Attractions & Places to Visit in Puri

Description :

Dedicated to Lord Jagannath – the Lord of the Universe, a form of Lord Vishnu - this ancient temple receives over a millions of devotees annually. This number rises exponentially during the famous Rath Yatra festival, held annually in June or July. Admire the temple’s brilliant Kalinga architectural style with exquisite carvings after seeking blessings from the sibling-deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. One of the most fascinating daily rituals you can witness here is the flag mounting ceremony. Every evening, Chuna Garuda Sevaks, members from an assigned family of priests climb the temple’s 214-feet-high tower without any safety equipment, to change the flag. This ritual has been followed for 800 years, without missing out on a single day.

Description :

The largest internal salt water lake in Asia is an idyllic haven 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. Its resident avian population includes white-bellied sea eagles, flamingos, golden plovers and sandpipers. Along with dreamy vistas at sunrise and sunset, you can rent a boat to catch a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Description :

Spread over 2.62 acres, this magnificent 13th century temple was built by King Narasimhadeva, an ardent devotee of Surya, the Sun God. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is in the shape of a colossal chariot with 12 stone-carved wheels at the base, that represent 12 months of a year and also function as a sundial. Visitors can calculate the exact time of day by observing the shadow cast by these wheels.

Description :

One of the 10 beaches in India that have been awarded the Blue Flag eco-certification by Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Golden Beach is located 2 km away from the Jagannath Puri temple. Along with excellent facilities and a focus on sustainability, it has a dedicated play area for children. Come here for leisurely strolls, swimming and water-adventures like banana boat rides, parasailing, surfing and jet skiing. The Puri Beach Festival, celebrated annually for five days in November, offers cultural programs, exhibitions, food as well as a flourish of extraordinary sand sculptures that the state is renowned for.

Description :

Just 8 kms away from the city, this pristine beach is a nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. From December to January, you can come in the evenings to witness these incredibly resilient creatures lay their eggs on the beach. During winters, the beach is frequented by migratory birds. You can also vist the adjacent Balihirana Deer Sanctuary, home to the Balihirana antelope and the Indian blackbuck.​ ​

Description :

Dedicated to Lord Jagannath – the Lord of the Universe, a form of Lord Vishnu - this ancient temple receives over a millions of devotees annually. This number rises exponentially during the famous Rath Yatra festival, held annually in June or July. Admire the temple’s brilliant Kalinga architectural style with exquisite carvings after seeking blessings from the sibling-deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. One of the most fascinating daily rituals you can witness here is the flag mounting ceremony. Every evening, Chuna Garuda Sevaks, members from an assigned family of priests climb the temple’s 214-feet-high tower without any safety equipment, to change the flag. This ritual has been followed for 800 years, without missing out on a single day.

Description :

The largest internal salt water lake in Asia is an idyllic haven 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. Its resident avian population includes white-bellied sea eagles, flamingos, golden plovers and sandpipers. Along with dreamy vistas at sunrise and sunset, you can rent a boat to catch a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Description :

Nestled in greenery, this hallowed shrine - named after Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna - is an important pit stop on Lord Jagannath's annual pilgrimage during the annual Rath Yatra. Known affectionately as the Lord's aunt's house, Gundicha Temple transforms into a focal point of celebrations during the festival, when the divine nephew comes calling and stays here for seven blissful days.