The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the four holy places that Hindus must visit since it is a part of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage route.
One of the most popular short-trip destinations in West Bengal is the seaside city of Puri, which is situated on the Bay of Bengal coast. Which is why we will be knowing about the few best Puri visiting places in this article.
Due to the legalization of bhang in the 1970s, Puri became renowned among hippies and is still well-liked by travelers today. However, bhang is less readily available presently.
Local visitors want to stay close to the New Marine Drive since there are so many hotels and homestays nearby, while backpackers prefer to stay close to ChakraTirtha. If you’re going to be in India between June and July, you should attend the Rath Yatra (chariot festival).
Best Puri Visiting Places Visit Once
Before planning to explore the best Puri visiting places, know some hilarious facts first.
Puri’s illustrious history and traditions stretch back to the third century BC. This pilgrimage destination is known as the location of Lord Shiva’s resting place.
The Golden Triangle of Orissa is made up of the cities of Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar, known for their religious significance and rich cultural legacy.
Many locations close to Puri are worth visiting, including Chilika Lake, Puri Beach, Gundicha Ghar, and the renowned Konark Sun Temple. Major manufacturing enterprises are moving to Puri, which will soon become an industrial center.
Sri Jagannath Puri Temple
One of the best Puri visiting places is The Jagannath Temple. Often known as the pride of India. Jagannath Temple is situated in the holy town of Puri and was constructed in the 11th century by King Indradyumna.
The residence of Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is this magnificent temple. It is regarded as the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination and is a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram.
Aside from the tall main shrine, the complex’s numerous smaller temples will give you the impression that you have reached God’s house.
The Jagannath Puri Temple’s magnificent Oriya architecture is the cherry on top. The four gates include detailed carvings and a gorgeous design.
It would be best if you didn’t skip the delicious Mahaprasad served at the temple. The mouthwatering cuisine is prepared in clay pots for thousands of worshippers daily in one of India’s biggest kitchens.
Numerous tourists are drawn to the town’s colorful religious festivities. The Rath Yatra is the most eagerly anticipated of them all.
Witnessing the vibrant atmosphere, fascinating ceremonies, and strength and enthusiasm of the pilgrims is worthwhile.
Jagannath Puri temple appears to check all the boxes—whether for holiness, delectable cuisine, tranquility, or zeal for God—and is, therefore, a location worth mentioning on your bucket list.
Puri Beach
If you want to visit popular sea beaches in India, Puri Beach must be in the top. It is one of East India’s most beautiful beaches in Asia. It lies 35 kilometers away from the Sun Temple and borders the Bay of Bengal.
The beach’s clear waves and shining sun make it the perfect destination for vacationers seeking peace. Puri beach falls under the best Puri visiting places as the serine beach heals our hearts.
Devotees who travel to Puri to pay their respects to Lord Jagannath frequently throng there to take a purifying plunge at the seashore.
The sand sculptures created by Sudarshan Patnaik, a well-known sand artist, are another reason why people love the beach. Typically, the inspiration for the sculptures comes from the artwork on the temple walls or another mythical figure or event.
Puri Beach, adorned with excellent golden sand and pouring waves, is well known for its tranquil settings. As it is a favorite hangout for the locals of this location, you may experience local life in Puri.
Tourists may easily identify the local fisherman because of their triangular straw hats and dhotis. These fishermen take people out on their boats to view the captivating sunset while simultaneously acting as the beach’s lifeguards.
You may enjoy long strolls along the Chakratirtha side of the length, and if you’re feeling very daring, you can even go swimming there.
Chilika Lake
The biggest internal saltwater lake in Asia, Chilika Lake, is a haven for wildlife and environment enthusiasts. You can choose Chilika Lake as one of the popular Puri visiting places.
A few tiny islands dot the pear-shaped lake, surrounded by salt pans and fishery. Chilika Lake also has one of the most hospitable ecosystems in the entire world. Thus a variety of plants and animals may be seen here.
The lake presents a colorful exhibition of a wide variety of bird charms in all different shades and colors, including golden plovers and sandpipers, as well as white-bellied sea eagles and flamingos.
The alluring lake offers a variety of options, such as breathtaking dawn and sunset views and a vibrant assortment of indigenous and migratory species. In addition to seeing Chilika Lake, tourists frequently go to Bird Island,
Breakfast Island, and Honeymoon Island. One of just two locations on earth where it is possible to witness the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, the lake also takes pleasure in this fact.
The cherry on top is the high-quality, affordable lodges provided here. To relax like never before, spend a day at this gorgeous lake with nature.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
As we know you will visit the Chilika lake, so you will eventually visit the Nalbana Bird Sanctuary. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is one of the best Puri visiting places.
The largest brackish water lagoon in India, Chilika Lake, has the Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, which is located there. is well-known for the huge open spaces that serve as the wintering grounds for numerous migratory birds, who come here yearly in great numbers.
The refuge is popular among birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers for the same reason. It’s possible to see up to 181 species of birds here during the peak season, which is a delight for serious bird watchers.
The Wildlife Protection Act designated the area as a bird sanctuary in 1972, and since then, it has developed into one of the most popular tourist locations in the region.
The most common avifauna species that you may see here include bar-headed geese, greater flamingos, pink storks, beautiful raptors, spotted sandpipers, black-tailed godwits, Goliath herons, black-headed ibis, northern pintails, etc.
Narendra Tank
Narendra Tank, one of Odisha‘s largest tanks will obviously fall under the best Puri visiting places, is believed to have been built in the fourteenth century. This tank is respected, and both little and big temples surround it. On an island in the middle of the lake is where you’ll find the Chandana Mandapa temple.
Sudarshan Crafts Museum
Sri Sudarshan Sahoo founded the Sudarshan Crafts Museum to provide a venue where artists and art enthusiasts may see the development of contemporary handicrafts.
The museum showcases the evolution of conventional sculptures over the years. The museum offers artists facilities to practice their trade in the workroom and present their work in the showroom which makes it one of the best Puri visiting places.
Lakshmi Temple
Lakshmi temple, close to the Jagannath Temple, is particularly significant because of the myths associated with its past. According to legend,
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wed on the sixth day of the Jyeshta fortnight after accepting Goddess Lakshmi’s invitation to this temple.
All visitors and worshippers in Puri must visit this temple and see why it’s a must visiting place in Puri.
Markandeswara Temple
The Markandeswara temple said to have been built in the 13th century, is renowned for its beautiful architecture and creative style. A ten-armed Nataraja statue is placed at the temple’s entryway.
The main shrine’s niches are filled with miniature, well-detailed figures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. Shrines of Lord Shiva in various forms are located in the temple’s corners.
Overall, the temple is one of the most popular Puri visiting places, even in the splendor of its former glories.
Sakshi Gopal Temple
There are several myths about how Sakshigopal Temple came to be regarded as a sacred site for Lord Vishnu. One tells about the Lord attending hamlet’s wedding as a witness.
The idea that the temple is one of the 16 temples that King Vajra, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson, established for the Lord, is another urban legend. However, the temple is a distinguishing entrance for travelers who enter the holy city of Puri by plane, rail, or car.
Puri Swargadwar Beach
The ever-so-famous beach of Puri is the pulsing heartbeat of the city, stretching along the main Marine Drive of Puri and in front of the Swargadwar Crematorium.
The Puri Swargadwar Beach is crowded with tourists all year long and is lined with kiosks offering jewelry, seashells, and locally created goods.
While the nights are reserved for taking in the ocean view, sipping tea, and picking up munches from the numerous shops, the mornings are spent splashing and swimming on the safe, sandy beach. Never skip this one of the underrated Puri visiting places while you trip to Puri.
Conclusion
Puri is a very popular and crowded tourism destination. A combination of historical importance, beautiful sea beaches, and pilgrimage value attract tons of visitors across the world. I would like to conclude this article on best Puri visiting places. I have provided you with very neat places to travel to within 3-4 days of visiting Puri. These places are very beautiful and soothing. You must visit these places if you come to Puri.
