Puri Tour Packages

1. About Puri
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Puri
4. Puri At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Puri
6. Best Time To Visit Puri
7. Best Getaways From Puri
8. Top Things To Do In Puri
9. Shopping In Puri
10. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Puri
11. Foods To Try Out In Puri
12. Art And Culture In Puri

Legend says that Sri Ramanuja, the famous Hindu philosopher, visited Puri between 1107 and 1117. In the late 12th century, Puri became one of the most vital centres for Vaishnavism with the establishment of the Purusottama Temple. This is how the city came to be known as Purushottam Kshetra back in the day. Later on, the temple came to be known as Jagannath Temple. The Afghans captured Puri in the 16th century. They were also responsible for destroying the Jagannath Temple and reducing it to ruins. It was restored by the Marathas when they ruled the region for a brief period. Under British rule, the temple was managed by the Gajapati King of Puri. Puri remained the capital of Odisha until 1816 while also being the headquarters of the Collector. Puri was integrated with Odisha in 1948.

• The Jagannath Temple in Puri forms a part of the Bada Char Dham Yatra.
• The Puri Beach hosts the Puri Beach Festival every year to celebrate the art and culture of Odisha.
• The Sakshi Gopal Temple situated on the Puri-Bhubaneswar Highway follows a unique tradition wherein the devotees give wheat-based food offerings, whereas most Lord Vishnu temples around the world have rice-based food offerings.
• The town of Pipili is an NAC (Notified Area Council) and is well-known for its applique work, which is locally called Chandua.
• The Shivalinga found within the Loknath Temple in Puri remains submerged in water and is visible only once throughout the year, right before Shivaratri.
• The Swargadwar Beach, located along the coastline of Puri, is said to have been the bathing place of the renowned Vaishnava saint Sri Chaitanyadev.
• The Gundicha Temple is believed to be the house of Lord Jagannath’s aunt, and during the Rath Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi make their journey from Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
• The world-renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014, is from Puri.

• The airport located nearest to Puri is the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar.
• Avoid having food from roadside stalls as the hygiene conditions may not be up to the mark.
• Always carry bottled water when you are out sightseeing, especially during the hot summer months, so as to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated.
• Carry sufficient cash as the local markets or autorickshaw drivers may not always accept digital payments.
• Autorickshaws and buses are some of the most accessible public transport options in Puri.
• There are certain items you’re not allowed to carry inside the Jagannath Temple in Puri, such as leather items, handbags, purses, cameras, phones, and electronic gadgets.

The following are some of the best reasons to book GT Holidays’ Puri tour packages:

If your heart has been craving to escape to the seaside, then our Puri tour packages are sure to make you extremely happy. The city of Puri is filled with some of the most popular and serene beaches, where you can indulge in watersports and enjoy gorgeous views of sunrises and sunsets. The first beach, which is a must-visit, is Puri Beach, which also goes by the name of the Golden Beach. It hosts the Puri Beach Festival every year to celebrate the vibrant art and culture of Odisha. Explore the Swargadwar Beach, which has deep spiritual significance as it is believed to be the bathing place of the revered Vaishnava saint Sri Chaitanyadev.

Puri is known as the spiritual capital of Odisha. Getting to visit all the places of spiritual and religious significance in the city is definitely a major reason to book our Puri tour packages. The primary place of worship that’s visited by millions of devotees is the Jagannath Temple. Built as a dedication to Lord Jagannath, this is where the popular religious festival called Rath Yatra takes place on a yearly basis. Pay a visit to the Sakshi Gopal Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is built in the Kalinga style of architecture. A temple in Puri with a deep-rooted mythological significance is the Loknath Temple. The Shivalinga found within this temple remains submerged in water and is visible just once throughout the year on the occasion of Pankodhar Ekadashi. It’s believed that this temple came into existence when Lord Ram visited the location on his quest to find Sita.

No trip is complete without trying out the local cuisine, and believe us when we say that the chance to taste Odia cuisine is a great reason to grab our Puri tour packages. Given the location of Puri, you will come across various fish dishes in the city, such as macha ghanta and chungdi malai. There are also plenty of unique and delicious vegetarian dishes in Puri you can check out, including dalma and santula. For everyone out there with a sweet tooth, the desserts to turn to include rasabali and chhena poda.

The rich culture of Puri continues to be an alluring factor that draws in flocks of tourists to the city each year. One of the ways in which Puri’s culture shines bright is through its vibrant festivals. Among these festivals, the most significant one is the Rath Yatra, which is when the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are carried from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on big, beautiful wooden chariots. There is also the Puri Beach Festival, which takes place for five days at Puri Beach, proudly celebrating and promoting the art, culture, cuisine, and tourism of Puri. The handicrafts of Puri also add to the cultural importance of Puri. This includes the applique work created in the heritage craft village of Pipili and the scroll paintings known as Pattachitra art found in the village of Raghurajpur.

The city of Puri is known to have a tropical and moderate climate. Let’s take a look at what each season in Puri is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Puri tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range in Puri oscillates between 24 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. On some days, it can go as high as 45 degrees Celsius. The weather is extremely hot and humid at this time, thereby making it not the ideal period to visit Puri. Although it’s not comfortable to explore all of Puri’s tourist attractions during the summer months, it’s the right time to relax at the beaches and take a dip in its waters. You could also get offers and discounts if you book your holiday for this period with our Puri tour packages. Make sure to carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to prevent yourself from getting sunburn. Also, pack light and comfortable clothes and always carry bottled water to stay hydrated amidst the hot days.

The range of temperature to expect in Puri during the monsoon season is between 27 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. The rain brings about some much-needed respite from the scorching heat. The heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are usually the reasons why some people avoid visiting Puri at this time. Road accidents, too, can occur due to the weather conditions. Therefore, if you book our Puri tour packages for this season, then make your plans accordingly. The sacred Rath Yatra occurs during this season, bringing in millions of devotees from all over the world. Remember to pack umbrellas, gumboots, a windcheater, and sturdy footwear.

During the winter months, the temperature range in Puri oscillates between 17 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. The cool and pleasant weather makes this the best time to visit the city with our Puri tour packages. It’s the ideal time for tourists to explore places like Puri Beach, Swargadwar Beach, Chilika Lake, Sudarshan Crafts Museum, and Markandeshwar Temple. Since this is the peak tourist season, it’s better to make your travel bookings in advance. As it can get a bit chilly, it’s best to carry a light jacket. Some of the festivals celebrated in Puri at this time are the Puri Beach Festival and Makar Sankranti.

Konark is a town located in the Puri district of Odisha. One of the most iconic tourist attractions to witness in Konark with our Puri tour packages is the Sun Temple, or the Konark Sun Temple. Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, the temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 13th century. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Make your way to Chandrabhaga Beach, which is where the International Sand Art Festival takes place each year. Legend says that it was at this location that Samba, who is the son of Lord Krishna, prayed to the Sun God so that he could be cured of leprosy. Some of the other places to explore in Konark are the Ramachandi Temple, ASI Museum, and Kuruma.

Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. The name of the city is derived from ‘Tribhubaneswar’, which translates to ‘The Lord of the Three Worlds’. This is in reference to Lord Shiva, who is revered as the presiding deity of the region. Renowned as India’s ‘Temple City’, Bhubaneswar is said to have more than 700 temples, many of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Bhubaneswar with our Puri tour packages are the Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Mukteswar Temple, and Rajarani Temple.

The Chilika Lake in Odisha is renowned as the largest brackish water lake in Asia. Covering an area of over 1,100 sq km, it spans across the districts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. The lake is known to be the Indian subcontinent’s biggest wintering ground for migratory birds. It has been listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists can spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins with our Puri tour packages at this lake, which forms an integral part of the culture of Odisha. About 400 years ago, a poem was written by Purushottam Das, who was a devotee of Lord Jagannath. The poem was based on Lord Krishna dancing with Maniki, a milkmaid who came to sell curd on the banks of Chilika Lake.

Situated about 14 km from Puri, the village of Raghurajpur is renowned for being the first heritage crafts village of Odisha. It was developed by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) as a heritage village in 2000. The village is known for its Pattachitra art, which is an ancient scroll painting tradition that features stories from mythological epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These Pattachitra paintings feature mythological tales, vibrant hues, and intricate details. In addition to Pattachitra art, the village is known for stone and wood carvings, palm leaf engravings, Gotipua dance troupes, and papier-mache toys.

By booking our Puri tour packages, you get to experience the beauty of Puri to its fullest. Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Puri and activities to indulge in during your trip:

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a revered form of Lord Vishnu. Millions of devotees visit the temple each year, and it receives a high number of attendees during the famous Rath Yatra, which takes place annually. The temple forms a part of the Bada Char Dham Yatra. It was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Featuring the Kalinga style of architecture, there are smaller temples located within the main complex.

If you’re booking a trip with our Puri tour packages, chances are that one of the tourist attractions you’re most looking forward to is the Puri Beach. Also known as the Golden Beach, Puri Beach is renowned for its glittering golden sands, azure waters, and spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets. When you walk along the shore of the beach, you will come across little stalls selling snacks. You can also explore the market along the beach, selling items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, and so on. Every year, a cultural event known as the Puri Beach Festival is organised at the beach, celebrating the art, culture, and cuisine of Odisha.

The Sakshi Gopal Temple, which is situated on the Puri-Bhubaneswar Highway, can be found approximately 20 km from Puri. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna (in his Sakshi Gopal avatar) and Radha, his companion. Also known as Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple, this temple has a very unique tradition. The unique factor is that while most Lord Vishnu temples around the world have rice-based food offerings, the devotees who visit this particular temple give wheat-based food offerings. Featuring the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple has an idol of Lord Krishna playing the flute and an idol of Radha placed right next to him.

Situated about 40 km from Puri, Pipili is a town and an NAC (Notified Area Council) in Odisha’s Puri district. This heritage craft village is renowned for its applique work, which is locally known as Chandua. When the craft first originated, the craftsmen would usually make objects for Lord Jagannath’s temple processions, such as canopies, umbrellas, and banners. However, as this artform grew in popularity, various other kinds of objects came to be made for visitors to purchase. This includes cushion covers, handbags, and wall hangings. You can experience the visual beauty of this craft when you visit the town with our Puri tour packages.

The Loknath Temple in Puri is located about 2 km from the Shree Jagannath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, an intriguing feature of this temple is that it houses a Shivalinga which remains submerged in water, thereby signifying the flow of Goddess Ganga from the matted locks of Lord Shiva, manifesting itself as a stream within this temple. The Shivalinga is visible only once throughout the year, and this occurrence takes place during Pankodhar Ekadashi, which happens right before Shivaratri. It’s a holy spectacle that you can witness yourself if you plan your trip accordingly with our Puri tour packages.

The legend associated with this temple is immensely interesting. As per legend, while Lord Rama was on his quest to find Goddess Sita, he paused in Puri for a while with a strong desire to see Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, someone from the nearby village of Sabarapalli offered Lord Rama a lau or lauki (pumpkin), which resembled a Shivalinga. Upon recognising the sacred value of this gesture, Lord Rama installed the lauki as a humble offering and prayed to Lord Shiva to succeed in his mission. This is how the Laukanatha Temple came into being, and it eventually came to be known as the Loknath Temple.

The Swargadwar Beach is situated along the vibrant coastline of Puri. The name of the beach translates to ‘gateway to heaven’ or ‘door to heaven’, thereby signifying the religious and spiritual importance of the place. It’s believed that taking a dip in these waters enables people to attain salvation and purify their souls. Located close to the Jagannath Temple, there is another reason why this location is so revered, as it’s said to be the bathing place of Sri Chaitanyadev, who was a renowned Vaishnava saint.

The Gundicha Temple is located about 3 km from the revered Jagannath Temple. Popularly known as the Garden House of Jagannath, it’s also recognised as the house of Lord Jagannath’s aunt. The temple was named after Queen Gundicha, who was the wife of King Indradyumna. During the Ratha Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi leave for their journey from Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. They are transported in separate, massive wooden chariots. This journey is known as the Gundicha Yatra. During this period, devotees get the chance to experience the revered viewing of the idols within the Gundicha Temple, known as the Adapa Darshana.

• Kayaking, swimming, surfing, and jet skiing at Puri Beach
• Speed boat rides at Chilika Lake
• Paragliding near the Puri-Konark Marine Drive

Here are the best things to buy from Puri and the places to shop in the city:

Odisha is famous for its filigree work, which refers to jewellery and other kinds of objects carved out of silver. You can find various types of jewellery featuring filigree work, such as earrings, necklaces, pendants, bangles, and brooches.

Pipili is a village located in the Puri district of Odisha. The village is known for its applique work. Some of the different kinds of souvenirs created by the artisans under this category are umbrellas, bags, lamps, bedsheets, and cushion covers.

Pattachitra paintings refer to an ancient art form of scroll paintings that are made using natural dyes and pigments. The subjects of these paintings are often related to deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Since Puri has a deep religious and spiritual significance, you will come across various types of religious mementoes to carry back home for yourself and your loved ones. This includes idols of deities, rudraksha malas, and so on.

If you like to collect fabrics and textiles originating from India, then Puri is the best place to shop. The city has a rich variety of textiles and handloom items you can purchase, including Bomkai cotton and Sambalpuri sarees.

• Swargadwar Market: For handicrafts, clothes, jewellery, souvenirs.
• Puri Beach Market: For seashell jewellery, bags, handicrafts, local food.
• Pipili: For applique work items like handbags, umbrellas, cushions, wall hangings.
• Grand Road Market: For religious souvenirs and stone sculptures.
• Raghurajpur: For Pattachitra paintings.

• Bargaining is very common in the markets of Puri. Be polite as you negotiate and keep bargaining till you reach a middle ground with the shopkeeper.
• Carry cash, as some of the smaller stores or markets may not accept credit or debit cards or UPI payments.
• Make sure to shop from reputable stores when buying handicrafts and textiles.
• If you’re planning to travel longer distances, request the store to pack the souvenirs in multiple layers so that they stay protected in transit.

• Don’t engage in public displays of affection.
• When you visit Puri Beach or any other beach in Puri, swim only in the designated safe zones. Don’t venture too far out into the sea as the currents can be strong, and always follow the warnings given by the lifeguards.
• Remove your shoes before entering a religious or spiritual place.
• Taking photos within the Jagannath Temple is strictly prohibited; therefore, follow the rule to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
• When you visit a temple or any other place of worship, always dress modestly and keep your knees and shoulders covered. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts, and carry a scarf in case you are asked to cover yourself up.
• Maintain proper decorum when you’re at a sacred spot. This also means that you must not argue or speak loudly or behave disrespectfully in any manner.
• Always take your shoes off before entering someone’s home.
• Show genuine interest in the local culture, customs, and traditions, and don’t pass insensitive comments regarding religion and spirituality.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the city and don’t litter. If you need to throw something away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin. Remember to especially not litter at the beaches and around the spiritual spots.

Eating around in Puri enables you to experience the nuances of Odia cuisine. The food of Odisha makes use of a few spices and locally sourced and fresh ingredients. The geography of the region entails that you will find plenty of seafood, grains, and vegetables. Rice is one of the staples in Odia cuisine, and mustard oil is often used for many dishes. The cuisine of Odisha is influenced by West Bengal, North India, and Assam, which is reflected in its inclusion of rice, fish, and lentils. Let’s take a look at some of the Odia dishes you absolutely must try during your trip with our Puri tour packages:

Chhena poda can be considered the Odia version of a cheesecake. Literally translating to ‘burnt cheese’, the dish is made using fresh cottage cheese or chhena. Some of the other ingredients that go into making this dessert are sugar, cardamom, semolina, cashew nuts, and raisins. It’s believed to be the favourite sweet of Lord Jagannath and is often presented by devotees as an offering at Puri’s Jagannath Temple.

Pakhala bhata is a traditional Odia dish made by soaking cooked rice in water. It’s often fermented overnight and is usually served along with curd, fish, green chillies, and fried vegetables. The fermentation gives the rice a slightly tangy taste and also lends it certain cooling and refreshing properties. Such is the cultural significance of this traditional dish that there is an entire day dedicated to it, known as the Pakhala Dibasa. Also known as Pakhala Day, it is celebrated on 20th March.

Are you a lover of dal? If so, then you must try out the unique Odia version of dal, known as dalma. Moong dal or toor dal can be used for this preparation. The dish also includes vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, papaya, raw bananas, and eggplant. The spices that increase the flavour of a bowl of dalma are cumin seeds, bay leaves, and dry red chillies. A bit of ghee adds to the richness of this concoction. Dalma is usually served with steamed rice.

Chungdi malai is yet another example of the richness of seafood in Puri and Odisha as a whole. Chungdi means ‘prawns’ in Odisha’s local language, and chungdi malai refers to a creamy prawn curry. The use of coconut milk is what gives this curry a delightfully rich and creamy flavour. The spices added to this curry include cardamom, cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, red chilli powder, ginger, and onions. Served alongside steamed rice, this prawn curry is usually garnished with coriander leaves.

Santula is a traditional Odia vegetable stew. Some of the vegetables used to make this dish are raw papaya, brinjal, potatoes, pumpkin, and tomatoes. The spices often used to make santula are mustard seeds, cumin, panch phoran, and green chillies. It’s flavoured using ginger and garlic, and salt is used to season the dish. This light and wholesome dish can be served with rice as well as roti.

Macha ghanta is a traditional fish curry in Odisha, and is usually made using freshwater fish. It contains a rich gravy with fried fish in it. The ingredients that go into making this dish include onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cardamom, garlic, chilli powder, and cinnamon sticks. It’s usually served along with steamed rice and salad.

When you’re in the mood for something sweet in Puri, you can always turn to the sweet dish called rasabali. This dessert refers to deep-fried, flattened, reddish-brown patties made from cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese. Soaked in sweetened and thickened milk, the resulting texture of this sweet dish is soft and slightly chewy. The mild hint of cardamom adds to the overall flavour.

One cannot visit Puri without making their way to the heritage craft village of Pipili, which is well-known for its applique work called Chandua. The roots of this traditional craft can be traced back to the 12th century and are deeply tied to the spiritual culture of the revered Jagannath Temple. Created for the Rath Yatra festival, the art involves a base cloth on which vividly coloured fabric patches are stitched. Initially, these objects were meant for the daily religious ceremonies and Rath Yatra processions of Lord Jagannath, such as umbrellas, canopies, and banners. However, as the popularity of this artform grew, the artisans came to produce other objects as well for commercial consumption. This includes wall hangings, handbags, cushion covers, and lamp shades.

The village of Raghurajpur is popular for producing Pattachitra art, which is an ancient tradition of scroll painting. Having originated from Odisha and West Bengal, the word ‘patta’ means ‘cloth’ and ‘chitra’ ‘picture’, thereby translating to ‘picture on cloth’. Pigments and natural dyes are used by the artisans to create these paintings on pieces of cloth, featuring vibrant colours, mythological narratives, and intricate designs. These paintings include tales from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Some of the other art forms you can witness in the village of Raghurajpur with our Puri tour packages are palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, and papier-mache toys. This is also where the traditional dance form of Gotipua is practised. Raghurajpur is the birthplace of Kelucharan Mohapatra, the late Odissi dancer who received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2000.

Various vibrant and colourful festivals are celebrated in Puri throughout the year. The most integral festival in Puri has to be the Rath Yatra, which is often considered to be the largest and oldest Hindu chariot festival. During this annual festival, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on beautifully embellished and massive wooden chariots and carried from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. It usually takes place in the month of June or July. There is the Puri Beach Festival, which is an annual 5-day festival occurring in the month of November. The aim of the festival is to celebrate and promote the art, culture, and tourism of Odisha. It features sand art, cultural performances, and local culinary delights, among other things. Some of the festivals you could experience with our Puri tour packages are Snana Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and Gosani Jatra.