Blog

7 Religious Places in Puri

Discover the most significant religious attractions in Puri. From ancient temples to historical monuments, explore the rich cultural heritage of this magnificent destination.

1
Must Visit
6
Recommended
7
Total Places

Planning Your Visit

🕐

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (6 AM - 8 AM) or evening (4 PM - 6 PM) for comfortable weather and better photography.

Duration Needed

Plan 2-4 hours per major site. Allow full day if visiting multiple religious places.

🎒

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, camera, and modest clothing for temple visits.

Religious Attractions

1.
Jagannath Temple
Must Visit

One of the most sacred Hindu temples and Char Dham pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Jagannath, famous for the annual Rath Yatra festival and architectural grandeur.

Key Highlights:

Wooden deities changed every 12-19 years
World's largest kitchen serving free meals
Flag atop temple always flaps opposite to wind
Duration: 2-4 hours
Located in the heart of Puri city
Best time: Early morning or evening for peaceful darshan
2.
Lokanath Temple
Recommended

Ancient underground Shiva temple famous for unique darshan where devotees view the deity through water, creating mystical spiritual experience in Puri.

Key Highlights:

Underground Shiva lingam always submerged in water
Unique darshan experience through water
Ancient architectural adaptation to coastal conditions
Duration: 30-60 minutes
1.5 km from Jagannath Temple
Best time: Early morning or during Shivaratri festival
3.
Alarnath Temple
Recommended

Ancient Vishnu temple at Brahmagiri where Lord Jagannath is believed to stay during annual temple closure, featuring unique architectural style and spiritual significance.

Key Highlights:

Temporary residence of Lord Jagannath during temple closure
Ancient black stone Vishnu deity
Peaceful rural temple setting
Duration: 1-2 hours
23 km from Puri
Best time: During Nava Kalebara period or for peaceful rural temple experience
4.
Gundicha Temple
Recommended

Sacred temple known as 'Garden House of Lord Jagannath' and destination of famous Rath Yatra procession, featuring beautiful gardens and spiritual significance.

Key Highlights:

Destination of world-famous Rath Yatra
Beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere
Temporary residence of Lord Jagannath
Duration: 1-2 hours
3 km from Jagannath Temple
Best time: During Rath Yatra festival or early morning for peaceful darshan
5.
Sakshigopal Temple
Recommended

Historic Krishna temple with legendary significance as divine witness, located between Puri and Bhubaneswar, famous for unique architectural features and spiritual stories.

Key Highlights:

Krishna as divine witness legend
Strategic location between Puri-Bhubaneswar
Beautiful Kalinga architecture
Duration: 1-2 hours
18 km from Puri, 42 km from Bhubaneswar
Best time: Early morning or evening for aarti ceremonies
6.
Markandeya Tank
Recommended

Sacred water tank associated with sage Markandeya and Jagannath Temple rituals, featuring ancient architecture and serving religious ceremonies.

Key Highlights:

Associated with sage Markandeya
Sacred water for temple rituals
Traditional ghat architecture
Duration: 30-60 minutes
1.2 km from Jagannath Temple
Best time: Early morning or evening, during festivals
7.
Bedi Hanuman Temple
Recommended

Unique Hanuman temple where the deity lies in reclining position, believed to guard Puri city and protect Jagannath Temple from natural calamities.

Key Highlights:

Only reclining Hanuman temple in India
Believed protector of Puri city
Guards against natural calamities
Duration: 30-45 minutes
2 km from Jagannath Temple
Best time: Tuesday (Hanuman day) or early morning

Essential Tips for Visiting Religious Places

👕

Dress Code

Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Remove footwear before entering temple premises.

📸

Photography

Photography rules vary by site. Always ask permission before photographing inside temples or sacred areas.

💰

Donations

Voluntary donations are welcome at religious sites. Keep small denomination notes handy.

👨‍🏫

Local Guides

Consider hiring local guides for detailed historical insights and cultural significance of the places.

Enquiry Now

+91 84569 63481

Travel Information

Best Season October - March
Nearest Airport Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
Railway Station Puri Railway Station
Local Transport Auto, Bus, Taxi

Need Help Planning?

Get personalized recommendations for your Puri trip

Lost your password?

At Odisha Travel Agency, with specialised in crafting unforgettable journeys through the culture heart of eastern India from the sacred temple of Puri to pristine beaches of Konark. 

Address

Trahi Jagnnath Enclave, Block C, Sundarpada, Kuha, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

Phone

Email

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in

Address

184 Mayfield St. Hopewell
Junction, NY 12533

Phone

Email