Top 14 Places to visit in Puri | Timings, Tickets and all Tourist places Puri, Odisha

Puri, home to the renowned Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, attracts devotees worldwide. This iconic temple is one of four sacred Dhams revered globally. The video explores top attractions in Puri, detailing their significance, visiting hours, best times for visits, and unique features.

Jagannath Puri Temple, the largest temple in Puri and one of Lord Vishnu's Dhams, is dedicated to idols of Lord Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra. Renowned for its architectural brilliance inspired by Odia design with towering structures like Shikhara and vast walls Meghanand (20ft tall) and Kurma enclosing a 4 lakh sq.ft area. It houses the world's largest kitchen serving lakhs daily while showcasing intricate carvings attributed to divine craftsmanship using Neem wood under King’s patronage. The temple features four grand gates—Lion's Gate (Singh-dwaar), Horse Gate (Ashwa Dwaar), Tiger Gate (Vyagrahara), Elephant Gate (Hasti Dwara)—and remains open from 6 AM-9 PM offering free entry.

Golden Beach, also known as Puri Beach, is a lively and energetic destination near Jagannath Temple in Odisha. Renowned for its stunning sand sculptures inspired by the temple's walls or mythological tales, it offers an array of activities like watersports and street food stalls. Located 2 km from Jagannath Temple and 35 km from Konark Sun Temple along India's eastern coastline facing the Bay of Bengal, this beach is ideal for sunrise or sunset visits with family.

The Markandeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant pilgrimage site located near the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Built in the 12th century at the meditation spot of Sage Markandeya, it stands as one of India's major 52 pilgrimages and among Puri's five key sacred sites. The temple features white walls adorned with intricate carvings and is accompanied by the nearby Markandeya Sarovar lake—considered an essential starting point for Puri's pilgrimage tour. Visitors often take a holy dip here before proceeding to other temples or performing Hindu rituals like Mundan and Pind Daan.

Narendra Pokhari, located 1-1.5 km from Jagannath Puri Temple and 2.5 km from Puri Railway Station, is the largest artificial pond in Odisha. Created by Narendra Dev Ji in the 15th century, it features a floating temple called Chandana Mandap and is surrounded by numerous temples, making it a spiritual hub. Visitors can enjoy quality time beside this serene lake while feeding fishes or exploring its historical significance.

Sakshi Gopal Temple in Puri holds a historical and divine significance. The legend tells of a poor boy who fell in love with a rich girl, but her father opposed their union. After the boy cared for the girl's sick father during a pilgrimage to Kashi, he agreed to their marriage but later broke his promise. Praying for help, Lord Krishna appeared before the boy and promised assistance under one condition: not looking back while being accompanied by Him. When the boy looked back at what is now known as Sakshi Gopal Temple, it became an eternal testament to this story.

Alarnath Temple, a prominent shrine in Puri, was established in the 14th century by Rajputs from Alwar who settled in Odisha during the 13-14th centuries. Named after "Alwarnath," it holds mythological importance as Lord Brahma is believed to have prayed to Lord Vishnu here. A popular legend tells of a devoted child offering kheer (sweet dish) for bhog; impressed by his devotion, Lord Krishna touched the hot kheer with His finger which got burnt—a detail visible on the temple's idol.

The Gundicha Temple, built by the queen of the King who constructed Jagannath Puri Temple, is located near it and referred to as "mausi" (aunt) of Jagannath. During Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath resides here for seven days. The temple showcases Kalinga architecture with four distinct sections—Vimaan, Jag-Mohan, Naatmandap, Bhogmandap—and features two protective walls standing 20 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It has gates on both its western and eastern sides.

The Vimala Shakti Peetha Temple, one of the four sacred shaktipeeths in Odisha, is located within the Jagannath Temple complex. It holds spiritual significance as a site where part of Goddess Sati's body fell when Lord Vishnu cut her remains into 52 pieces during Shiva’s grief-stricken journey. Worshippers honor Goddesses Sati, Parvati, and Durga here. Believed to have been constructed in the 6th century with architectural features resembling those from the 9th century, it stands near Rohini Kund and welcomes visitors daily from 6 AM to 9 PM.

The Sudarshan Crafts Museum in Puri, established by renowned sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo in 1977, offers free entry. It showcases exquisite sculptures, handicrafts, stone carvings, and fiberglass art reflecting India's rich artistic heritage. Visitors can explore a Japanese-style Buddhist temple within the campus alongside a library, workshop, and training center dedicated to preserving traditional crafts. Recognized with prestigious awards like Padma Vibhushan and Padmashri for his contributions to art and craftmanship across India.

Swargadwar Beach, located near the Jagannath Temple in Puri, holds deep spiritual significance. Many believe that taking a dip in its waters cleanses sins and opens the gates to heaven for those cremated there. It serves as both a sacred site where Shri Chaitanya Deva Ji once bathed and an important cremation ground.

The Bedi Hanuman Temple, also known as Dariya Hanuman Temple, is open all day with free entry. Lord Jagannath tied Lord Hanuman here to ensure he remains in Puri after an incident where the city flooded during his absence. The idol depicts him holding a weapon and a ladoo while being bound by chains symbolizing this legend. This temple honors him as the protector deity of both Puri and its temples.

Chilika Lake, Odisha's largest brackish water lake and a shallow lagoon of the Bay of Bengal, spans an area between 900-1165 sq. km depending on the season. Recognized as an important wetland in 1981, it supports over 800 species including endangered ones and attracts numerous migratory birds annually due to its rich ecosystem fed by waters from 92 rivers before joining the sea through a canal stretching 32km long. Located about two hours (60km) from Puri, visitors can explore this natural marvel via various boating packages ranging from short trips to full-day excursions with chances to spot dolphins if fortunate.

The Atharnala Bridge, constructed in the 13th century by Bhanu Deba of the Ganga Dynasty, is an architectural marvel with its unique design featuring 18 passages. Built over the Musa River, it served as a vital connection between Puri and surrounding towns and villages. Spanning 85 meters in length and 11 meters wide, this bridge was historically significant for pilgrims traveling to Lord Jagannath Temple. Today it stands preserved as a tourist attraction where vehicles are prohibited.

Located 50 km from Puri city, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century by King Narasimha Deva of the Ganga Dynasty. Designed to capture and reflect sunrise rays onto its Ashta Dhatu idol, it created an illusion as if the sun rose from within. Though partially demolished and no longer used for worship, this architectural marvel took 12 years with contributions from 1200 workers. Its intricate carvings showcase rich history and culture while iron elements remain rust-free even today.

The conclusion emphasizes that ancient technology outshines modern advancements, highlighting its enduring significance. The temple discussed operates daily from 6 AM to 8 PM with entry fees set at ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners. Viewers are encouraged to explore other videos on top destinations in Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, and Odisha through provided links.