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Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the four important of the original holy Char Dham Yatra of Hinduism and is a key inclusion in India tour packages, especially for spiritual seekers. The city is renowned for the illustrious Sri Jagannath Temple. Being a coastal city, Puri also boasts some pristine beaches in India. Known for its temples, stunning beaches, and vibrant festivals, Puri offers numerous attractions for visitors. If you have a limited timeframe of two days to explore Puri, we have identified the essential sites to ensure you make the most of your visit. The Rath Yatra, occurring in June-July, is an event that should not be missed so consider planning your Puri 2-day trip during this period.
Sri Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple is a revered religious site in the center of Puri town in Orissa. It is the most revered pilgrimage site for Hindus as it is included in the pious Char Dham Yatra with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra, this legendary 12th-century edifice is one of the must-visit tourist places in Puri. The temple is renowned for its intricate carvings and exemplifies the Kalinga architectural style. Unlike the stone statues typically found in other Hindu temples, the primary deities here are crafted from wood and are replaced every twelve years. Additionally, the temple is famous for housing the largest kitchen in the world, where thousands of devotees are served daily. The temple also hosts the internationally recognized Rath Yatra, or Chariot festival, which takes place in June or July and draws numerous pilgrims from across India and beyond as part of the Puri tour packages.
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Narendra Tank / Narendra Pokhar
Known as Chandana Pushkarini, the sacred Narendra Tank is one of the largest water bodies in Orissa and among the must-visit places in Puri tour from Bhubaneshwar. Constructed in the 15th century AD by Narendra Dev, who governed alongside Purushottama, this expansive tank features an island at its center, which is home to a small temple named Chandana Mandapa, linked to the southern bank by a bridge. Revered as a holy site, the tank is surrounded by numerous temples, both large and small. It boasts 16 ghats that offer pilgrims the chance to participate in a sacred bath while in Puri, among the most prominent places to visit near Bhubaneshwar. This location is also renowned for hosting the annual Chandana Yatra of Lord Jagannath, during which all deities, both major and minor, are brought from their temples, adorned with Chandana paste, and subsequently cleansed with the tank's sacred waters.
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Gundicha Temple
Gundicha Temple stands as a prominent Hindu shrine that should be included in any Puri 2-day tour itinerary. Constructed by Gundicha Maharani, the consort of King Indradyumna, who established the first Jagannath Temple, this temple is situated adjacent to the Jagannath Temple. It is affectionately known as the residence of Lord Jagannath's aunt, as the deity is relocated to the Gundicha Temple for seven days during the Rath Yatra festival. Additionally, it is referred to as the Garden House of Lord Jagannath due to its placement within a picturesque garden. The temple showcases a unique Kalinga architectural style, featuring exquisite and intricate stone carvings that are a testament to its artistic significance. Each year, the Ratha Yatra concludes at this temple, which is enveloped by verdant gardens and towering coconut trees that provide a refreshing ambiance.
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Sudarshan Craft Museum
Sudarshan Craft Museum stands as an essential place to visit in Puri for enthusiasts of art, offering a profound experience through its exceptional collection of artworks that vividly represent the nation's rich traditions and culture. Founded by Sri Sudarshan Sahoo, the museum aims to provide a space where both artists and art aficionados can appreciate the progression of contemporary craftsmanship. Its impressive assortment includes sculptures, handicrafts, intricate carvings in stone and wood, fiberglass creations, and paintings. Additionally, the museum serves as a platform for emerging artists to present their creations to a broader audience. Visitors can also explore a Japanese-style Buddhist temple, a library, and a workshop within the museum grounds while in Puri, among the prominent pilgrimage sites near Bhubaneshwar. Furthermore, the museum offers metal figurines and stone carvings for sale.
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Puri Beach
Puri Beach is an unspoiled beach situated along the Bay of Bengal in Puri, Odisha. It is regarded as one of the cleanest beaches in India and among the top tourist attractions in Puri. Characterized by its soft white sands and transparent waters, Puri Beach is celebrated for its serene environment. This beach remains a sacred site, attracting countless pilgrims who seek a purifying dip while visiting Puri to pay their respects to Lord Jagannath, one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in India. Tourists can enjoy leisurely walks and explore a variety of pearl and seashell souvenirs offered by local merchants. Additionally, the beach is famous for the intricate sand sculptures created by the internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik. It also hosts the annual Puri Beach Festival.
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Chilika Lake & Sanctuary
Situated at the confluence of the Daya River, Chilika Lake stands as the biggest inland saltwater lagoon in Asia and ranks as the second largest saltwater lagoon globally, following the New Caledonian barrier reef. Covering an area of 1,100 square kilometers, the pear-shaped lake extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjam district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats. The lake is adorned with numerous small islands, including the picturesque Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island. It serves as a vital ecosystem, rich in fishery resources. In 1981, Chilika Lake was recognized as the first Indian wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention. Additionally, it functions as a crucial ecosystem within the Chilika Lake Sanctuary, which is the largest wintering habitat for migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent and is among the notable wildlife sanctuaries near Bhubaneswar. Renowned for its diverse aquatic wildlife, the Chilika Lake Sanctuary is also home to the Irrawaddy dolphins. Boating is a highly favored activity at Chilika.
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Raghurajpur Craft Village
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village near Puri known for its world-famous Pattachitra paintings. Established in 2000, it holds the distinction of being the first heritage craft village in Odisha. The village is home to skilled artisans who create exquisite artworks on treated cloth, dried palm leaves, or paper. This painting style is among the oldest and most esteemed art forms in Odisha. Additionally, Raghurajpur is the birthplace of the illustrious Odissi dancer Kelucharan Mohapatra. The region is also known for producing various crafts, including Tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, as well as toys and masks made from wood, cow dung, and papier-mâché. Notably, it is the sole location where traditional decorations are utilized beneath the throne of Lord Jagannath during the annual Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival. Furthermore, Raghurajpur hosts the annual Basant Utsav – Parampara Raghurajpur (Spring Festival) in February or March, attracting a significant number of tourists as part of their Puri tour from Vizag.
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Pipili
Pipili or Pipli is a town near Puri famous for appliqué work locally known as Chandua, the traditional art form of Orissa. The village was set up to accommodate the craftsmen of Orissa. Initially, these artisans focused on creating banners, umbrellas, and canopies for festive events; however, as the art gained popularity, they expanded their repertoire to include a variety of utilitarian items. The appliqué work from Pipili is arguably the most recognized handicraft in Puri and its neighboring regions. This craft entails the embroidery and stitching of small pieces of colored fabric featuring motifs such as flowers, animals, village scenes, and traditional designs onto a larger base fabric. Common items produced through this appliqué patchwork include garden umbrellas, wallets, wall hangings, lampshades, pouches, and bags. Numerous shops in the area offer a wide range of textiles in both silk and cotton, showcasing exquisite ikat and bomkai designs. Additionally, one can find filigree silver jewelry, bidriware, lampshades, and a plethora of gifting items available for purchase.
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