Jagannath Temple
Temple · 2 hoursClosed to non-Hindus. View from the library roof opposite; the mahaprasad kitchen is the largest in the world.
Temple town & beach · Odisha
Puri travel guide & tour packages
One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, and the home of the Jagannath Temple whose annual Rath Yatra draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands and gave the English language the word juggernaut. The temple itself is closed to non-Hindus, which surprises many visitors — the roof of the Raghunandan Library opposite is the traditional viewing point. Puri also has a long beach that functions as an ordinary Indian seaside resort, which makes it an unusual combination of serious pilgrimage and family holiday. Konark is 35 km up the coast and most people combine them. Two nights covers both comfortably.
What to see
Things to do in Puri
Puri Beach
Beach · Half daySunrise is the moment. Currents are strong — swim only where marked.
Raghurajpur artists' village
Craft · 2 hoursPattachitra scroll painting. Every house is a workshop.
Chilika Lake
Nature · Full dayAsia's largest brackish lagoon. Irrawaddy dolphins and, in winter, migratory birds.
Durations
Realistic trip lengths
Puri works well as a 2–3 night stay. Tell us your dates and party and we'll price a tailored itinerary.
Good to know
Puri FAQs
Can non-Hindus enter the Jagannath Temple?
No. Entry is restricted to Hindus and this is enforced. The roof of the Raghunandan Library across the road is the conventional place to see the temple from.
When is the Rath Yatra?
June or July, depending on the lunar calendar. Crowds run into the hundreds of thousands, accommodation is booked far ahead, and it is not a comfortable time for a first visit.
Nearby
Combine with
UNESCO temple
Konark
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View guide →Plan it properly
Tell us the party and the dates.
We price the real configuration rather than an average — exact adults, children and rooms — and come back within one working day.