Puri, India
Region: Odisha
Geographic Coordinates: 19.810600, 85.831400
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 201026
Language: Odia
Puri is a stunning coastal city located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, Known for its rich cultural heritage, Magnificent temples and beautiful beaches. The city has been an important pilgrimage center since ancient times and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The Jagannath Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Puri, Dating back to the 12th century. This temple complex also includes several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra. Apart from its religious significance, Puri is famous for its beautiful beaches like Puri Beach and Konark Beach.
These beaches are perfect for swimming, Sunbathing or taking long walks along the shoreline while enjoying stunning views of sunrise or sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Puri’s vibrant local culture can be seen in various festivals such as Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) held annually at Jagannath Temple where thousands gather to witness three chariots carrying idols through the streets. Visitors can also explore fascinating museums such as Raghurajpur Heritage Village which showcases traditional art forms like pattachitra (cloth paintings), Palm leaf engravings etc., Making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.
The food scene in Puri deserves special mention with its delicious seafood delicacies being one-of-a-kind experiences not found anywhere else in India. From fresh prawns cooked with coconut milk to spicy crab curries served with steamed rice, There’s something here that will satisfy even those who are hard-to-please when it comes to culinary delights. Overall, Puri offers visitors a unique blend of spirituality, History, Culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, You’ll find it all here in this charming coastal city.
- Jagannath Temple
- Puri Beach
- Chilika Lake
- Konark Sun Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Lokanath Temple
- Raghurajpur Artist Village
- Pipili Applique Village
- Narendra Tank
- Tota Gopinath Temple
- Tourism
- Handicrafts
- Fishing
- Agriculture
- Small-scale industries such as textiles and handloom
The city is famous for:
- Beaches
- Temples (especially the Jagannath Temple)
- Cultural festivals like the Rath Yatra
Handicrafts popular in Puri:
- Applique work
- Wood carving
- Stone carving
- Pattachitra painting
Occupations in Puri:
- Fishing is a major occupation of the people living near the coast
- Agriculture mainly involves cultivation of rice and coconut
- The city also has a few small-scale industries that produce textiles and handloom products
- The Jagannath Temple is a significant historical landmark in Puri, constructed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva during the 12th century.
- Lord Jagannath is a revered deity in Hinduism and worshipped at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The Rath Yatra festival, where his chariot is pulled through the streets, draws millions of devotees annually.
- Raja Ravi Varma, one of India’s most famous painters, spent a considerable amount of time living and working in Puri during his career.
- Sarala Das was a 15th-century poet who wrote extensively about Lord Jagannath and life in Puri.
- Puri is known as one of the birthplaces of Odissi dance – an Indian classical dance form that originated from Odisha.
- In 1518, Sultan Qutb Shah led an invasion against King Pratap Rudra Deva II that resulted in a battle near Cuttack ending with Qutb Shah’s defeat.
- While not located directly within Puri itself, Konark Sun Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Surya (the sun god) – lies just a short distance away and remains one of India’s most iconic architectural landmarks to this day.
- Jagannath Temple
- Chilika Lake
- Puri Beach
- Konark Sun Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Lokanath Temple
- Raghurajpur Artist Village
- Sudarshan Crafts Museum
- Pipili Village (known for its applique work)
- Shree Lokanath Brahmachari Ashram and Museum
- After conducting research, it appears that Puri does not have any prominent sports teams with significant histories.
- The city is more well-known for its religious and cultural significance, particularly the Jagannath Temple and the Rath Yatra festival.
- Nonetheless, there may be local amateur sports teams in Puri that are not widely known or documented.
- Rath Yatra is a 9-day long festival celebrated in June or July every year in Puri. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, are taken out on huge chariots for a grand procession.
- The Beach Festival takes place annually in November or December at Puri beach. It features cultural programs, beach sports, food stalls and other fun activities.
- Konark Dance Festival is held during December every year at the Konark Sun Temple near Puri where renowned classical dancers from all over India perform.
- The Puri Beach Carnival is celebrated in January each year and features various cultural programs including music and dance performances by local artists.
- Snana Yatra is an annual ritual that takes place three days before Rath Yatra where Lord Jagannath and his siblings are bathed with 108 pots of water infused with fragrant herbs.
- Chandan Yatra starts from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) and ends on the full moon day of Jyestha (May-June). The idols of Lord Jagannath are taken out for a boat ride on Narendra Tank during this month-long festival.
- Kartik Purnima Mela attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to take a dip in the holy waters of Mahodadhi Lake and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath at the temple complex during November-December each year.
- Basanta Utsav marks Holi celebrations during March-April each year in an eco-friendly manner using natural colors made from flowers instead of synthetic ones.
- Toshali National Crafts Mela showcases traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and textiles from all over India annually between December 15th to January 14th at the Puri Beach as part of a cultural festival celebration.
- Mahodadhi Palace: This restaurant serves a variety of seafood dishes, including prawns, crab, and fish.
- Annapurna Restaurant: This vegetarian restaurant offers traditional Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and sambar.
- Wildgrass Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of Indian and continental cuisine with a focus on organic ingredients.
- Chung Wah Restaurant: This Chinese restaurant is known for its delicious noodles and dumplings.
- Bhojohori Manna: This Bengali restaurant is famous for its fish curry, prawn malai curry, and other traditional Bengali dishes.
- Kakatua Bar & Restaurant: This bar cum restaurant serves cocktails along with seafood platters and other continental dishes.
- Chakra Tirtha Road Food Stalls: These street food stalls offer delicious snacks like chaat papdi, golgappa (pani puri), dahi vada (lentil dumpling in yogurt), etc., at affordable prices.
- The Gajapati Hotel’s Garden Cafe & Bar: It serves different types of coffee along with some light snacks which can be enjoyed while sitting in the garden area of the hotel premises.
- Jagannath Temple: This is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site and an important landmark in Puri.
- Chilika Lake: The largest saltwater lagoon in India, it is home to diverse aquatic animals and birds.
- Golden Beach: A popular beach in Puri, famous for its golden sand, clear water, and stunning sunset views.
- Konark Sun Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to the sun god Surya and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Puri Beach: A serene beach with calm waters and soft sand that offers a relaxing atmosphere.
- Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary: Covering an area of 87 square kilometers, this sanctuary houses various species of flora and fauna.
- Sudarshan Crafts Museum: This museum displays traditional handicrafts from Odisha such as stone carvings, paintings, textiles, etc.
- Pipili Village: Known for its applique work on fabrics like umbrellas and bags; it lies on the way from Bhubaneswar to Puri
- Narendra Tank : Built during the 15th century AD by King Narendra Deva; now caters as a bird sanctuary
- Raghurajpur Artist Village : An artisan village where artists make pattachitra paintings, wooden toys etc.
