Travel to PURI - India's secret place

PURI - 4 DAY TRIP

Day 1:

Morning:

Arrive in Puri and check into your hotel

Start your day with a visit to the famous Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites

Explore the temple complex and witness the daily rituals and ceremonies

Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful Puri Beach

Image Credit - RISHAV BASAK Shot on Xiaomi 11i 5G

Afternoon:

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant

Visit the Puri Beach Market and indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs

Return to Puri and relax at your hotel

Evening:

Experience the vibrant Puri Rath Yatra festival (if it coincides with your visit) or attend the evening Aarti at Jagannath Temple

Enjoy a traditional Odia dinner at a local restaurant

Take a stroll along the beach promenade and enjoy the cool sea breeze

Day 2:

Morning:

Start your day with a visit to the Sun Temple in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Explore the architectural marvel of the temple and learn about its historical significance

Visit the nearby Konark Museum to see the collection of sculptures and artifacts

Afternoon:

Have a picnic lunch at Ramachandi Beach, known for its serene surroundings and golden sands

Take a dip in the sea or simply relax and soak up the sun

Visit the Chandrabhaga Beach and witness the annual Chandrabhaga Mela (if visiting during the festival)

Evening:

Return to Puri and visit the Puri Sea Beach for a leisurely walk

Enjoy a beachside dinner at one of the shacks or seafood restaurants

Attend a cultural performance showcasing Odia dance and music at a local venue

Day 3:

Morning:

Embark on a day trip to the Satapada region, located on the southern part of Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon

Take a boat ride to spot the famous Irrawaddy dolphins and other wildlife in the lake

Explore the Rajhans Island and enjoy birdwatching in the Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary

Afternoon:

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings of Chilika Lake

Visit the Kalijai Temple, located on an island in the lake, and seek blessings

Take a boat ride back to Puri and relax at your hotel

Evening:

Spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying street food delicacies

Visit the Raghurajpur Artist Village, known for its traditional Pattachitra paintings and handicrafts

Attend a live demonstration of Pattachitra painting and interact with local artisans

Day 4:

Morning:

Visit the Narendra Tank, a sacred pond, and take a holy dip

Explore the nearby Gundicha Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath's aunt

Take a walk through the picturesque lanes of Puri and admire the architectural beauty of old houses

Afternoon:

Enjoy a traditional Odia lunch at a local restaurant

Visit the Puri Beach again and indulge in water sports activities like surfing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides

Relax on the beach and soak in the serene atmosphere

Evening:

Witness the mesmerizing Sand Art Exhibition by renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on the beach

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a beachside restaurant, savoring the flavors of Odia cuisine

Take a final stroll along the beach, bidding adieu to the beautiful town of Puri.

Note: This itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and the availability of attractions during your visit.

My recommendations - Try to taste all the dishes made in  Jagannath Temple. Also visit during the evening, there's less crowd. 

Try to Visit the Nandankanan Zoo if possible. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha and is home to over 3,000 animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and hippopotamuses. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 1,000 species of plants.

You'll get strong POSITIVE energy in the city itself!

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture, its colorful festivals, and its many legends.

Here are some interesting facts about the Jagannath Temple:

The temple was built in the 12th century by King Indradyumna.

The temple is made of sandstone and granite.

The temple has a 65-foot high spire with a stone-carved giant wheel at the top.

The temple is surrounded by several other shrines and temples, taken care of by around 6000 priests.

The idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are made of wood and are replaced with new idols every 12 years during the Nabakalebara festival.

The temple is open to all people, regardless of their caste or religion.

The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are some of the mysterious facts about the Jagannath Temple:

No birds are ever seen flying above the temple dome.

The flag at the top of the temple flutters in the opposite direction of the wind.

A priest climbs the temple walls every day to change the flag. This ritual dates back to the day the temple was built. The practice is done with bare hands without any protective gear. It is believed if the ritual is skipped one day from the calendar, the temple will be shut down for a long 18 years.

The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are never bathed with water. Instead, they are bathed with milk, yoghurt, honey, and herbs.

The temple is said to be built on a giant tortoise.

Rishav Basak