Hi there, I’m Manasvi, and I want to share our family’s amazing adventure in Jagannath Puri, Odisha.
Excited about our journey from Meerut to Bhubaneshwar by train, we booked affordable tickets (700 to 800 rupees per person). Despite the long 40-hour ride, we made the most out of it by bonding as a family through games, and stories, and enjoying the scenic views from the train windows.
After reaching Bhubaneswar, we were relieved to get outside and stretch our legs. We then took a cab from the station to Puri, which was only a two-hour drive away. We were able to experience the native way of life and take in the stunning Odisha countryside during the drive.
During this journey we stayed at the Rumani Hotel in Puri. The hotel was run by an amiable Delhi-based Punjabi couple, which made the check-in procedure easy. Their Hindi language proficiency was really beneficial. We did, however, learn the Odia language from the locals when we went into town and spoke with them, which was an interesting new aspect of our trip’s cultural immersion.
Places to Visit in Puri (Odisha)
Our days in Puri were filled with exploration. We visited several incredible places:
- Jagannath Temple: This temple is a vital pilgrimage site and a central part of the Char Dham pilgrimage in India. The grandeur and spirituality of the temple left a lasting impression on all of us.
- Konark Temple: Known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, the Konark Temple was a historical treasure trove.
- Chilika Lake: This serene lake offers us a chance to relax amidst the tranquility of nature. The boat rides here were especially memorable.
- Puri Beach: The beach was a highlight of our trip, with its pristine sands and mesmerizing waves. The only challenge for us as vegetarians was finding enough vegetarian food options, but the non-veg snacks, particularly the momos, were quite tempting.
One day, we chose to venture outside the typical tourist spots and took a trip to a village called Gangasagar From Puri. We chose to take a passenger bus to this outlying location. The difference was stark, as we encountered extreme poverty in the village. When the kids came up to us asking for help, we were deeply moved by them.
Later that day we enjoyed Bhel puri beside the river.
All things considered, our family’s journey to Jagannath Puri was an amazing experience.Also, we had a great chance to experience camel rides. For an enriching trip, we suggest discovering Odisha’s hidden gems in addition to its well-known tourist attraction.
Food and Accommodation in Odisha
Regarding food and accommodation, we were lucky to find a variety of vegetarian options at Rumani Hotel, including the ever-comforting chai. However, beyond the hotel, non-vegetarian dishes especially those featuring crabs dominated the local culinary scene.
Travel tips to Jagannath Temple
- When planning a trip to Odisha, be sure to pack power banks, and comfortable clothing suitable for various activities.
- Carry water bottles to stay hydrated, especially when visiting temples.
- Carrying cash is advisable, as it proves useful at the beaches and temples.
- Ask locals, or search on Google to find the best vegetarian restaurants near you.
Best Month to visit Jagannath Puri
The best months to visit Puri are October – February when neither the intense heat nor the excessive humidity will interfere with your intentions to be outside. Winters (December to February) are pleasant for visiting temples and the seaside, despite being a little chilly.
Our trip to Jagannath Puri was a unique blend of scenic beauty and cultural discovery that left us with priceless memories we will always cherish!
