Identity & Speciality
Explore Puri, a sacred seaside town in Odisha, home to Jagannath Temple, golden beaches, and gateways to Konark’s Sun Temple and Udayagiri’s ancient caves.
Puri, in the heart of Odisha, is one of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, famed for the Jagannath Temple, its historic Rath Yatra, and the Bay of Bengal coastline. What makes Puri truly special is its seamless blend of spiritual significance, ancient architecture, and coastal relaxation—all within reach of two iconic heritage sites: the Konark Sun Temple and the Udayagiri–Khandagiri Caves.
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How to Reach Puri from Kolkata or Delhi
From Kolkata:
Train: Multiple daily trains (Puri Express, Dhauli Express) connect Kolkata to Puri. Journey time: ~9 hours. Fare: ₹300–₹1,500 (Sleeper to 2AC).
Bus: Overnight Volvo or AC buses are available. Fare: ₹500–₹900.
Car: A 9–10 hour scenic drive (~500 km) via NH16.
From Delhi:
Flight: Take a flight to Bhubaneswar (BBI), 60 km from Puri. Fare: ₹3,000–₹7,000. From there, hire a cab (~₹1,000) or take a local train.
Train: Long-distance trains like Purushottam Express (approx. 30 hours). Fare ranges ₹800–₹2,500.
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Where to Stay in Puri
Luxury Hotels
Mayfair Heritage Puri: Beachside, premium service, sea-facing rooms. ₹8,000–₹12,000 per night.
Sterling Puri: Peaceful property with modern amenities. ₹5,000–₹8,000 per night.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Hotel Shreehari: Simple, clean, close to beach and temple. ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Z Hotel Puri: Cozy, near Swargadwar. ₹800–₹1,200.
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What to Do in Puri
Sea Bath:
Start your day with a refreshing dip in the Bay of Bengal—locals believe it purifies the soul.
Puri Jagannath Temple:
A sacred 12th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
Darshan Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM. Most visited during Mangal Aarti (5–6 AM) and Sandhya Dhupa (7–8 PM).
Mahaprasad: Served at Ananda Bazaar, cooked in traditional clay pots, available to all devotees.
Rules: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, dress modestly, remove shoes before entering.
From Sacred Shores to Timeless Stones – Let’s Head to Konark
After soaking in the spiritual grandeur of the Jagannath Temple and the calming rhythm of the sea, let’s journey just a little further—to a place where history stands frozen in stone. The Konark Sun Temple, located just 35 km from Puri, awaits you with its spellbinding architecture.
How to Reach Konark Temple from Puri
By Bus: Frequent local and government buses (₹30–₹50).
By Auto/Car: A smoother ride by auto or private car (₹800–₹1,200 round trip).
About Konark Temple
This 13th-century masterpiece, built by King Narasimhadeva I, is a poetic tribute to the Sun God. Its massive stone chariot, life-sized wheels, and sculptures reflect an era of unmatched craftsmanship. Although some parts are in ruins, it remains one of the most revered and photographed temples in India.
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)
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From Sun-Kissed Temples to Ancient Caves – Discover Udayagiri & Khandagiri
After witnessing the celestial chariot of Konark, let’s drift further into the past. A short drive leads you to Udayagiri and Khandagiri, where ancient monks once meditated in hillside caves carved over two thousand years ago.
How to Reach from Puri
By Bus: Take a bus to Bhubaneswar (₹80–₹120), then a short auto ride (~₹100) to the cave sites.
By Car: Hire a direct cab from Puri (₹1,500–₹2,000 round trip) for comfort and convenience.
Exploring the Caves
These twin hill caves were shaped during the rule of King Kharavela in the 1st century BCE and served as Jain monastic retreats.
Udayagiri has deeper historical relevance with royal inscriptions like the Hathi Gumpha, while
Khandagiri offers a quieter, nature-filled trail with simpler cave carvings and panoramic views.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)
You may also read – Digha Diaries: Bengal’s Beloved Seaside Escape
Flavours Along the Journey – What to Eat and Where
No trip is truly complete without a taste of local cuisine—and Odisha serves up some unforgettable dishes rooted in tradition, simplicity, and flavor.
In Puri
Mahaprasad at Jagannath Temple: Served at Ananda Bazaar inside the temple premises, this sacred meal includes rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets like khaja.
Cost: ₹50–₹150 per plate (depending on item count)
Lunch Tip: After a sea bath, try a fish thali (rice, dal, fried fish, and curry) at a local dhaba or hotel near Swargadwar.
Price: ₹120–₹250
Dinner Option: Visit Wildgrass Restaurant or Chung Wah for an Indian-Chinese twist or classic Odia meals.
On the Way to Konark
Enjoy coconut water and local snacks like bara and aloo chop from roadside stalls en route.
Cost: ₹20–₹50
At Konark
Restaurants near the Sun Temple offer thali meals with rice, dal, sabzi, and papad. Try Sun Temple Bhojanalaya for a clean, homely experience.
Price: ₹100–₹180 per person
Near Udayagiri–Khandagiri (Bhubaneswar)
Explore eateries like Dalma or Odisha Hotel for authentic Odia dishes—chhena tarkari, dahi baigana, macha besara.
Average Meal: ₹150–₹300
End your day with sweet treats like chhena poda or rasabali.
Taking the Memories Home – Return to Kolkata or Delhi
After immersing in ancient spirituality, sun temples, and rock-carved solitude, it’s time to take the road back—your heart a little fuller, your mind a little calmer.
From Bhubaneswar (closest to Udayagiri–Khandagiri):To Kolkata: Overnight trains, buses, or a short flight (₹2,000–₹4,000).
To Delhi: Direct flights (~₹3,000–₹6,000) or long-distance trains.
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conclution
This sacred triangle—Puri, Konark, and Udayagiri—offers not just a journey, but an experience that touches the soul.
Be with us as we continue uncovering more of India’s authentic, awe-inspiring destinations that connect history, nature, and devotion into unforgettable travel stories.
Related video , Source YouTube – https://youtu.be/4IddTGpLkhM?si=cqs3kVjoaD_TUOi_
