Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Puri | Lotus Eco Beach Resort Konark

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Puri

There is nothing as mesmerising as standing by the edge of the coast and gazing at the shimmering waves barrelling on top of one another. While you try to intake the vastness of the sea, the subtle smell of the salty sea fills your sensory organs with warmth and serenity. Let the roar of the tides and the calmness of the sea cast a spell on you as you gradually break away from your monotonous life. If you wish to experience this tranquillity, visit Puri - Where the sea waves meet the cultural heritage. This coastal city in Odisha is renowned for its picturesque setting and historical architecture.

The pristine beaches, emerald green sanctuary and sacred temples comprise the mystical city of Puri. Sightseeing options here are in abundance, in this blog we have curated a list of the top 5 tourist attractions in Puri you must visit!

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!

a black and white image of a hindu temple with a flag placed on its Shikhara
an image of a temple with a lawn spread in front of it during daytime

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.

people sailing on the ocean in a blue and black boat during daytime
a handcrafted bag hanging from the ceiling against orange background

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.

a brown and white deer grazing on grass

We hope this list helps you to curate your next Puri itinerary. Let us also help you to pick out your next stay in Konark. Our luxurious hotel, Lotus Eco Beach Resort Konark is dotted with excellent accommodations and facilities to help you relax and unwind. As it is located near some of the prominent tourist attractions, you need not worry about the commute. Pack your bag and have a lovely time during your Puri sightseeing adventures!