Puri - A 2 day itinerary

 

Puri & Nearby Places – A Perfect 2-Day Travel Guide

Puri, a major pilgrimage and tourist destination in Odisha, is famous for the Jagannath Temple, serene beaches, and historical sites. This guide will help you explore Puri and its nearby attractions efficiently in 2 days with distances, travel time, and suggested duration at each location.


🛕 Day 1: Puri Local Sightseeing

Start your journey from Jagannath Temple, then explore nearby attractions.

1️⃣ Jagannath Temple

  • Timing: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Highlights:
    • One of the four Char Dhams of Hinduism
    • The Mahaprasad at Ananda Bazaar
    • The unique "Chhappan Bhog"
    • Temple’s architectural marvel

🚶‍♂️ Walking around the temple complex is recommended as no vehicles are allowed near the temple.


2️⃣ Puri Beach (2.5 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 10 mins by auto/cab
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Highlights:
    • A great spot for sunrise and sunset
    • Camel & horse rides
    • Local seafood stalls
    • Shopping for seashell artifacts

🎭 Visit in the evening for cultural performances and sand art displays.


3️⃣ Gundicha Temple (3 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 10-15 mins
  • Duration: 30-45 mins
  • Highlights:
    • Known as the "Garden House of Lord Jagannath"
    • The ending point of the Rath Yatra

4️⃣ Narendra Tank (2 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 10 mins
  • Duration: 30 mins
  • Highlights:
    • One of the largest sacred tanks in Odisha
    • Used for Chandan Yatra festival

🌅 Best visited during sunset.


5️⃣ Lokanath Temple (3.5 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 15 mins
  • Duration: 30-45 mins
  • Highlights:
    • Dedicated to Lord Shiva
    • A major pilgrimage site

6️⃣ Sudarshan Crafts Museum (2.5 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 10 mins
  • Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
  • Highlights:
    • Handmade sculptures of stone & wood
    • Live demonstration of handicrafts

7️⃣ Swargadwar Beach & Market (2 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 10 mins
  • Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
  • Highlights:
    • Famous for beachside shopping
    • Ideal for tasting local sweets like Chhena Poda and Malpua

🌊 Best place for night walks near the beach.


🏨 Recommended Stay in Puri

  • Luxury: Mayfair Heritage, Sterling Puri
  • Mid-Range: Toshali Sands, Pride Ananya Resort
  • Budget: Hotel Holiday Resort, Nayak Plaza

🌄 Day 2: Excursion to Nearby Attractions

Explore attractions near Puri that are easily accessible within a day.

1️⃣ Konark Sun Temple (35 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 1 hour by cab
  • Duration: 2-2.5 hours
  • Highlights:
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Chariot-shaped architecture with intricate carvings
    • Light & Sound Show in the evening (if staying longer)

🏛️ Best visited early morning for photography.


2️⃣ Chandrabhaga Beach (3 km from Konark Sun Temple)

  • Travel Time: 10 mins
  • Duration: 30-45 mins
  • Highlights:
    • One of the cleanest beaches
    • Considered sacred for a holy dip
    • Perfect for photography

3️⃣ Ramachandi Temple & Beach (7 km from Konark)

  • Travel Time: 15-20 mins
  • Duration: 30 mins
  • Highlights:
    • Located at the confluence of the Kusabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal
    • A serene and less crowded beach

4️⃣ Dhauli (Shanti Stupa) (50 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 1.5 hours from Puri
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Highlights:
    • A white Buddhist Peace Pagoda
    • Ashokan Rock Edicts from 3rd century BCE
    • Panoramic views of the Daya River

🕊️ Ideal for history lovers and those seeking tranquility.


5️⃣ Pipili (Applique Work Village) (40 km from Jagannath Temple)

  • Travel Time: 1 hour from Puri (on the way to Bhubaneswar)
  • Duration: 30-45 mins
  • Highlights:
    • Famous for handcrafted Applique work
    • Colorful umbrellas, wall hangings, and lamps

🛍️ Best place to buy souvenirs.


6️⃣ Raghurajpur (Heritage Village) (15 km from Puri)

  • Travel Time: 30 mins
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Highlights:
    • The birthplace of Pattachitra painting
    • Skilled artisans showcasing intricate artwork

🎨 A must-visit for art enthusiasts!


🚗 Travel Tips & Best Time to Visit

  • Best Time: October – March (Pleasant weather)
  • Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, cabs, and cycle rickshaws available
  • Puri Temple Darshan: Follow dress codes (Traditional Indian wear)
  • Shopping: Puri’s Grand Road (Bada Danda) for handicrafts & souvenirs

⏳ 2-Day Itinerary at a Glance

DayPlaceDistance from Jagannath TempleTravel TimeSuggested Duration
Day 1Jagannath Temple0 km-2-3 hrs
Puri Beach2.5 km10 mins1-1.5 hrs
Gundicha Temple3 km10-15 mins30-45 mins
Narendra Tank2 km10 mins30 mins
Lokanath Temple3.5 km15 mins30-45 mins
Sudarshan Crafts Museum2.5 km10 mins45 mins – 1 hr
Swargadwar Beach & Market2 km10 mins1.5 – 2 hrs
Day 2Konark Sun Temple35 km1 hr2-2.5 hrs
Chandrabhaga Beach3 km10 mins30-45 mins
Ramachandi Temple7 km15-20 mins30 mins
Dhauli Stupa50 km1.5 hrs1-1.5 hrs
Pipili40 km1 hr30-45 mins
Raghurajpur15 km30 mins1-1.5 hrs

📌 Final Thoughts

This 2-day itinerary ensures you cover the best of Puri, Konark, and nearby heritage sites. If you have extra time, you can explore Chilika Lake (Satpada) for dolphin spotting.


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