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Places to Visit near Puri

Known popularly as an artist village, Raghurajpur has achieved a lot of fame all over the world for its unique Pattachitra paintings. These types of paintings are done on palm leaves using natural colors and usually revolve around the Hindu mythological characters.

Almost all the residents of this village are artists by occupation and passion and are said to have inherited the skills of Pattachitra painting from their ancestors. Raghurajpur is also known to be the only village where Patas, the traditional garment used for the decoration of the throne of Lord Jaganath, are made.

Such notable works, make this quaint town one of the suggested places to visit near Puri for the art and craft enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Distance from Puri: Raghurajpur is located at an approximate distance of 10 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Pattachitra paintings, stone and wood carvings, Gotipua folk dance, palm leaf engravings

Known widely for its ancient temples, pristine sandy beaches, and Annual Dance Festival, Konark is a quaint little town of Odisha. The beauty of this charming city lies in its iconic Sun Temple, which has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

This age-old architectural marvel makes for one among the most spectacular monuments in the country and speaks of the glorious past of the state. Konark hosts a number of festivals and events at the Sun Temple, including the Sun Festival, Annual Dance Festival, and Handicrafts Mela.

The historical city of Konark is one of the major places to visit near Puri to get an insight into the history and culture of Odisha.

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Distance from Puri: Konark is located at an approximate distance of 35.8 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, ASI Museum, Konark Dance Festival, Sun Festival

Known as Asia’s largest saltwater lake, Chilika Lake is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. This pear-shaped lake shelters a few tiny islands and features multiple fisheries on its shore.

Chilika Lake is home to umpteen varieties of fauna and flora, which makes it one of the best ecosystems on the earth. The lake also houses a plethora of colorful native as well as migratory birds including Flamingos, Sandpipers, White-Bellied Sea Eagles, and Golden Plovers.

This enchanting lake is even known to offer one of the most surreal sunset and sunrise views in the entire country. Making available for many fun and thrilling activities, Chilika Lake is one of the most exotic places to visit near Puri.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Distance from Puri: Chilika Lake is located at an approximate distance of 37 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Bird Island, Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, Kalijai temple, Satapada, Rambha Bay, Nalabana, bird watching, boating, Irrawaddy Dolphins, rich flora

Famous for its spellbinding local handicrafts, the small town of Pipili represents the culture of the Indian state of Odisha. The whole economy of this town is dependent on its amazing creation of crafts that are put out on sale mainly for the tourists visiting Puri.

The handicrafts offered by this place mainly have that traditional touch in them and manifest different hues of the state. Some of the important things that tourists love to purchase in Pipili include Figurines of Hindu gods and goddesses, sheets, pillow covers, purses, handbags, and home decor items.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.

Distance from Puri: Pipili is located at an approximate distance of 36.6 kilometers from Puri.

Highlights: Markandeswara temple, local handicrafts, shopping.
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With its name inspired from its colorful sunset, the magnificent Astaranga Beach is popular for its stunning picturesque vistas. Featuring clear blue waters and soft sands, this place gives rise to a magical environment that has an ever-lasting effect on its visitors.

Lying away from the hustle and bustle of the chaotic city, this beach is one of the most recommended places to visit near Puri for a peaceful time to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. Famous for its fishing villages, this place buzzes with an amazing fish market every morning, which lets the visitors purchase fresh fish.

There is also a sufi shrine lying on the beach that attracts many muslim visitors.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Distance from Puri: Astaranga Beach is located at an approximate distance of 60.8 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Jahania Pir Shrine, picnicnicking, swimming, Olive Ridley Turtles, sunset watching

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Known as the ‘Temple City of India’, Bhubaneswar is home to a myriad of magnificent temples and architectural marvels. Manifesting a glorious history and a rich cultural heritage, this ancient city is also a thriving hub for business and commerce.

Making rapid progress without losing its hold onto its impressive traditions, the bustling city of Bhubaneswar presents the perfect blend of modern developments and old world charm.

Packed with ancient temples, huge shopping malls, elegant restaurants, lofty buildings, and lush parks, this spectacular city has something in store for every traveler and hence makes for one of the most versatile tourist places near Puri.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Distance from Puri: Bhubaneswar is located at an approximate distance of 60 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Lingaraj Temple, ISKCON Bhubaneswar, Kalinga Stadium, Bindu Sagar, Rajarani Temple, Orissa State museum, Mukteswar Temple, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Nicco Park, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Chausathi Yogini, Deras Dam, Ananta Vasudev Temple, Khandagiri Caves, Esplanade One mall

Known popularly as Odisha’s cultural capital, Cuttack happens to be a commercial and touristy city of the state. Making for the state’s  2nd largest city, this buzzing place is known for its local handicrafts, cultural activities, delicious delicacies, and fairs and festivals.

Some of the important events that are observed here with great pomp and show include the Kite Festival and Durga Puja. Also denoted as ‘The Silver City’, Cuttack has even gained a lot of fame for its impressive silverwork.

Best Time to Visit: July to March

Distance from Puri: Cuttack is located an approximate distance of 81 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Barabati Stadium, Dhabaleshwar, Bali Yatra, Dahi Vada Alu Dum

Perched at an altitude of around 54 feet, Balasore is an amazing city surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on the West, Midnapore on the North, Kendujhar on the Southwest, and Bhadrak on the South.

This city formed a segment of the renowned Kalinga Empire in bygone times, but was captured by the Mughals. In the later period, the region was developed into an important port by the Britishers during their rule.

At present day, Balasore makes for a critical site for the Ballistic Missile testing by DRDO. Packed with a number of attractions including beaches, temples, and markets, this city also attracts a lot of tourists each day.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Distance from Puri: Balasore is located at an approximate distance of 251 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Chandipur Beach, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchalingeswar, Chandbali, Talsari
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Known popularly as ‘The Steel City of Odisha’, Rourkela is counted among the country’s first cities to have received commercialization for the production of steel. Surrounded by serene rivers and lofty hills, this place is also popular for its rich natural beauty.

Brimming with natural minerals, this city makes for a huge part of the state’s natural resources. In addition to commercial advancements, the place is even famous for its religious significance because of its illustrations in the Hindu epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana.

All these important features make Rourkela, one of the best offbeat tourist places near Puri.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Distance from Puri: Rourkela is located at an approximate distance of 394.2 kilometers from Puri

Highlights: Khandadhar Waterfall, Ghogar, Vedvyas, Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium, Hanuman Vatika, Shopping