Explore Puri
Temples, Beaches and Everything Around Puri
Most guests come to Puri for the Shri Jagannath Temple, and Bishnu Bhaban puts you at the West Gate so the walk is measured in minutes, not kilometres. Once you have done darshan, the beach, the other temples, and the markets are all within easy reach on foot or by a short auto ride.
TempleShri Jagannath Temple
The reason most people are in Puri at all. One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the temple complex is where Bishnu Bhaban sits, right at the West Gate. The main darshan, the Swarna Vartika purification of the deities, and the evening aarti are all within a few minutes walk of the hotel, which is why our guests can be at the temple gate before the queue forms.
TempleVimala Temple
A small, beautifully maintained stone temple dedicated to Goddess Vimala, and by general belief the temple where Lord Jagannath's sister Lakshmi is said to have taken her final meal before leaving for Mathura. It is a short walk from the main complex and is often quieter than the main temple, which guests appreciate.
BeachPuri Beach
A long crescent of sand on the Bay of Bengal, and one of the reasons to come to Puri beyond the temple. Sunrise here is the main event, with the fishing boats going out and the first light coming up over the water. Swimming is possible but the currents are strong, so most visitors use it for walking.
PilgrimageNilachala
The sacred spot where Lord Jagannath is believed to have rested for eight months before setting out for Mathura, and where the Rath Yatra chariots begin their journey. The sacred grove is close to the temple complex and is a quiet place to reflect if you want a break from the crowds.
FestivalRath Yatra
Puri's most famous festival, when three enormous chariots carrying Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled through the streets by hand. It draws enormous crowds from across India and is worth planning a trip around if you can time your visit to the season.
HeritageKonark Sun Temple
The 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour and a half from Puri. A stone chariot with twelve pairs of carved wheels, it is one of the most ambitious structures ever built in India and the standard day trip for anyone staying in Puri for more than two nights.
HeritageDhauli Shanti Stupa
The white peace pagoda on the Dhauli hill, on the road between Puri and Konark. Ashoka's edicts are carved into the rock face at the base, and the view over the coast and the palm-lined road is the best available from the stretch.
ShoppingGrand Road & Market
The main shopping street in Puri, running along the temple complex, and effectively the front door of the hotel. Rice, sweets, flowers, and puja samagri are sold here, alongside sandalwood and shell souvenirs, all within a few minutes walk.
BeachChandrabhaga Beach
The quieter northern end of Puri beach, where the Chilika lake meets the sea. Fewer people than the main beach, cleaner sand, and the spot where the fishing boats come in. A better choice if the main stretch is too crowded.
NatureSwaraj Dweep & Chilika Lake
Dhauli, Brahmapur, and a small island where the Chilika lake meets the sea, all on the road south of Puri. Birdlife here is genuinely exceptional, with migratory species arriving in their thousands each winter, and it is a popular day trip from the temple town.
ShoppingPipili Craft Village
A town about 17 km north of Puri known for its appliqué work, which uses small pieces of coloured cloth stitched together into large patterns. The cloth itself is called patta, and the designs are the reason most people make the trip.