Top Things to Do in the Puri | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Puri

Places To Visit In Puri

Vipassna Centre

Founded by S. N. Goenka, Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre is a mutt that offers meditation courses following the Buddha teachings. The entrance, the large golden pagoda that marks the Centre is a landmark for Igatpuri. Many visitors come to the mutt from India and abroad.

Alarnatha Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Brahmagiri near Puri. The legend says that the Lord's devoted follower Chaitanya Mahaprabhu could not see his God for the 15-day period of Anavasara, following the Snana Yatra, when the three idols of Jagannath temple are kept hidden in a secret chamber. Taking pity on his beloved worshipper's devastation, Lord Vishnu directed him towards the Alarnatha Temple. Every devotee ever since follows the same ritual during that phase. Read More

Baleshwar Beach, or Chandipur Beach as it is more popularly known, is one of the less crowded and more serene beaches of Odisha. What makes this beach unique is its tide pattern. During particular ebb tides, the sea water recedes back from the sandy beach for up to 5 kilometres, leaving muddy traits behind. Because of this, this beach is ecologically rich and also great place to find molluscs, crustaceans and horseshoe crabs.

Balighai beach is all about serenity and quietude that you will hardly find in the other beaches near Puri, The luxury resorts make sure that you can make this a destination getaway instead of a drive-through, and at the same time enjoy the tranquil environment of a clean environment and solitude, surrounded by Casuarina and Eucalyptus, and the azure blue up ahead.

Baliharachandi Beach is the much quieter and offbeat alternative to the Puri Beach, with a peaceful calm and tranquillity about the whole place. There are not many people here, and even fewer stalls. Since the beach falls between Puri and Konark, visitors take a round on the way. Scurrying little crabs, scattered seashells and an unobstructed view of the sea make up for the lack of other entertainment.

Spread over eight acres of land area, Blue Splash Water Park boasts of over seven massive water rides spread over variety of pools. Besides it has an adjacent amusement park, play area for children, snacks facility, changing and locker rooms etc.

Chilika Lake is the largest internal salt water lake in Asia, it is a paradise on earth 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. The Chilika Lake also houses the most accommodating ecosystems in the world, which means that a wide assortment of flora and fauna can be spotted here. The lake offers a flamboyant display of a myriad of avian charms in all diverse hues and colours, ranging from the white-bellied sea eagles to flamingos, and from golden plovers to sandpiper Along with the vibrant variety of birds: both native and migratory one, the enthralling lake also offers scenic views of sunrise and sunset and a host of other options to choose from. Attractions such as the Bird Island, Breakfast Island and Honeymoon Island are also frequented by tourists who visit the Chilika Lake. The lake also boasts of being one of the only two sites in the world where the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins can be spotted. The decent and affordable lodges available here are an added cherry on this already delightful cake. Visit this enchanting lake to spend a day in nature's company and experience tranquillity like never before. Read More

Daya River is a branch shooting of Kuakhai River and empties into the Chilika Lake known for the Dolphins. The river is historically important, not only in terms of the history of Odisha-Bihar region, but of India as whole. It is on the banks of Daya, in the green slopes adjoining the Dhauli Hills that the famous Kalinga War was fought, which marked an end of Emperor Ashoka's violent ways and embracing Buddhism. There are many Ashokan edicts here, carved on the surface of rocks up along the hill. Read More

Inside the famous Jagannath temple complex in Puri, is situated a small Ganesh temple, housing an exclusive image of Ganesh known as Natya Ganesh i.e. Dancing Ganesh. Inside the famous Jagannath temple complex in Puri, is situated a small Ganesh temple, consisting of an exclusive image of Ganesha known as Natya Ganesh i.e. Dancing Ganesh. The temple has great archaeological significance. In spite of its small size, every year large number of devotees offer their prayers. History reveals that the idol is gifted by the King of Kanchi. The Jagannath temple complex comprises of many other temples dedicated to gods Hanuman, Surya, Saraswati, Vimala. In front of the Ganesh temple, a small water-pot built up of stones known as Rohinikund is also present. Read More

Golden Beach

Golden Beach which stretches along the Bay of Bengal is located along the Puri coast on the eastern side of Odisha. This exemplifies tranquility and charm. The Golden Beach stands true to its name as it is filled with sparkling golden sand and azure water. Famous for its breathtaking sunrises and picturesque sunsets, this pristine beach is a perfect retreat for all nature lovers. Golden Beach has calm and gentle waves and is therefore a perfect beach getaway for everyone at any time of the day. Read More