Puri is a coastal town located in the state of Odisha in India. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, temples, and cultural heritage. Here’s some information about Puri that you might find helpful:
Places to visit: Some of the popular tourist attractions in Puri include Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, Chilika Lake, Gundicha Temple, Sun Temple at Konark, and Puri Lighthouse.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Puri is during the winter months from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Language: The primary language spoken in Puri is Odia, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken and understood.
Getting around: The best way to get around Puri is by auto-rickshaw or taxi. They are easily available and can take you to your desired destination.
Food: Puri is known for its delicious seafood, so don’t miss out on trying some of the local specialties. Some popular dishes include prawn curry, fish fry, and crab masala.
Clothing: It is advisable to dress modestly when visiting Puri, especially when visiting temples and other religious places.
Currency: The currency used in Puri is the Indian Rupee. There are several ATMs and banks in the city where you can withdraw money or exchange currency.
Safety: Puri is generally a safe city, but it is advisable to take precautions like not carrying too much cash or valuables, being aware of your surroundings, and not venturing out alone at night.
Festivals: Puri is famous for its Rath Yatra festival, which takes place in June or July every year. It is a colorful and vibrant festival that is a must-see if you are visiting during that time.
These are some basic information and travel tips that can help you plan your trip to Puri. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Places to Visit in Puri
Puri is a popular tourist destination in Odisha known for its beaches, temples, and cultural heritage. Here are some of the best places to visit in Puri:
Jagannath Temple: This is one of the most famous temples in India and a must-visit for anyone coming to Puri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Puri Beach: This is a beautiful beach with golden sand and clear blue water. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, and also offers water sports activities like surfing and jet skiing.
Chilika Lake: This is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and a popular spot for bird watching. You can also take a boat ride to explore the lake and see dolphins.
Sun Temple at Konark: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 35 km from Puri and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.
Gundicha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath’s aunt, Gundicha. It is located about 3 km from the Jagannath Temple and is an important site during the Rath Yatra festival.
Puri Lighthouse: This is a popular spot for tourists to enjoy panoramic views of Puri and the Bay of Bengal.
Raghurajpur Artist Village: This is a small village located about 15 km from Puri, known for its Pattachitra art. The village is home to several talented artists who create beautiful traditional artwork.
Chhaitana Stone Carving Village: This is another small village located about 10 km from Puri, known for its stone carving art. You can watch the artisans at work and buy their creations.
These are some of the top places to visit in Puri. There are many other interesting sites and attractions to explore in and around the city as well.
Best Time To Visit Puri
The best time to visit Puri is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it an ideal time to explore the beaches, temples, and other attractions in the city. The cool breeze from the Bay of Bengal makes the weather pleasant and enjoyable.
However, Puri is a coastal city and experiences monsoon season from June to September. The city receives heavy rainfall during this time, which can disrupt travel plans and make it difficult to explore the city. Summers in Puri are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. Therefore, it is best to avoid visiting Puri during the summer and monsoon seasons.
In addition to the weather, the Rath Yatra festival is also a popular time to visit Puri. The festival usually takes place in June or July, and it is a vibrant and colorful festival that attracts tourists from all over the world. However, it is important to note that the city can get crowded during this time, and it may be difficult to find accommodation.
Things to Do in Puri
Puri is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a variety of experiences for tourists. Here are some of the top things to do in Puri:
Visit the Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is the most famous temple in Puri and is a must-visit for anyone coming to the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the four sacred dhams in India and attracts millions of devotees every year.
Relax on Puri Beach: Puri is home to a beautiful beach with golden sand and clear blue water. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, and also offers water sports activities like surfing and jet skiing.
Attend the Rath Yatra Festival: The Rath Yatra is a vibrant and colorful festival that takes place in Puri every year. The festival celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra to their aunt’s house. The festival attracts tourists from all over the world and is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
Explore Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and a popular spot for bird watching. You can also take a boat ride to explore the lake and see dolphins.
Visit the Sun Temple at Konark: The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is located about 35 km from Puri and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Watch Pattachitra artists at work: Raghurajpur Artist Village is a small village located about 15 km from Puri, known for its Pattachitra art. The village is home to several talented artists who create beautiful traditional artwork. You can watch the artists at work and even buy their creations.
Enjoy local cuisine: Puri is famous for its local cuisine, especially its seafood. You can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants and street stalls.
These are some of the top things to do in Puri. There are many other interesting activities and experiences to explore in and around the city as well.
How to get around in Puri
Puri is a small city and is easy to navigate. Here are some of the ways to get around in Puri:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Puri. They are easily available and relatively inexpensive. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaw.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Puri, and they are a more comfortable option than auto-rickshaws. You can book a taxi through your hotel or a local travel agency.
Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are another popular mode of transportation in Puri. They are slower than auto-rickshaws but are a great way to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
Buses: Puri has a good network of buses that connect the city to nearby towns and cities. However, the buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially during peak hours.
Walking: Puri is a small city, and most of the attractions are located close to each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and soak in the local culture.
It’s important to note that the traffic in Puri can be chaotic, especially during peak tourist season. So, be prepared for some delays and plan your travel accordingly.
Where to eat in Puri
Puri is known for its delicious seafood and offers a variety of dining options for visitors. Here are some of the best places to eat in Puri:
Wildgrass Restaurant: Wildgrass is a popular restaurant that offers a range of Indian and international cuisine. It’s located near the beach and offers a great view of the sea.
Chung Wah: Chung Wah is a Chinese restaurant that’s located near the Jagannath Temple. It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists alike and offers delicious food at reasonable prices.
Pipli Bazaar: Pipli Bazaar is a street market that offers a variety of local snacks and delicacies. You can try out the famous Puri Mahaprasad, which is a vegetarian feast served at the Jagannath Temple.
Anand Bazaar: Anand Bazaar is a popular spot among locals and offers a range of street food options like chaat, samosas, and jalebis.
Lucky India Royal Heritage Hotel: Lucky India Royal Heritage Hotel is a luxurious hotel that offers a variety of dining options. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant that offers a great view of the city and serves delicious food.
Chung King: Chung King is another popular Chinese restaurant in Puri that’s known for its authentic Chinese cuisine.
Gajapati Restaurant: Gajapati Restaurant is a popular spot for seafood lovers. It’s located near the beach and offers a range of seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
These are some of the best places to eat in Puri. However, there are many other options available as well, and you can always explore the local street food scene to find some hidden gems.
Famous street stalls in Puri
Puri is a popular tourist destination, and the city has a vibrant street food scene. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Puri that you must try:
Gundicha Bazaar: Gundicha Bazaar is a popular street market that offers a range of local delicacies like chaat, samosas, and sweets.
Shree Jagannath Temple: The area around the Jagannath Temple is known for its street food stalls that offer the famous Puri Mahaprasad, which is a vegetarian feast served at the temple.
Chakra Tirtha Road: Chakra Tirtha Road is a popular spot among locals and offers a range of street food options like chaat, samosas, and jalebis.
Swargadwar Road: Swargadwar Road is another popular spot that offers a variety of street food options. You can try out the famous Puri beach snacks like Puri Bhaji, Alu Chop, and Gupchup here.
Goura Bazaar: Goura Bazaar is a street market that offers a range of local snacks and delicacies like Khaja, Chenna Gaja, and Rasgulla.
Puri Railway Station: Puri Railway Station is a great spot to try out the local snacks and street food. You can find a range of options here like Samosas, Jalebis, and Chhole Bhature.
These are some of the famous street stalls in Puri that you must try. However, there are many other options available as well, and you can always explore the local street food scene to find some hidden gems.
Where to stay in Puri
Luxury accommodation
Puri is a popular tourist destination in Odisha and offers a range of luxury accommodation options. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Puri:
Mayfair Heritage: Mayfair Heritage is a luxurious hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a range of dining options.
Hotel Holiday Resort: Hotel Holiday Resort is a popular hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a range of dining options.
The Hans Coco Palms: The Hans Coco Palms is a luxurious hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a range of dining options.
The Chariot Resort & Spa: The Chariot Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a range of dining options.
Puri Beach Resort: Puri Beach Resort is a luxurious hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a range of dining options.
Sterling Puri: Sterling Puri is a luxurious hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a range of dining options.
These are some of the best luxury hotels in Puri that offer a range of amenities and services. However, there are many other options available as well, and you can always explore the city to find a hotel that suits your needs and preferences.
Where to stay in Puri
Budget accommodation
Puri is a popular tourist destination in Odisha and offers a range of budget accommodation options. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Puri:
Hotel New Rockbay: Hotel New Rockbay is a budget hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers clean rooms with basic amenities and a range of dining options.
Hotel Diamond Palace: Hotel Diamond Palace is a popular budget hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers clean rooms with basic amenities and a range of dining options.
Hotel Golden Dust: Hotel Golden Dust is a budget hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers clean rooms with basic amenities and a range of dining options.
Hotel Gandhara: Hotel Gandhara is a budget hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers clean rooms with basic amenities and a range of dining options.
Hotel Nayak Plaza: Hotel Nayak Plaza is a budget hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers clean rooms with basic amenities and a range of dining options.
Hotel Shree Hari Grand: Hotel Shree Hari Grand is a budget hotel that’s located near the beach. It offers clean rooms with basic amenities and a range of dining options.
These are some of the best budget hotels in Puri that offer a range of amenities and services at affordable rates. However, there are many other options available as well, and you can always explore the city to find a hotel that suits your needs and preferences.
Travel Tips Puri
Here are some travel tips for Puri:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Puri is between October to February when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.
Beach safety: The beaches in Puri are beautiful but can be dangerous. Make sure to follow the lifeguard’s instructions and avoid swimming alone.
Dress code: Puri is a religious place, and it’s best to dress conservatively when visiting temples or other religious sites.
Transportation: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available in Puri, but make sure to agree on the fare beforehand to avoid any confusion.
Food: Puri is famous for its seafood and street food. Make sure to try local delicacies like prawn pakoras, fish curry, and rasgullas.
Shopping: Puri is famous for its handicrafts and souvenirs. You can buy beautiful handcrafted items like wooden toys, palm leaf paintings, and sea-shell jewelry.
Temple visits: Puri is famous for the Jagannath Temple, and it’s important to follow the temple rules and regulations. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises.
Cultural events: Puri hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Puri Beach Festival and the Rath Yatra. Make sure to check the event calendar before planning your trip.
Health and safety: Make sure to carry essential medicines and stay hydrated during your trip. Also, be careful with your belongings and avoid carrying too much cash or valuables.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Puri.