What To Do In Puri, Odisha, Beyond Jagannath Temple

There are some places on Earth that feel different in their serenity — and Puri is one of them. This seaside town in Odisha, located about 60 kilometres from the state capital Bhubaneswar, has attracted pilgrims, seekers and travellers for centuries. The place is best known for the sacred Jagannath Temple. The nearby Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of temple architecture in India, often referred to as a masterpiece of stone craftsmanship.

You begin to sense this spiritual atmosphere even while passing through Bhubaneswar, often called the Temple City of Odisha, known for its hundreds of historic temples (though not all 700 survive today).

What Puri, Odisha is known for:

• The coastline and beaches
• The Jagannath Temple
• Seafood
• Mahaprasad (sacred temple food)
• Mukteswara Temple (Bhubaneswar)
• Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar)
• Bindusagar Lake (Bhubaneswar)

How to plan your trip:

A 3-day trip works well, though extending it to 4–5 days allows for a more relaxed and immersive experience.

Getting there:

By air:
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. From there, you can continue to Puri by road (around 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic).

By train:
Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) is a major rail hub. It is located about 4 km from the airport.

• Exit 1: Master Canteen Square (main exit)
• Exit 2: Cuttack Road

Some trains also stop at Bhubaneswar New (BBSN), so it is advisable to check your ticket.
From Bhubaneswar, trains and buses to Puri are frequent. The distance between Bhubaneswar and Puri is around 60 km.

Local transport options:

1. Mo Bus (public transport)
Air-conditioned city buses run between Bhubaneswar and Puri as well as within the city. Tickets can be purchased onboard or via the Mo Bus app.

2. App cabs and bikes
Uber, Ola and Rapido operate widely in Bhubaneswar.

3. Auto-rickshaws
Available easily outside railway stations and across the city.

Visiting the Jagannath Temple:

Photo Credit: Pexels

An hour-and-a-half drive from Bhubaneswar takes you to Puri, where the coastal landscape replaces the bustle of the city.

The Jagannath Temple, built in the 12th century, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Visitors are required to leave behind mobile phones, cameras and leather items before entering the temple complex.

Non-Hindus are not permitted inside but can view the temple from nearby terraces such as the Raghunandan Library building.

Ananda Bazaar, located within the temple complex, is one of the largest temple kitchens in the world. Food is prepared in earthen pots stacked over wood-fired hearths. It is believed that the cooking follows unique traditional practices, and the Mahaprasad is served to thousands of devotees daily.

On your way out, do try khaja, a flaky, layered sweet associated with the temple.

Also Read: Why Kullu In Himachal Is Famous Among Tourists, And Top Places To Visit

Local sightseeing in Bhubaneswar:

Photo Credit: Pexels

Early mornings are ideal for visiting the temple district.

Mukteswara Temple: A 10th-century temple known for its intricate carvings and ornate archway, often compared to fine jewellery.

Lingaraj Temple: About 180 feet tall, this is one of the most prominent temples in Bhubaneswar. Entry is restricted to Hindus, but the structure can be viewed from outside.

Bindusagar Lake: Located near Lingaraj Temple, it is a serene stop that marks the end of a short sightseeing circuit.

Sun, sea and seafood: Puri Beach

Photo Credit: Deeksha

Puri Beach offers a slower pace and wide shoreline. Parts of it have received Blue Flag certification, indicating maintained cleanliness and facilities.

In the morning, you may spot fishermen at work. By evening, the beachfront becomes livelier, with food stalls and fresh seafood on offer — especially prawns sourced locally and from Chilika Lake.

Culinary spotlight:

Photo Credit: Pexels

Odisha's coastal cuisine features prominently spiced seafood, often using mustard-based gravies.

• Chingudi Bhaja – Fried prawns with turmeric and mustard oil
• Chingudi Besara – Prawns cooked in mustard-based gravy, sometimes with tangy notes
• Poi Chingudi Ghanta – A home-style dish combining prawns with greens and vegetables
• Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice with curd and spices) is a popular accompaniment, especially during warmer months.

Also Read: Cycling On A Runway, Dining By A Lighthouse: My Dreamy Escape To Desroches Island, Seychelles

Eating options:

Dalma Restaurant in Bhubaneswar is known for traditional Odia cuisine, including thalis and seafood dishes.

In Puri, beachside shacks and small eateries serve freshly cooked seafood, easily accessible from the main promenade.

Best time to visit:

October to February offers the most comfortable weather for both temple visits and beach time.

Exception: The Rath Yatra, held in June or July, draws large crowds and significantly changes the experience of the city.

Travelling from Bhubaneswar to Puri offers a blend of temple heritage and coastal calm, without the intensity of heavily commercialised destinations.