Places to Visit in and Around Puri

Puri is the land of Lord Jagannath and one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The town has a mix of spiritual and religious spots, and sightseeing places. Bhubaneshwar, Konark, and Puri form the golden triangle of Orissa, but Puri gets more footfall as compared to the other two towns. Whether you’re here to explore the town’s rich cultural heritage or enjoy its natural beauty, there are many places to visit in Puri.

Shree Jagannath Puri Temple

This majestic temple was built back in the 12th century and is one of the most popular Puri tourist places. It is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites where thousands of people flock to receive Lord Jagannath’s blessings. The intricate Oriya architecture and the beautiful cravings inside the temple are simply magnificent! There are other places to visit near jagannath temple and within the premises of the temple. It is a place where you can feel at peace and connect with your spiritual side

Narendra Tank

Built sometime around the 15th century, this is the largest tank in Odisha. The lake is considered holy and has many small temples surrounding it. There is a tiny island in the middle of the tank with a temple on it that devotees come to visit.

Sudarshan Crafts Museum

One of the most popular Puri tourist places, Sudarshan Crafts museum is a paradise for art lovers. It was founded in 1977 by Sudarshan Sahu to display the evolution of craftsmanship over the years. The museum has many wood and stone carvings, handicrafts, fiberglass, and other paintings. The premises also has a Buddhist temple, a workshop for artists to work in, and a small library.

Sakshi Gopal Temple

Sakshi Gopal is a medieval temple dedicated to Lord Gopinath and one of the most popular places to visit in Puri. There are many legends about the temple. Apart from its religious significance, the temple has the Kalinga architecture style, making it a wonderful sight for culture and architecture buffs.

Puri Beach

If you love the ocean, you have to visit Puri beach. Many devotees come to the beach to take a dip and purify themselves. If you’re looking for some solitude, Puri beach is a great spot to dip your feet in the water and watch the sun setting on the horizon. The sound of the waves and the changing colours of the sky will make your heart feel at peace. 

Chillika Lake

The largest saltwater lake in Asia, Chillika Lake is one of the best places to visit around Puri. The surrounding area of the lake has a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot a wide variety of exotic birds like flamingos, sea eagles, and sandpipers by the lake. The water changes colours and looks glorious during the sunsets, and it is the best time to visit here during the day.

Pipili

Pipili is a small town in Puri where tourists go to buy various handicrafts. Their unique handicrafts are a catch for those looking to take back souvenirs from their trip for their loved ones. Idols of gods, birds, animals, and flowers to handbags, purses, pillowcases, bedsheets, and more, you will find it all here.

Ashtaranga Beach

The name translates to “colourful sunset”, making it one of the best places to visit around Puri. If you want to spend some quiet time away from the hustle-bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot. Watching the hues of the sunset and the blue waves splashing on the shore with the sun setting on the horizon is indeed a magical experience. 

There are many other popular Puri tourist places you can visit. It may be a sacred pilgrimage town, but it also has a lot of scenic spots and is rich in art and culture, making it a whole package. So, plan a trip to Puri and explore this hidden gem in Odisha.