Puri Tour Packages: What to See, Do and Eat in the Holy City

Puri is one of the most sacred and popular destinations in India, known for its ancient temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Puri is also the home of Lord Jagannath, the supreme deity of the Hindus, who is worshipped with great devotion and fervor. 

If you are planning to visit this amazing city, choose from a variety of  Puri tour packages, that will suit your budget, preferences, and duration.

Here are some of the things you can see, do and eat in Puri.

What to See in Puri

•  Sri Jagannath Temple: This is the main attraction of Puri, where millions of pilgrims and tourists flock every year to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. The temple is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple complex also houses several other shrines, ponds, and gardens. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, when the deities are taken out in grand processions on huge wooden chariots.

 

•  Puri Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Odisha, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is also a place of religious significance, as it is believed that Lord Jagannath takes a dip in the ocean here every year during the Rath Yatra. The beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and stalls,find everything from souvenirs to snacks. witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the beach, or indulge in some water sports and activities.

 

•  Chilika Lake: This is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, and a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The Chilika Lake is home to a rich biodiversity, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and many other migratory and resident birds. take a boat ride on the lake and explore its various islands, such as Nalabana, Kalijai, and Satapada. visit the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a part of the lake ecosystem, and see various animals, such as blackbucks, spotted deer, wild boars, and jackals.

 

•  Konark Sun Temple: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most stunning monuments of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and is built in the shape of a giant chariot, with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses. The Konark temple is a masterpiece of art and architecture, with exquisite carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology, astronomy, and eroticism. The temple is also known for its erotic sculptures, which are a part of the Kama Sutra tradition. The temple is best visited during the Konark Dance Festival, which is held every year in December, and showcases various classical dance forms of India.

 

What to Do in Puri

•  Attend the Rath Yatra: This is the most important and spectacular festival of Puri, which is held every year in June or July, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra, from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is their aunt's house. The deities are taken out in three massive chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees. The festival is a spectacle of faith, devotion, and joy, and attracts millions of people from all over the world.

 

•  Shop for handicrafts: Puri is a hub of handicrafts, where you can find a variety of items, such as applique work, pattachitra paintings, stone carvings, palm leaf paintings, silver filigree, terracotta, and seashell crafts. You can buy these items from the local markets, such as Swargadwar Market, Bada Danda Market, and Sea Beach Market, or from the government emporiums, such as Utkalika and Boyanika. You can also visit the nearby villages, such as Raghurajpur and Pipili, where see the artisans at work and learn about their techniques and traditions.

 

•  Enjoy the nightlife: Puri may be a religious city, but it also has a lively and vibrant nightlife, where you can have fun and entertainment. You can visit the various pubs, bars, and clubs, such as Pink House, Zero Point, and Blue Whale, where you can enjoy music, drinks, and dance. watch cultural shows, such as Odissi dance, Gotipua dance, and puppet shows, which are organized by various hotels and resorts. take a stroll on the beach at night, and enjoy the cool breeze and the sound of the waves.

 

What to Eat in Puri

•  Khicede: This is a traditional Odia dish, which is served as a part of the prasad, or holy offering, at the Jagannath Temple. It is a type of khichdi, made with rice and lentils, cooked in ghee, and flavored with coconut, sugar, and cinnamon. It is served with papad and curd, and is a wholesome and delicious meal.

 

•  Malpua: This is a sweet delicacy, which is also served as a part of the prasad at the Jagannath Temple. It is a type of pancake, made with all-purpose flour, bananas, cardamoms, coconut, milk, and fennel seeds. It is deep-fried in ghee, and soaked in sugar syrup. It is soft, fluffy, and melt-in-the-mouth, and is a must-try dessert in Puri.

 

•  Dalma: This is a signature dish of Odisha, which is a healthy and tasty preparation of lentils and vegetables. It is cooked with turmeric, cumin, mustard, and curry leaves, and seasoned with salt and sugar. It is served with rice or roti, and is a staple food of the locals. It is also a favorite dish of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who added it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan menu.

 

•  Ukhuda: This is a crunchy and sweet snack, which is also served as a part of the prasad at the Jagannath Temple. It is made with puffed rice, jaggery, coconut, and carom seeds. It is a simple and satisfying treat, which can be enjoyed anytime. It also stays fresh for 15 days, so you can take it back home as a souvenir of Puri.

 

•  Abadha: This is a thali, or a platter, which consists of all the dishes from the mahaprasad, or the grand offering, that is served to Lord Jagannath at the temple. The thali includes rice, dal, curries, sweets, and pickles, and is a feast for the senses. You can have the abadha at the temple, or at the Anand Bazaar, which is a food market near the temple.

 

Puri is a city that offers a lot to its visitors, from spiritual enlightenment to gastronomic delight. It is a city that will make you fall in love with its charm and grace. So, book your Puri tour package today, and experience the magic of this holy city.