Hours In PURI

With sacred sites defining its spirit, Puri in Odisha is one of the four destinations on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Hindus. But its golden sands, beach carnivals, and annual chariot festival ensure that this eastern coastal town has something for

5:30 am

There’s no better way to begin your day in the city than by visiting Puri Beach (also known as Golden Beach) at the crack of dawn, when it is bathed in an early morning glow. Located on the shore of Bay of Bengal, sporting choppy waters and a splendid coastline, the beach is the proud owner of the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label. It is cloaked in silence at this hour and is perfect for a morning stroll.

As the city slowly comes to life, make your way to the 11th-century Shri Jagannath Puri Temple to watch the morning (Hindu ritual of worship). Over 120 holy shrines dot the temple complex that is girded by a pair of high walls, and devotees queue up to say prayers to Lord Jagannath, the main residing deity. Visit the nearby temples—Lakshmi, Gundicha (the summer retreat for Lord Jagannath’s idol), Lokanath, and others—to know why Puri is called the ‘temple town of East India’.

6:30 am

Raghurajpur Artist Village is a hamlet located 15 kilometres north of Puri. It is home to craftspeople who preserve the 900year-old art form of Pattachitra, and the houses here feature fascinating wall murals. Settle down on one of the verandas to watch an artist at work, and buy Pattachitra scroll paintings, palmleaf engravings, shadow puppets, tribal masks, or wooden toys.

9:30 am

Established and run by Padma Shri-awardee sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo, Sudarshan Crafts Museum recreates the ambience of traditional temples. The centre exhibits and sells stone and wood carvings along with other handicrafts and paintings. It also has a Buddhist temple built in Japanese style, a well-stocked library, and a workshop.

11:00 am

HAVE AN ODIA LUNCH

Grab a table at Utkala, the multicuisine restaurant at Sterling Puri ( or the Wildgrass Restaurant on VIP Road for the best of Odia cuisine and seafood. Try dishes like (prawns cooked in tender coconut shell), Chilika crabs, (cottage cheese balls in a savoury gravy), and tandoori pomfret.

2:00 pm

It takes an hour to reach the Konark Sun Temple from Puri, but the 13th-century masterpiece is worth the drive. The colossal granite temple shaped like a chariot drawn by seven horses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to reach on time to catch the sunset. The rays bouncing off the intricate carvings on the walls make for a surreal sight.

4:30 pm