Puri Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that lies along the eastern coast of India, facing the Bay of Bengal. It is located in the city of Puri, which is one of the four holy dhams (pilgrimage sites) for Hindus. Puri Beach is not only a place of religious significance, but also a hub of entertainment, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you want to witness the grandeur of the Jagannath Temple, enjoy the thrill of water sports, marvel at the sand art by Sudarshan Patnaik, or simply soak in the sun and the sea, Puri Beach has something for everyone. In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Puri Beach, including how to reach it, what to do there, where to stay, and what to eat.
How to Reach Puri Beach
Puri Beach is easily accessible by various modes of transport from different parts of India and abroad. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
By air: The nearest airport to Puri Beach is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 60 km away. You can take a flight from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc. to Bhubaneswar and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Puri Beach. The taxi fare may vary from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1500 depending on the type of vehicle and the time of travel. The bus fare may range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the type of bus and the seat availability.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Puri Beach is Puri Railway Station, which is about 2 km away. You can take a train from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc. to Puri and then take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to Puri Beach. The auto-rickshaw fare may vary from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the distance and the bargaining skills. The cycle-rickshaw fare may range from Rs. 20 to Rs. 40 depending on the same factors.
By road: Puri Beach is well connected by road with major cities and towns in Odisha and neighbouring states. You can drive your own car or rent one from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack and follow the National Highway 16 (NH-16) or the State Highway 60 (SH-60) to reach Puri Beach. The road journey may take about 1.5 hours to 2 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. You can also take a bus from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack or other nearby places to Puri Bus Stand and then take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to Puri Beach. The bus fare may vary from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 depending on the type of bus and the seat availability.
By sea: If you are feeling adventurous and want to experience the beauty of the sea along with Puri Beach, you can also take a ferry or a cruise from Paradip Port or Gopalpur Port to Puri Port and then take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to Puri Beach. The ferry fare may vary from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 depending on the type of ferry and the seat availability. The cruise fare may range from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 depending on the type of cruise and the amenities provided.
Things to Do at Puri Beach
Puri Beach offers a plethora of activities for all kinds of travellers, whether they are looking for fun, adventure, culture, or spirituality. Here are some of the things you can do at Puri Beach:
Enjoy the beach activities: Puri Beach is one of the best places in India to enjoy various water sports and beach activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, etc. You can also play beach volleyball, cricket, football, or frisbee with your friends or family or join the locals in their games. You can also relax on the beach chairs or hammocks and enjoy the breeze and the view of the sea.
Watch the sand art by Sudarshan Patnaik: Sudarshan Patnaik is a world-renowned sand artist who hails from Puri and has won many national and international awards for his amazing creations. He often makes sand sculptures on Puri Beach on various themes such as social issues, environmental issues, festivals, celebrities, etc. You can watch him work his magic on the sand and admire his artistry and skill. You can also try your hand at sand art and learn some tips and tricks from him or his students.
Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts: Puri Beach is a great place to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts that reflect the culture and heritage of Odisha. You can find many stalls and shops along the beach that sell items such as applique work, pattachitra paintings, palm leaf paintings, stone carvings, wooden toys, shell crafts, silver filigree, etc. You can also buy some local delicacies such as khaja, chhena poda, rasagulla, etc. to take back home or enjoy on the spot.
Witness the festivals and events: Puri Beach is a hub of festivals and events that attract thousands of visitors every year. The most famous festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival, which is held in June or July every year. It is a grand procession of three huge chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple and back. The chariots are pulled by millions of devotees who consider it a sacred act. The festival is a spectacle of colour, music, dance, and devotion. Another popular festival is the Puri Beach Festival, which is held in November every year. It is a celebration of the art, culture, cuisine, and tourism of Odisha. It features various cultural programs, exhibitions, competitions, food stalls, etc. on the beach. Other festivals and events that are held on Puri Beach are the Konark Dance Festival, the International Sand Art Festival, the Surfing Festival, etc.
Also Read: Explore the Golden Triangle of East: Bhubaneswar, Puri & Konark
Nearby Attractions
Puri Beach is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to many other attractions that are worth visiting in and around Puri. Here are some of the nearby attractions that you can explore from Puri Beach:
Jagannath Temple: Jagannath Temple is one of the most revered temples in India and one of the four holy dhams for Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva and is famous for its magnificent architecture, intricate carvings, and rich rituals. The temple complex also houses many other shrines and structures such as the Nila Chakra (blue wheel), the Aruna Stambha (sun pillar), the Mukti Mandap (hall of liberation), etc. The temple is open from 5 am to 11 pm every day except on certain occasions when it is closed for rituals or maintenance.
Konark Sun Temple: Konark Sun Temple is another architectural marvel that is located about 35 km from Puri Beach. It is dedicated to Surya (sun god) and was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is designed as a huge chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses that carry the sun god across the sky. The temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures and motifs that depict various aspects of life, such as love, war, music, dance, etc. The temple is also known for its erotic sculptures that are inspired by the Kamasutra. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day and has an entry fee of Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 600 for foreigners.
Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon that spreads over an area of about 1100 sq km. It is located about 50 km from Puri Beach and is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The lake hosts a variety of flora and fauna, such as mangroves, aquatic plants, fish, crabs, prawns, dolphins, etc. The lake also attracts millions of migratory birds every year from places like Siberia, Central Asia, Europe, etc. Some of the common birds that can be seen here are flamingos, pelicans, herons, egrets, storks, etc. The lake also offers various activities such as boating, fishing, camping, etc. The lake is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day and has an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person.
Nandankanan Zoo: Nandankanan Zoo is one of the best zoos in India that is located about 65 km from Puri Beach. It is spread over an area of about 400 hectares of land and houses more than 1600 animals of 166 species. The zoo is famous for its white tigers, which were first born here in 1980. The zoo also has other rare and endangered animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, etc. The zoo also offers various activities such as safari, boating, toy train, aquarium, etc. The zoo is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm every day except on Mondays and has an entry fee of Rs. 60 for adults and Rs. 40 for children.
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Accommodation Options
Puri Beach has a wide range of accommodation options to suit the needs and budgets of different travellers. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, guesthouses, campsites, and hostels depending on your preference and availability. Here are some of the accommodation options that you can consider:
Hotels and resorts: If you are looking for comfort, luxury, and convenience, you can opt for hotels and resorts that offer various facilities and services such as air-conditioned rooms, swimming pools, spas, restaurants, bars, etc. Some of the popular hotels and resorts near Puri Beach are Mayfair Heritage, Sterling Puri, Hotel Holiday Resort, Toshali Sands Resort, etc. The prices may vary from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 10000 per night depending on the season and the type of room.
Homestays and guesthouses: If you are looking for a more homely and authentic experience, you can opt for homestays and guesthouses that offer a cozy and comfortable stay with a local touch. You can interact with the hosts and learn about their culture and lifestyle. You can also enjoy home-cooked meals and local delicacies. Some of the popular homestays and guesthouses near Puri Beach are Blue Lily Beach Resort, Jamindar’s Palace, Niladri Guest House, etc. The prices may vary from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per night depending on the season and the type of room.
Campsites and hostels: If you are looking for a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, you can opt for campsites and hostels that offer a basic and minimalistic stay with a lot of fun and excitement. You can pitch your own tent or stay in a dormitory with other travellers. You can also enjoy activities such as bonfire, music, games, etc. Some of the popular campsites and hostels near Puri Beach are Zostel Puri, Golden Sand Camps & Resorts, Puri Backpackers Hostel, etc. The prices may vary from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 per night depending on the season and the type of accommodation.
Conclusion
Puri Beach is one of the most amazing places to visit in India that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. It is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and explore the beauty and diversity of Odisha. It is a place where you can experience the best of both worlds: the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the secular, the serene and the vibrant. It is a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return again.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Puri Beach today and discover its wonders for yourself!
