7 Great things to do in Puri for a rejuvenating and peaceful vacation

Puri is famous for several reasons. The most popular reason is that it offers several things to do in Puri. It also has the renowned Jagannath Temple. It is also popular for the Puri Rath Yatra, a chariot festival. Besides, it is also famous for several beaches that are worth exploring. 

If you are looking for the top things to do in Puri, we have got just what you need! Puri’s religious significance, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and traditional handicrafts make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

The city has a rich culture and history, and there’s always something to see and explore. This coastal city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha offers the following things to do in Puri. 

Things to do in Puri (1-2)

Visit the Jagannath Temple – Things to do in Puri for religious people

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. 

Here are some things to do in Puri at the Jagannath Temple:

• Darshan of the Deities: One of the main things to do at the Jagannath Temple is to have a darshan or glimpse of the deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. The deities are housed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and are considered very auspicious by the devotees.
• Attend the Aarti: Attending the Aarti is one of the top things to do in Puri. The aarti, or prayer ceremony, is performed several times a day at the Jagannath Temple. You can attend the aarti and witness the traditional rituals and ceremonies.
• Offer Prayers: Devotees can offer prayers and perform puja at the temple. You can offer flowers, fruits, and other items to the deities as a part of the puja.
• Participate in Festivals: The Jagannath Temple is famous for its festivals, including the Rath Yatra, Snana Yatra, and Chandan Yatra. You can participate in these festivals and witness the elaborate processions, rituals, and ceremonies. Participating in these festivals is a must to enjoy the best of all things to do in Puri.
• Visit the Temple Museum: The Jagannath Temple Museum is located on the temple premises and houses a collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other objects related to the temple’s history and culture.
• Enjoy the Surrounding Area: The Jagannath Temple is located in a bustling area of Puri with several shops, restaurants, and street vendors. You can explore the surrounding area and enjoy the local food and culture.

Relax on Puri Beach – Things to do in Puri for a relaxing experience

Puri Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located on the Bay of Bengal. You can relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, and enjoy the scenic view.

Some things to do in Puri that you can enjoy at this beach include the following.

• Relax on the Beach: Puri Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. You can lie on the beach, read a book, or simply enjoy the view of the sea.
• Take a Dip: Puri Beach is safe for swimming, and you can take a dip in the sea to cool off on a hot day to enjoy great things to do in Puri.
• Try Local Snacks: Puri Beach is known for its delicious local snacks, including Puri Chaat, Puri Bhaji, and Gupchup. You can try these snacks at the beachside food stalls.
• Take a Camel Ride: You can take a camel ride on the beach and enjoy the scenic view of the coastline. This is a popular activity among tourists looking forward to getting the best out of things to do in Puri.
• Watch Sunrise and Sunset: Puri Beach is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. You can capture some beautiful pictures and enjoy the natural beauty of the beach.
• Visit the Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is located near Puri Beach, and you can visit the temple before or after spending time at the beach.
• Attend Beach Festivals: Puri Beach hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Puri Beach Festival and the Konark Festival. You can attend these festivals and enjoy music, dance, and cultural performances if you are looking forward to enjoyable things to do in Puri.

Things to do in Puri (3-4)

Explore Chilika Lake – The best of all things to do in Puri

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake in Asia and is located near Puri. You can take a boat ride and explore the lake’s islands and observe its diverse flora and fauna.

Here are some things to do in Puri at Chilika Lake:

• Take a Boat Ride: You can take a boat ride on the lake and explore the scenic beauty of the lagoon. Several types of boats are available, including speedboats, motorboats, and rowboats. You can have the best experience of your life while enjoying the top things to do in Puri when you get on a boat ride.
• Watch Dolphins: Chilika Lake is home to the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. You can take a boat ride to spot these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
• Birdwatching: Chilika Lake is a famous birding destination and is home to a wide variety of migratory and resident bird species. You can take a boat ride or a trek to the birding hotspots in the area and spot some beautiful birds.
• Visit the Islands: Chilika Lake has several islands, including Nalabana Island, Kalijai Island, and Honeymoon Island. You can visit these islands and explore their natural beauty, among other things to do in Puri.
• Seafood Delicacies: The lake is a hub of seafood delicacies. You can try local fish dishes like crab, prawn, lobster, and a variety of fish preparations.
• Witness Traditional Fishing: Chilika Lake is known for its traditional fishing practices. You can witness the fishermen casting their nets and pulling in their catch in the traditional way.
• Explore the Mangrove Forest: Chilika Lake has a beautiful mangrove forest. You can explore the forest on foot or take a boat ride to enjoy the serene environment. It is one of the best things to do in Puri for nature lovers.

Explore Konark Sun Temple – Things to do in Puri for architecture lovers

The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the town of Konark in Odisha, India. It is a famous temple dedicated to the sun god and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. 

Some things to do in Puri at Konark Sun Temple include the following.

• Explore the Architecture: The Konark Sun Temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. You can explore the temple and marvel at the intricate carvings on the walls and pillars.
• Attend the Light and Sound Show: The Konark Sun Temple hosts a light and sound show in the evenings. The show narrates the history and legends associated with the temple and is a must-see for those looking forward to enjoy things to do in Puri historical significance.
• Witness the Sun Rise and Sun Set: The temple is located near the Bay of Bengal, and you can witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the temple complex.
• Visit the Konark Museum: The Konark Museum is located on the temple complex and houses a collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and other objects related to the temple’s history and culture. It is one of the best things to do in Puri for history lovers.
• Attend Festivals: The Konark Sun Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Konark Dance Festival, which showcases classical dance forms from all over India.
• Visit nearby beaches: Konark Sun Temple is located close to several beautiful beaches, including Puri Beach and Chandrabhaga Beach. You can visit these beaches and enjoy the natural beauty of the region to explore the best of all things to do in Puri.

Things to do in Puri (5-6) 

Attend the Puri Rath Yatra – Entertaining things to do in Puri

The Puri Rath Yatra is a famous festival that takes place in Puri every year. It is a chariot festival in which the deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out in procession on elaborately decorated chariots.

There are many things to do in Puri during the Rath Yatra. For instance, you can

• Watch the Chariot Procession: The main attraction of the Puri Rath Yatra is the ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra on chariots. You can watch the procession and witness the grandeur of the festival. It is one of the greatest things to do in Puri.
• Participate in the Chariot Pulling: Devotees can participate in the chariot pulling and pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It is believed to be an act of great devotion and is considered very auspicious.
• Attend Cultural Programs: The Puri Rath Yatra hosts several cultural programs, including music and dance performances, theatre, and other traditional art forms. Attending a cultural program is among the top things to do in Puri to enjoy the rich culture and heritage of the region.
• Visit the Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is the main temple where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshipped. You can visit the temple during the festival and seek the blessings of the deities.
• Try Local Food: The Puri Rath Yatra is a great opportunity to try local delicacies like the famous Puri Laddu, which is considered a must-have during the festival. 
• Shop for Souvenirs: The festival is a great time to shop for souvenirs and mementos, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, and other artifacts. If you like to shop, it is one of the must-do things to do in Puri.

Taste local cuisine – Things to do in Puri for foodies

Puri is known for its delicious seafood, especially prawns, crabs, and fish. You can try local delicacies like Puri Mahaprasad, Chhena Poda, and Rasagola.

The cuisine of Puri is predominantly vegetarian and features a wide range of dishes that are prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Here are some popular local dishes you can try in Puri:

• Khichdi: Khichdi is a popular rice and lentil dish that is seasoned with spices and served with ghee, pickle, and papad. Tasting such delicacies is one of the best things to do in Puri.
• Pakhala: Pakhala is a traditional Odia dish made with rice, curd, and water. It is usually served with roasted vegetables, fish, or mutton.
• Dalma: Dalma is a vegetable and lentil stew that is seasoned with spices and herbs. It is usually served with rice and is a staple dish in most Odia households.
• Chhena Poda: Chhena Poda is a traditional dessert that is made with fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom. It is baked in a clay oven and has a caramelized outer layer with a soft and creamy center. It is a very tasty dish, and you must definitely include tasting it in your list of things to do in Puri.
• Machha Besara: Machha Besara is a traditional fish curry that is prepared with mustard paste, spices, and coconut. It is usually served with rice and is a popular dish in Puri.
• Rasabali: Rasabali is a dessert that is made with flattened rice cakes, cooked in sweetened milk, and garnished with cardamom and saffron.
• Puri Laddu: Puri Laddu is a sweet that is made with gram flour, sugar, and ghee. It is a popular sweet that is offered as a prasad in the Jagannath Temple.

Things to do in Puri (7)

Shop for local handicrafts – Things to do in Puri for shopping lovers

The city is home to many talented artisans who create beautiful handicrafts using traditional techniques and materials. So, shopping is a must when visiting Puri.  

You can make visiting these places a priority, among other things to do in Puri to shop for local handicrafts in Puri:

• Utkalika: Utkalika is a government-run store that offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts from across Odisha, including Pattachitra paintings, stone carvings, applique work, and terracotta sculptures. The store is located near the Jagannath Temple and is a popular shopping destination for tourists. Visiting this shopping destination is a must, among other things to do in Puri.
• Raghurajpur: Raghurajpur is a small village near Puri that is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional art forms. The village is home to several skilled artisans who specialize in Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, and wooden carvings. You can visit the village and shop for unique and authentic handicrafts directly from the artisans.
• Puri Beach Market: The Puri Beach Market is a bustling bazaar that sells a wide range of items, including local handicrafts like brass and bell metal ware, stone carvings, and silver filigree work. You can bargain for the best price and pick up some unique souvenirs to take back home.
• Sudarshan Crafts Museum: If you wish to include shopping for handicrafts in your things to do in Puri list, you can visit this museum. Sudarshan Crafts Museum is a museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Odisha through its collection of traditional handicrafts. The museum has a shop that sells a wide range of handicrafts, including Pattachitra paintings, stone carvings, and applique work. 
• Ekamra Haat: Ekamra Haat is a traditional market that offers a wide range of handicrafts, handloom textiles, and organic food products from across Odisha. The market is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, which is about an hour’s drive from Puri.

Conclusion

In conclusion, visiting Puri is an excellent idea for those looking to explore the cultural and religious heritage of eastern India. From the world-famous Jagannath Temple to the beautiful Puri Beach, the city offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to various interests. The Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, and Raghurajpur village are also nearby destinations that add to the charm of a visit to Puri.

In addition to its beautiful landmarks and scenic beauty, Puri is also known for its rich culinary heritage and traditional handicrafts, making it an excellent destination for foodies and shoppers.

Overall, a trip to Puri offers a perfect blend of culture, religion, nature, and art, making it a memorable experience for any traveler. It offers many things to do in Puri. The city’s warm hospitality and traditional charm make it an excellent destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Also, discover top things to do in Pune here.

FAQ