Weekend Road Trip from Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Puri

For the Bhubaneswar residents and tourists, a road trip to Puri holds the perfect weekend escape. Whether it is about visiting the beautiful city during a special occasion such as the Jagannath Puri yatra
or visiting the many tourist spots in and around Puri, it is always a great road trip. The distance between Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Puri is between 68 to 74 Kilometers based upon which route you decide to take. Here are some of the best places that deserve a visit while you are in or around Puri.

13 Places to Visit in Jagannath Puri

1. Sri Jagannath Puri Temple
2. Puri Beach
3. Chilika Lake
4. Markandeshwar Temple
5. Khandagiri Caves
6. Gundicha Temple
7. Narendra Tank
8. Raghurajpur Artist Village
9. Swargadwar Beach
10. Lokanath Temple
11. Mausima Temple
12. Pipli
13. Astaranga Beach

1. Sri Jagannath Puri Temple

Dedicated to Hindu Lord Jagannath, this temple in Puri is frequented by devotees not only from Puri but various parts of the country. Apart from the spiritual and religious connection here, the intricate designs and structure of the temple is something to be witnessed.

Timings: 11 am to 1.30 pm; 5.30 pm to 8 pm

2. Puri Beach

One of the major tourist attractions in Puri is the Puri beach. Visit the beach to see how Bay of Bengal water looks like. The beach is located very near to Sri Jagannath Puri Temple and usually remains crowded. If you want to witness a splendid view of sunrise, you can visit the beach early in the morning. Don’t forget trying the various fried sea fish available in the stalls at this beach.

3. Chilika Lake

One of the places to visit near Puri is Chilika Lake. It is the largest salt-water lagoon in Asia and you can visit the lake to watch birds. Apart from that, you can also enjoy fishing and boating in the lake. The favourable months to visit this lake are between November and February.

4. Markandeshwar Temple

Built in the 13^th century, Markandeshwar Temple is one of the temples in Puri that is often visited by the tourists and devotees. The images of the deities are intricately carved here. The atmosphere is quiet in the temple and its premises.

Timings: 5 am to 12 pm; 4 pm to 9 pm

5. Khandagiri Caves

These caves were built by King Kharavela in the 2^nd century BC.  The carving in these caves are unique and something that you will enjoy witnessing. The carvings will take you to the days of history.

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

6. Gundicha Temple

The temple is located at the centre of a garden and a great place to find peace. If you spend some long hours in this temple, your spirituality will surely enhance.

7. Narendra Tank

It is the largest tank in the entire state; thus, is very important. The tank was built in the 15^th century, and surrounded by many temples. There is a very small island situated at the middle of the tank where in Chandana Mandapa temple is positioned. This tank is located at a very close proximity to Jagannath Temple. So while you are taking tour of the temple, make sure you visit this unique tank as well.

Timings: 6 am to 9 pm

8. Raghurajpur Artist Village

As the name says everything about this tourist attraction, you can buy a lot of handicraft items from this place. From wood carvings to palm leaf engraving, paper mache to artifacts, you can purchase a lot of things from here. Well, shopping is not the only thing here as you can also watch Gotiua folk dance performance.

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

9. Swargadwar Beach

It is one of the loveliest as well as lively beaches in Puri. This beach is perfect to spend time with your family or friends. You will find many stalls here from where you can purchase various items like jewelry, seashells, and other handmade products. You can also opt for a walk along the beach.

10. Lokanath Temple

It is one of the most well-known temples in the city. Numbers of devotees and tourists take a tour of the temple on a daily basis. As you enter the temple, you will be able to see the Shiva lingam that is submerged into the water. The lingam is taken out of the water only at the time of Pankodhar Ekadasi. The ceremony is held annually, and is attended by many followers.

Timings: 5.30 am to 8.30 pm

11. Mausima Temple

The temple is quite small area wise, as compared to other temples in the city. However, it is a highly visited one. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu guardian deity of Puri, Goddess Ardhasisni.

12. Pipli

A small town in the outskirts of Puri, Pipli is filled with colours. There was a time when local artists here used to make covers for horses back and clothes for Hindu deities. Now you can buy various handicrafts as well. There are lots of things and in various colours to buy from here.

13. Astaranga Beach

The beach is famous for white sand beds and fishing village located near to it. You can also buy fresh fish from here if you can make it to the beach early in the morning.

The road trip of Jagannath Puri is a great weekend getaway for the Bhubaneswar residents who are seeking a break from their routine. The date of Jagannath Rath Yatra is expected to fall on 23^rd June, 2020, however may vary. The Bhubaneswar residents can also use self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar by Revv for a quick reliable and hassle free car rental experience for their Puri road trip.