The coastal town of Puri in Odisha is much more than just a beach destination. Steeped in history, spirituality, and rich cultural traditions, it offers travellers an immersive experience. Famous for the revered Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the town pulses with the energy of devotees. The town’s markets brim with the intricate Pattachitra paintings, sand and shell art, and Odisha’s handlooms. Here are five unmissable experiences when in Puri:

Sun Temple of Konark

A short 50-kilometre drive from Puri takes you to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century by King Narasingha Deva I, this architectural masterpiece is shaped like a colossal chariot dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The intricate stone carvings, depicting celestial beings, mythical creatures, and everyday life, is a breathtaking tapestry of artistry and storytelling.

The grandeur of the temple can be best experienced at dusk. As the sun dips below the horizon, the Konark Temple glows in a golden embrace, its carvings casting long, mystical shadows, while the evening breeze whispers through the ruins, carrying echoes of a timeless past. Presently, a team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is inspecting the progress of sand removal from the Sun Temple, often regarded as one of the seven wonders of India. The assessment that was initiated in 2024 aims to help experts determine whether the sand, which was placed inside the temple’s assembly hall (Jagamohan) by the British more than 100 years ago to reinforce its stability, can now be safely removed.

The magnificent Konark Sun Temple receives on an average 5,000 to 10,000 visitors daily. Currently, the light and sound show depicting the history of the temple has been halted due to a technical issue. The timings of the temple are 6am to 6pm.

Odia Thali at Taj’s Vista Restaurant

Odia thali dished out at Vista restaurant at Taj Puri Resort Spa in Puri , Odisha.
| Photo Credit:
K R DEEPAK

Food in Puri is a revelation, and no visit can be complete without indulging in an authentic Odia thali. However, finding a wholesome Odia thali can be a challenge in Puri, except in homes in the city. Taj Puri Resorts’ restaurant, Vista, bridges this gap by offering a lavish spread of traditional Odia delicacies, bringing the culinary heritage of the region to the table.

Curated by the hotel’s executive chef Biswarup Chatterjee, the thali is a symphony of flavours and textures. It includes dalma, a hearty lentil dish cooked with mixed vegetables and tempered with paanch phoron (mix of five spices), is both nourishing and subtly spiced. The mustard-infused chatu besara is a wild mushroom curry with a tangy punch, while the koshila saag, a stir-fried medley of leafy vegetables, melts in your mouth with its mild seasoning. The deep-fried brinjal fritters adds a crunchy contrast. The thali is served with rice and maacha jhola, fish curry cooked in mustard paste. The star of the meal is chhena poda, a caramelised cottage cheese dessert with a smoky aftertaste that lingers pleasantly.

The thali is available for lunch and dinner at the Taj’s Vista restaurant.

The Jagannath Temple

A view of Jagannath temple in Puri , Odisha.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the Jagannath Temple is a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of Puri. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, this 12th Century temple is renowned for its grand annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) and its Mahaprasad – holy food prepared in earthen pots over wood fire. The temple kitchen, said to be one of the largest in the world, prepares Mahaprasad daily, using a traditional technique passed down generations. Devotees often partake in this sacred meal, which includes khechedi (spiced rice and lentils), dalma, and various sweets, served on banana leaves.

One of the main offerings here is the khaja, a crispy, golden sweet made with layers of refined flour and dunked in sugar syrup. What makes Puri’s khaja special is the use of pure desi ghee, adding an aroma and flavour. Stalls near the Jagannath Temple such as Nrusingha Sweets serve this delicacy fresh and warm. Most sweet shops offer two variants of khaja – one made in oil and other in desi ghee. With each bite, the flaky outer layers crumble delicately, while the syrupy core bursts with a rich sweetness. The legacy of khaja-making in Puri dates back centuries, and its association with temple rituals makes it an integral part of the town’s food culture.

Raghurajpur heritage village

A view of the entrance of the Raghurajpur heritage village, known for Pattachitra and palm leaf engravings, in Puri district of Odisha.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

About 30 kilometres from Puri is the Raghurajpur Heritage Village, a living canvas of art and tradition. This quaint hamlet is renowned for its centuries-old legacy of Pattachitra, intricate scroll paintings depicting mythological tales, deities, and folklore. Every home here is an artist’s workshop, where vibrant murals and paintings adorn walls, and skilled hands bring to life palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, and traditional toys. Walking through its narrow lanes is like stepping into an open-air museum, where the air is thick with the scent of natural dyes and the rhythmic strokes of paintbrushes narrate stories of a bygone era.

A woman sits outside her house with crafts displayed on the verandah at Raghurajpur heritage village, known for Pattachitra and palm leaf engravings, in Puri district of Odisha.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

The village is home to to several national award-winning artists who are part of the Raghurajpur Chitra Karigari Co-operative Society, an organisation dedicated to preserving these traditional art forms. Beyond its artistic charm, Raghurajpur is a testament to sustainable living, where craftsmanship is passed down generations, preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The villagers take immense pride in their work, welcoming visitors with warm smiles and a glimpse into their creative world. The best time to visit the village is from 8am till 6pm when visitors can watch the artistes create these art forms and purchase them.

Silver filigree

Silver jewellery displayed at a store in Puri , Odisha.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

Back in Cuttack, Pankaj Kumar Sahoo, a silver filigree artist creates intricate designs by transforming silver balls into fine threads and pressing them with wires through a detailed, time-intensive process. He is one of the main suppliers of silver filigree (or Rupa Tarakasi that was granted a Geographical Indication tag) in New Kalinga Filigree store in Puri. The store is one of the oldest in the temple town now run by second generation entrepreneur Sayed Saif Ali, who took over the reins of New Kalinga Filigree founded by his father in 1982. “With growing awareness around the uniqueness of this art form, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in demand,” says Sayed.

Each filigree piece, whether an ornate necklace, a delicate brooch, or a miniature idol of Lord Jagannath, reflects the art form continued for generations.

The writer was in Puri on the invitation of Taj Puri Resort and Spa