1. Shree Jagannath Temple
You cannot start your Puri journey without paying homage to the divine Jagannath Temple. Located by the charming coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is the main attraction in Puri. Thousands of devotees from across the world flock to this auspicious temple every year. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, it is placed along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The stunning temple features intricate artworks of the ancient Ganga Dynasty. The deities are carved out of wood after every 12 years. Standing at an altitude of 65 m, the majestic temple spans over a large area. It has the world's largest kitchen and can feed almost 10,000 devotees a day. The best time to visit this temple is during the Ratha Yatra. It is a 9-day festival to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Gorge on the delicious "Chhapan Bhog", Chenna Poda, Rasabali, Feni, Malpua and Ukhuda. And don't forget to pack your sunscreen and sunglasses, you are certainly in for an enthralling time!
2. Konark Sun Temple
Experience exquisite Kalinga architecture at its finest at Konark Sun Temple. Established in the 13th Century by King Narasimhadeva I, this temple is one of the iconic things to see in Puri. The majestic temple is devoted to Lord Surya and features a complex iconography of a chariot with colossal wheels and horses carved out of stones. Unfortunately, the majority of the temple is now in ruins. In 1984, this historical gem was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take out a day from your trip and witness this ethereal beauty in all its glory.
3. Chilika Lake
If you are a nature enthusiast, this place is a haven for you. The impeccable water lagoon flaunts an amazing ecosystem consisting of Flamingos, White-bellied eagles, Irrawaddy dolphins, green sea turtles, and Blackbuck. The vastness of the waterbody along with the rare species will add charm to your trip. Winters are the best time to visit this untamed beauty. Migratory birds from various parts of the world also visit this place including greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana and more. You can also witness an enchanting sunrise or sunset with your loved ones along the coast of the lake.
4. Raghurajpur
As you step into this small hamlet located a few kilometres from Puri, you will be greeted with vibrant houses and artworks displayed in every nook and corner. The village uses Pattachitra art, one of the oldest art forms of Odisha. The art was practised in the 12th Century and has been passed on from generation to generation. Artisans paint on stiffened clothes made up of seven layers. Another famous form of artwork is palm-leaves painting. Although natural colours have been replaced by synthetic dyes, it is still considered a treasured art form. When in Raghurajpur, don't forget to buy some souvenirs for your friends and family.
5. Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary
Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the unique Puri attractions. Stretching across an area of 87 sq. km., the dense forest features a very extensive diverse ecosphere. It offers a stunning view of the coastal dunes, sandy beaches and exotic cashew plantations. Perched near the boundless Bay of Bengal, it is a perfect place to visit for nature lovers. If you are lucky you might spot blackbucks, spotted deer, striped hyenas, jungle cats and more. Have a fun time exploring the exquisite nature reservoir while witnessing the rare flora and fauna.
