Puri is one of the four sacred Char Dham Pilgrimages sites in India. It draws million of devotees from around the world. Along with the spiritual side its architectural & natural wonders offer something for every traveller.
Puri , a vibrant city on the Bay of Bengal coast in Odisha- is a unique blend of spiritual fervour, has ancient history & serene beachside relaxation.
Best time to travel –
It is said that you can’t visit Puri if Puri does not call you. Devotees visit entire year for Lord Jagannath in any season. But the time from October to march is feasible for pleasant weather & ideal for beach relaxation & temple visit.
Travel-
Puri is well connected with almost all the major cities around the state.
Airway– Nearest Airport is in Bhubaneswar i.e, Biju Patnaik International Airport . From airport it is around. 68km to reach Puri by taxi or any car.
Railway- Puri Railway Station is a major railway station with direct connectivity from major Indian cities like- Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai , Bhubaneswar etc.
Roadway–Frequent bus service connects Puri to different parts of the country.
Cabs/Taxis– Easily available from Bhubaneswar & other nearby towns and cities for direct transfer or day tours.
A three day itinerary to visit Puri and its beauty will soothe your mind with spiritual awakening & soul relaxation.
Lets begin the journey!
Day-1
The very 1st day is dedicated to the core of Puri’s identity : Shree Jagannath Temple &. Its famous beach. Puri’s spiritual heart & golden shores is actually the soul of Puri.
Shree Jagannath Temple- Shree Jagannath Temple is one of the four principal Hindu pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) & is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, A form of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings – Lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra.
Built in 12th century ,it is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture. It is the most famous for annual Ratha Yatra ,The Chariot Festival, where the deities are ceremonially pulled in colossal chariots.
The temple complex is massive with several smaller shrines . Non hindus are traditionally not allowed inside. Witnessing the daily rituals, the fluttering flag which mysteriously always flutters against the wind & taking part in Mahaprasad – the sacred food prepared in the world’s largest kitchen are main highlights & divine experience in itself .
Grand road or Bada Danda– At afternoon take a stroll along the Bada Danda ,the arterial street that leads from Shree Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple – this is the sacred path of Rath Yatra. This area is filled with shops selling local handicrafts, religious items & Odia sweets like china soda is a must try.
Puri Golden Beach- At evening explore the Puri Golden Beach. It is also known as Swargadwar Beach. This beach is famous for its shimmering golden sand & strong currents. This beach is also a popular tourist sport for the unique san art created by local artists.
Enjoy the sunset, the gentle sea breeze & local street food . The atmosphere is magically soothing & it gives a perfect end to a spiritual day.
Day-2
Get ready for en excursion to the nearby architectural wonders & serene beaches around Konark.
Konark Sun Temple- Located about 35km from Puri, the Konark Sun Temple is a monumental testament to 13th century Kalinga Architecture. It is designed as a colossal chariot for the Sun God(Surya Devta) complete with twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels & seven horses. The temple’s sculptures depict scenes from daily life ,war & various mythological figures, making it an artistic masterpiece & an engineering marvel that tracked the Sun’s movement.
Chandrabhaga Beach- This beach is a pristine ,quite beach near Konark ,historically significant as the site of the annual Magha Saptami festival & a reversed spot for ritual bathing.
The nearby Ramachandi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ramachandi & is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peetha’s.
The combination of the tranquil ocean & the gentle waves offers a refreshing change of pace with these architectural marvels & coastal beauty.
Raghurajpur Heritage village- A designated heritage village , Raghurajpur is the epicentre of Pattachitra- a traditional art form of Odisha. The entire village is home to artisans who practice various crafts, including Tussar Silk Paintings, palm leaf engraving & stone cravings.
Walk through the colourful village interact with the artists & witness the intricate process of Pattachitra paintings.
Day-3
Get the final day of tour balanced with the region’s nature with its lesser known yet important religious sites.
Chillika Lake- About 50 km from Puri, Chillika is Asia’s Largest coastal lagoon & a major sanctuary for migrating birds. The Satapada island section is famous for spotting the rare endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. It is important Ramsar Site- the wetland of International importance.
Hire a boat from Satapada to explore the lake, visit the confluence of the lake with the Bay of Bengal. Enjoy here all these breathtaking natural landscape. This is a must visit for nature & wildlife enthusiasts.
Sakshi Gopal Temple- This Temple is located enrolled back to Puri or Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Gopinatha – a form of Lord Krishna. according to a legend, the deity here stood as a Sakshi or witness in a dispute between two brahmins, giving the temple in its name.
Puri is truly a destination where spirituality meets the sea & history is etched into every stone. This visit ensures the experience of its culture, historical & natural wonders .
