from the 1300s built for the sun god Surya. The temple is located in Konark, Orissa, India.
The temple has beautiful carvings and stands on 12 huge wheels representing the 12 months of the year. Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prominent Indian tourist destination.
9. Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations. The park is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and leopards.
Visitors can also see a variety of birds and reptiles. You can learn a lot about different kinds of animals at the zoo.
10. Chandrabhaga Beach – Places to visit in Puri
One of India’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches is Chandrabhaga Beach. The beach is in the small town of Chandrabhaga, Odisha.
People go to the beach because it has clear water and beautiful white sand. People go there to swim, lay out in the sun, and take in the stunning views.
Chandrabhaga Beach is a must-visit for a relaxing and beautiful beach vacation.
How To Travel Safely In Puri?
Puri is a beautiful city in India that is teeming with life. The streets are full of people, and the temples are always busy.
It’s a fun spot to visit, but be mindful of your surroundings and take care.
Here are some tips for getting around Puri safely:
1. Do your research before you go. Please read up on the city and its history to familiarize yourself with the culture and customs. This will help you avoid any potential pitfalls.
2. Travel with a group or tour guide if possible. There is safety in numbers, and having someone who knows the area well can be invaluable.
3. Stick to well-lit, busy areas when out and about. Avoid walking alone at night or in deserted areas.
4. Be aware of your belongings at all times.
Is Puri A Costly Place To Visit?
Puri can be a costly place to visit, as accommodation and food prices are pretty high. Additionally, many beggars and touts will try to extract money from tourists.
Therefore, it is crucial to know these costs before planning a trip to Puri. However, there are ways to save money while visiting Puri. Here are some tips:
1. Stay in a budget hotel or guesthouse. There are many affordable options available.
2. Eat at local restaurants rather than tourist traps. You’ll get better food for less money.
3. Use public transportation rather than taking taxis everywhere. It’s much cheaper, and you’ll see more of the city.
4. Shop at local markets for souvenirs rather than buying them from shops aimed at tourists.
5. Avoid going out at night, as prices for drinks and food are often higher then.
How Much Does The Average Hotel Cost In Puri?
The average hotel cost in Puri is about Rs. 2,500 per night. However, many budget hotels are available for as little as Rs. 1,000 per night. There are also luxury hotels that can cost up to Rs. 10,000 per night.
What Can You Buy From Puri?
One of the most popular things to buy in Puri is temple souvenirs. These are fantastic presents for friends and family back home.
Suppose you’re looking for something more unique. You can also find hand-painted scrolls depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Of course, no trip to Puri would be complete without picking up some souvenirs from the beach. If you look closely enough, you can find all sorts of exciting shells, coral, and even sand dollars.
And if you want to take a piece of the ocean home with you, plenty of shops sell sea glass jewelry.
Time To Visit Puri
Best time to visit Puri is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Unfortunately, this is also the peak tourist season, so that you can expect crowded beaches and busy streets.
However, if you don’t mind the crowds, this is the best time to experience what Puri offers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many wonderful places to visit in Puri. From the beautiful temples to the stunning beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Puri for an unforgettable vacation.
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.