Shree Jagannath Temple Must visit
The 12th-century temple of Lord Jagannath, one of the Char Dham. Only Hindus are allowed inside.
Puri
Jagannath darshan, the golden beach and Chilika Lake.
Reviewed by Ghumo Bihar team
- Best time
- October to March
- Days needed
- 3–4 days with Konark and Bhubaneswar
- From Patna
- Direct trains · about 15–17 hrs
- Good for
- Pilgrims, families, beach lovers
About Puri
Why visit Puri
Puri is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimages and home of the Shree Jagannath Temple, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshipped. Every year in June or July, the Rath Yatra pulls the three deities through the town on giant wooden chariots, one of the largest festivals in India.
Puri is also a beach town: walk the long golden beach at sunrise, eat at the Swargadwar beachfront, and take day trips to the Konark Sun Temple, the artist village of Raghurajpur, and Chilika Lake to see dolphins. Bhubaneswar, the temple city, is an hour away.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Puri
8 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Puri Beach Must visit
A long golden beach for sunrise walks, camel rides and sand art. Part of it has Blue Flag status.
Chilika Lake Must visit
Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon. Take a boat from Satapada to see Irrawaddy dolphins.
Raghurajpur Heritage Village Must visit
A village where every house is an artist's studio for pattachitra painting.
Gundicha Temple
The temple the deities visit during Rath Yatra, about 3 km from the main temple.
Swargadwar
The sacred beachfront and cremation ground, busy with stalls and evening crowds.
Narendra Tank
A large temple tank where the Chandan Yatra boat festival is held.
Lokanath Temple
An old Shiva temple whose lingam stays under water most of the year.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Konark Sun Temple, Bhubaneswar, Chilika Lake, Raghurajpur and Pipli (appliqué craft village).
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Puri
Group trips from Patna on fixed dates. Join on your own or as a family.
Puri, Konark & Chilika Getaway from Patna
Jagannath darshan, the Konark Sun Temple and the sea.
- 17–21 Nov
From ₹12,500 View dates
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Puri
October to March is best for both darshan and the beach. Rath Yatra in June or July is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but book months in advance.
Winter (best)
October–March
17–30°C, pleasant sea breeze
The best time for the beach and sightseeing. Busy around Christmas and New Year.
Summer
April–June
Hot and humid, 30–37°C
Darshan early in the morning; beach in the evening.
Monsoon
July–September
Humid, rough sea
Rath Yatra season. Swimming not safe.
Festivals worth planning around
- Rath YatraThe chariot festival in June or July, when the deities travel to the Gundicha Temple.
- Snana PurnimaThe ritual bathing of the deities about two weeks before Rath Yatra.
- Puri Beach FestivalA winter festival of sand art, music and food on the beach.
Getting there
How to reach Puri
Direct trains run from Patna to Puri in about 15–17 hours. Bhubaneswar has the nearest airport, about an hour away.
- PatnaTrain
About 15–17 hours
Direct express trains, several days a week.
- BhubaneswarCar or bus
About 60 km, 1.5 hours
Frequent buses and taxis.
- Anywhere in IndiaFlight to Bhubaneswar
Biju Patnaik International Airport
About 60 km from Puri.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws go between the temple, the beach and the market.
Hire a car for day trips to Konark, Raghurajpur, Chilika and Bhubaneswar.
Vehicles are stopped some distance from the temple; expect to walk the last stretch.
Where to stay
Stay on the beach road (Chakratirtha Road or New Marine Drive) for sea views, or near Swargadwar to walk to the temple.
- Sea-facing hotelsChakratirtha Road and Marine Drive · Families and couples
- Hotels near SwargadwarClose to the temple and market · Pilgrims
- Odisha Tourism (OTDC) hotelsPuri · Value
- Dharamshalas and bhakta niwasNear the temple · Pilgrims on a budget
Food to try
- Mahaprasad: the temple's offering, cooked in clay pots and sold at the Ananda Bazaar inside the temple.
- Khaja: the crisp, layered sweet sold outside the temple.
- Seafood: prawns and pomfret at the beach restaurants.
- Rasagola and chhena poda: Odisha's famous sweets.
Travel tips
- Mobile phones, cameras, leather items and bags are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple. Use the counters outside.
- Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple; others can see it from the roof of the Raghunandan Library opposite.
- Ignore touts offering quick darshan; use official queues.
- Swim only in guarded areas; the sea can be rough.
- Book hotels months ahead for Rath Yatra.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Puri from Patna?
By direct train in about 15–17 hours, or by flight to Bhubaneswar and a 1.5-hour drive.
How many days do I need for Puri?
Three to four days covers Puri, Konark, Chilika and Bhubaneswar.
Can I take my phone into the Jagannath Temple?
No. Phones, cameras and bags must be deposited outside.
When is the Rath Yatra?
In June or July each year, on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Puri?
Yes. We run group trips and plan private trips covering Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar.
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