Places to Visit Near Puri: 7 Must-See Attractions for Pilgrims

Puri is the spiritual heart of Odisha, but the surrounding region is packed with attractions that make your yatra even more memorable. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to serene wildlife sanctuaries, here are the top places to visit near Puri.

As a dharamshala near Jagannath Temple, we’ve seen countless devotees explore these nearby destinations. Here’s our curated guide.

1. Sri Jagannath Temple (0 km — from our doorstep)

The temple that draws millions. Sri Jagannath Temple is not just a place of worship — it’s an experience that stays with you forever.

Highlights:

• The towering 65-metre temple tower (deula) visible from miles away
• The unique triad of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra
• The daily Mahaprasad offering (56 items, called Chhapan Bhog)
• The mesmerising evening aarti with 56 lamps

Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM (closed during Snana Yatra and other special occasions)

Best darshan time: Early morning (5–7 AM) for Mangala Aarti, or late evening (8–10 PM) for Sandhya Aarti.

Sri Purushottam Bhakta Nivas is just a **2-minute walk** from the Singhadwara of Sri Jagannath Temple. You can literally hear the temple bells from our rooms. [View our rooms](/rooms).

2. Puri Sea Beach & Swargadwar (1.2 km)

Puri’s golden beach is one of India’s finest — a 8 km stretch of clean sand where the Bay of Bengal meets the land. Pilgrims take a holy dip at Swargadwar (Gateway to Heaven), the main ghat of Puri Beach.

Activities:

• Sunrise/sunset walks on the beach
• Holy dip at Swargadwar (best before sunrise)
• Camel and horse rides along the shore
• Evening aarti at the beach (the priests of Jagannath Temple perform it)
• Beachside prasad stalls with fresh khaja and chhena poda

3. Gundicha Temple (2 km)

The temporary home of Lord Jagannath during Rath Yatra. This modest temple is where the deities stay for 7 days during the annual chariot festival.

Why visit:

• Experience the intimate charm of the deity’s “vacation home”
• See the unique Rukmini Harana paintings inside
• Visit during Rath Yatra for the full experience

The Gundicha Temple is most active during Rath Yatra but is worth visiting year-round for its peaceful atmosphere.

4. Lokanath Temple (500 m from Puri temple)

One of the 5 Shiva temples in Puri, Lokanath Temple is revered as the spot where Lord Shiva manifested as a Shiva Lingam under a banyan tree.

Special significance: The temple tank is believed to have healing properties. Many devotees bathe here before visiting the main Jagannath Temple.

5. Raghunath Bedi & Mausi Maa Temple

Raghunath Bedi is where Lord Rama is believed to have performed darshan of Lord Jagannath. Mausi Maa Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her form as the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath — the deity visited here during Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra.

6. Chilika Lake (55 km)

Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland Site of international importance.

Why it’s special:

• Migratory birds (November to February) — flamingos, pelicans, and more
• Irrawaddy dolphins (rare freshwater dolphins)
• Kalijai Temple on an island — a pilgrimage site
• Boat rides through the serene waters

Best time: November to February (migratory bird season)

Getting there: 1.5 hours by taxi or bus from Puri

7. Konark Sun Temple (35 km)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most magnificent temples — the Sun Temple at Konark is designed as a colossal chariot with 24 ornate stone wheels, pulled by seven horses.

Highlights:

• The 100-ft tall temple chariot (originally much taller)
• Intricate carvings depicting everyday life, celestial beings, and mythological scenes
• The Nata Mandir (dance hall) where traditional Odissi performances are held
• The three images of the Sun God at different times of day

Best time: Early morning (6–9 AM) or late afternoon (4–6 PM) for the best photography and to avoid the midday sun.

Getting there: 1 hour by taxi or bus from Puri. Many pilgrims combine Konark and Puri in a single trip.

For more on Konark, see our blog on day trips from Puri.

Plan Your Puri Itinerary

Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary that covers the best of Puri:

Day 1: Morning darshan at Jagannath Temple → Lokanath Temple → Puri Sea Beach → Evening aarti

Day 2: Konark Sun Temple day trip → Return for dinner at our sattvic dining hall

Day 3: Kartik Purnima holy dip (if visiting during that time) → Shopping on Grand Road → Depart

Stay in Puri Near All Attractions

At Sri Purushottam Bhakta Nivas, we are centrally located near all major attractions:

• 2 min walk to Sri Jagannath Temple
• 15 min walk to Puri Sea Beach
• 1 km to Gundicha Temple and Mausi Maa Temple
• Easy day trips to Konark (35 km) and Chilika (55 km)

Our accommodation near Jagannath Temple includes family suites, AC deluxe rooms, and budget dormitory options — suitable for every type of pilgrim.

Whether you're visiting for Rath Yatra, Kartik Purnima, or a quiet spiritual retreat, our [dharamshala near Jagannath Temple](/contact) is ready to host you. Call +91 93371 00000 or [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/919337100000) for bookings.

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