A Complete Guide To Puri: Eat, Stay and Explore

Puri is one of the holiest cities of India bordering the coast of Bay of Bengal. While the Jagannath temple gets flooded with people seeking pilgrimage, the golden sand beaches attract thousands of holidayers and honeymooners seeking peace and serenity.

Here’s a complete guide to Puri covering all the tiny bits that you need to know to plan your trip.

How to reach Puri?

Fly down to Bhubaneswar and drive to this beach city that is merely 60km away. Alternatively, you can reach here via train. There are plenty of trains connecting major cities of India (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, etc.) with Puri.

Where to stay?

Puri has a plethora of beach facing hotels available. Here is a list of few recommended hotels that fits perfect on your budget.

Budget accommodation

Madhusmriti is a beautiful homestay located 7 minutes away from the beach. The accommodation has decent sized rooms with attached bathroom, shared lounge area, terrace, kitchen and a pristine garden. Great place to stay if you’re looking for budget accommodation.

Mid-level accommodation

Hotel Niladri is where I stayed in Puri. The hotel is located opposite to Swargadwar beach. They have a few beach-facing rooms. However, they remain booked most of the times. I stayed in a garden facing room, except there wasn’t any actual garden. Instead, all we could see was a pile of junk. However, it didn’t bother us much as we were mostly on the beach. Why I recommend this hotel is because of its location as it is away from the bustling beach market, and reachability to the beach.

Heritage resort

Mahodadhi Palace is a heritage beach view resort amidst the bustling beach market. It is a perfect amalgamation of old-era charms and contemporary living. The place offers one of the best sunset views from its terrace and the taste of authentic Odiya cuisine at their Ethnic village restaurant.

What all to eat in Puri?

Who doesn’t like snacking at the beach or a romantic dinner with a splendid view? I’ve found a perfect list for your every need.

Beachside street food

The beaches in Puri is a hawker paradise. The shafts on the beach remain open all day serving tea and Maggi. However, by evening the beach market becomes a street food haven. Here’s what all you can try:

Tea and Maggi – this is widely available on all the beachside shacks and costs between 20 – 30 INR a plate.

Jhal Muri – Crunchy rice puff chaat is popular in the Eastern belt and serves as a perfect tea time snack. They don’t have a fixed stall. However, worry not, they will find you and will make sure you have this at least once on your trip!

Gup-Chup – One of the most popular street food in Odisha and is a must-have. The tangy water and spicy potato filling will tingle your tastebuds.

Corns – Whether roasted or boiled, you’ll get it the way you desire.

Seafood – Nothing can beat the taste of a freshly roasted fish, crab or prawns. The best part is that they prepare it the way you want.

Desert – Milk ice cream and Khajja is a must when in Puri. The jelly-like texture of the ice-cream and the crunch of Khajja will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Restaurants

Odia and Bengali are two of the most famous cuisines in Puri. You’ll find plenty of restaurants serving both. Here are two of my favourite places that I highly recommended you to visit.

Ethnic Village Restaurant – located at Mahodadhi Palace, this restaurant specialises in Odia cuisine. Prawns are a must-try. Moreover, they have a terrace dining option available that comes with a great view!

Sholo ana Bengali – specialises in Bengali cuisine and is a popular food chain in the eastern belt. They have a wide variety of dishes available. However, do ask their availability before deciding the menu. Fish cutlets and chop are a must-try in starters. Whereas, chicken kasha and dakbanglow for the mains.

Things to do in Puri

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple is the last of the four holy Dham’s in India. A visit to this temple is a must when in Puri. The temple remains crowded throughout the day, and long queues welcome you at every step. The temple prohibits visitors from carrying electronic goods and bags inside the premises. However, they have lockers available to keep your stuff safe.
P.S: Stay away from the touts at the temple entrance. The promise you a ‘skip-the-line’ tour of the temple. However, all they do is keep asking for more money at every step of your journey.

Market near Jagannath Temple

The market near the temple is a 3 km long stretch starting from the temple parking until the main entrance. A great place to shop for sweets and souvenirs. I recommend visiting the Government Handloom and Expo-centre at the parking for souvenirs.

Netaji Museum

I am a big fan of Netaji, and this is one place that I was longing to visit. The museum is inside the original house of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and is at a walking distance from the temple.
Ticket: 10 INR per person | Timing: 10 am to 5 pm (Tue-Sun)

Beaches of Puri

Take a long walk on the coastline of Puri. Starting from Puri Beach until the Swargdwar beach. Pick a few snacks on your way if you like. The Puri beach and Golden beach fall at the beginning of the Marine Drive road and are the busiest. However, if tranquillity is what you’re looking for, then head to Swargadwar beach and enjoy the calmness.

Lighthouse

Head to the lighthouse at Swargadwar road to get the perfect 360-degree view of the coastline.
Ticket: 10 INR per person | Timing: 4 to 5 pm

Dhaudia River mouth

It’s incredible to see how nature blends so beautifully. One such view is watching Dhaudia river getting mixed into the splashing waves of the Bay of Bengal. The sea mouth is next to the Sterling resort Puri and is at a walkable distance from the lighthouse.

Puri is a great weekend getaway destination for the eastern belt and the perfect holiday retreat for the rest. A day won’t seem enough for this place. Therefore spend at least 2-days to make the most of this place.