Puri, most budget-friendly destination says Agoda
A beautiful coastal city along the Bay of Bengal, Puri is a hub of vibrant cultural aspects and nearby attractions
Entrancing blue waters of the Chilika Lake hosting migratory birds from faraway countries, Puri in Odisha is a weekend destination for many in Eastern India and the backbone of tourism in the state. The destination was recently named the top of the list of pocket-friendly destinations around the world in a survey conducted by travel firm Agoda.
About 60 km from the capital Bhubaneswar, Puri is a beautiful coastal city situated along the Bay of Bengal, bestowed with a bounty of vibrant cultural aspects and nearby attractions. This city is considered to be one of the Char Dhams (four abodes) of Hinduism, the others being Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu and Dwarika in Gujarat. The city represents the history of India through art and culture depicted in intricate designs of mythological characters and stories on handicrafts, the myriad of attractions never seem to cease. Here are some of the unmissable activities to explore in this ancient beachtown.
Puri beach
Sunset on the beach with the sound of waves crashing on to the shores, the Puri beach is bustling with tourists all year round. It was one of the first beaches in India to be accorded the Blue Flag recognition by a Danish firm for adhering to strict norms for ecological preservation and sustainable tourism. It has also been recognised as India’s cleanest beach. Situated in the coastline of Bay of Bengal, the beach is a lovely stretch of shoreline, with the sun shining on its crystal-clear seas. It is perfect for vacationers seeking some quiet as it is only 60 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sun Temple in Konark. In addition to its religious significance, it is a popular tourist destination due to its pristine sandy beach and crashing waves.
How to reach: 2 km from Puri railway station
Chilika Lake
What makes the lake unique in its beauty is the serene environment, vast stretch of blue water, green hills, and over 150 kinds of migrating birds. It also supports a variety of weeds, insects, and amphibians. At the mouth of the Daya River, which empties into the Bay of Bengal, is Chilika Lake, one of the top tourist attractions in the region. Chilika Lake, a saltwater lagoon, offers a variety of activities for tourists to take part in activities like fishing, boating, and picnics. A hotspot for biodiversity, head to the stunning Chilika Lake for a sweet escape.
How to reach: By a car or bus, about 40 km from Puri
Pipli Village
Colourful displays of local and traditional art, the hard work that belies in the making, allure visitors in this underrated village of fascinating handicrafts. The appliqué work at the ancient craft village Pipili is Odisha’s most well-known art export, along with Pattachitra and stone work. The town’s whole economy is reliant on the incredible crafts it produces and sells, primarily to visitors to Puri.
How to reach: It is about 35 km from Puri
Astaranga Beach
Adorned with fine golden sand and gushing waves, Astaranga Beach is a spellbinding beach just a short drive away from Puri. Astaranga, which means “colourful sunset,” is best renowned for offering exquisite sunset views as implied by its name. The sky takes on dazzling hues, and the blue water in contrast to it gives the entire scene a wonderful appearance. The popular fishing community of Astaranga has a market set up on the beach each morning where you can buy a variety of fresh fishes.
How to reach: About 70 km from Puri
Konark Temple
The enormous temple honouring the Sun God is built in the shape of a chariot, drawn by seven horses, representing the seven days of the week. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple at Konark dates back to the 7th century so no wonder the architecture is something to marvel at! It is composed of statues of the sun deity, depicted in three different images and positioned in three different directions to precisely capture the sun’s rays during mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
How to reach: About 35 km from Puri
Chandrabhaga beach
Walking down the empty beach, with the setting sun on the horizon is just magical. That’s what Chandrabhaga offers to its visitors. Located at the Konark, the beach is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset. As per legend Sambha son of Lord Krishna prayed here to the Sun God and through the latter’s blessings he got rid of leprosy. Thus the beach has an important spiritual significance in Odisha. It’s also the venue of the famous “International sand Art Festival” where renowned sand artists from all over the globe converge to showcase their craft.
How to reach: About 35 km from Puri
Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur, often known as the ‘artists’ village’, is recognised throughout the world for its distinctive Pattachitra paintings, a traditional painting form of Odisha. These paintings are typically depictions of Hindu mythological figures and are created on palm leaves using natural colours. Late at night since evenings are ideally bustling with fun-filled activities.
How to reach: About 10 km from Puri
