Welcome, fellow travelers! So if you are hoping for a place where the simplicity of spirituality meets the vibes of ancient history and coastal beauty, then this is your abode — Puri. Lamentably about its iconic Jagannath Temple, pristine beaches, picturesque markets, and bhog (Prasanth) offered to the deities, Puri, perched on the eastern coast of India in Odisha, is an exasperating destination, with all-year-round high footfall.
Whether you are in search of a spiritual retreat, beach escape or a slice of rich culture, Puri is calling out to you. Join me on a journey as we travel the best ways to get to this mystical fairy-tale town!
How to Go to Puri: Your Modes of Transportation
By Air
Air is the fastest mode of transport to reach Puri, which is closest to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBSR) and Bhubaneswar which is approximately located at a distance of 60 kilometers. There are direct flights to Bhubaneswar from the prominent cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Trivandrum. Depending on your city of departure, airlines like IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet, offer regular flights, the duration of which ranges from between 2 to 3 hours.
When you reach the Bhubaneswar Airport, you have two options for continuing your journey . You can either take a taxi (which would take about 1.5 to 2 hours) or a bus that regularly connects the airport to Puri. Similarly, to book flights, you can explore platforms like MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, and EaseMyTrip to find the best deals.
By Train
For wonderful views , you can travel by train. Several prominent Indian cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar have direct trains connecting to the Puri Railway Station. Travellers From Kolkata, get onto the train which is a direct service and takes about 8 to 10 hours based on the train. The Howrah-Puri Express and Shatabdi Express are popular trains.
The nearest railhead is Bhubaneswar and the train journey to Puri takes around 2 hours. Equipped with sleeper coaches and dining options, the travel experience becomes part of the adventure. Train schedule and reservation, on IRCTC — TripAdvisor’s guide to make your train ride easier.
By Road
Road warriors may enjoy the drive to Puri, one of the thrilling ways to immerse yourself in Odisha’s verdant scenery. If you are boarding from Bhubaneswar you can take the NH16 highway directly till Puri in around 1.5hr to 2 hr. The route is filled with beautiful villages and sights, so don’t hurry, take the time to enjoy the ride!
The distance from Kolkata is roughly 480 kilometers and should take 9-10 hours to drive(track). The NH16 is once again your best option, but make sure to stop at some roadside dhabas (local eateries) along the way to enjoy some incredible Odia food. If you are in Hyderabad or Chennai, you may also opt for a longer road trip, where travel itself would become a journey to explore a few coastal places en route.
By Bus
If you like to take public transport, state-run and private buses also ply from cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Bangalore to Puri. It takes about 2 hours from Bhubaneswar to reach the station, and the train has the option of sleeper or regular seats, whichever suits you more. Buses are a more economical option and provide an opportunity to socialize with other travelers.
What are the Tips for the best Puri Trip
Now that you’ve charted your path to Puri, some tips to make your visit magical.
- Travel for the Festivals: If you want a taste of the local culture, plan to go during the year’s annual Rath Yatra, when the deities of Jagannath are escorted out in a massive procession. Best read aloud to the tender of heart.
- Dont Just Visit Temple: Although Jagannath Temple is a major highlight, visit Puri’s beaches namely the beautiful Swargadwar Beach and have the taste of local cuisine including delicious seafood and sweets.
- Keep Yourself Connected: Download local travel apps or at least have a map.
- Local Transport: The good old auto-rickshaws (and, yes, cycle-rickshaws) will get you around in Puri. Always agree on a fare before you get in — it’s part of the fun!
So, are you all set to start your journey to Puri? It is nothing short of stunning and is bound to have an incredible influence on you with its energetic culture, amazing landscapes, and spiritual milieu. So, pack your bags and holster your travel partners because the adventure to Puri is about to start! (For travel tips on Puri, check out Thrillophilia’s guide. Happy travels!
For more Travel Guides, Stay Updated with Pathbeat.in
To explore audio tour guides and stories, visit the Pathbeat app
