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How to Reach Puri

Puri, a coastal town in Odisha, is one of Hinduism's four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, home to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple with its towering 65m shikhara and the annual Rath Y

Overview

Puri, a coastal town in Odisha, is one of Hinduism's four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, home to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple with its towering 65m shikhara and the annual Rath Yatra chariot festival. The town's golden beach along the Bay of Bengal and the nearby Chilika Lake add natural beauty to its spiritual significance. Accessible by air, rail, and road, Puri is well-connected to major Indian cities, making it a convenient pilgrimage destination.

Transport Options

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By Air

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Puri, a journey of roughly 2 hours. Several airlines connect Bhubaneswar to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities.

Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI)

The only major airport in the region, offering domestic flights from major Indian cities. It is well-equipped with facilities for pilgrims and tourists.

•Distance from Puri: ~60 km, travel time 2 hours by road.
•Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet operate regular flights.
•Pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) are available at the airport.
•Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Airport to Puri Transfer

After landing, you can hire a taxi or take a state-run bus to Puri. The route passes through scenic countryside and the city of Bhubaneswar.

•Taxi fare: approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 depending on vehicle type.
•AC and non-AC buses from Bhubaneswar bus stand to Puri every 30 minutes.
•Travel time is about 2 hours; roads are generally in good condition.
•For convenience, pre-book a taxi through the airport counter or online.

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By Train

Puri has its own railway station, Puri Junction, well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Several express and superfast trains, including the Puri-Howrah and Puri-New Delhi routes, serve the station. The station is about 2 km from the Jagannath Temple, easily reachable by auto-rickshaw.

Puri Railway Station (PURI)

A major junction on the East Coast Railway, with frequent trains from all over India. The station has basic amenities and is close to the town center.

•Station code: PURI; located on the Khurda Road–Puri branch line.
•Major trains: Puri–Howrah Express, Puri–New Delhi Purushottam Express, Puri–Mumbai Konark Express.
•Direct trains from Kolkata (6–8 hours), Delhi (24–30 hours), and Chennai (20–24 hours).
•Auto-rickshaw to temple: ₹50–₹100, or 15-minute walk.

Bhubaneswar as a Rail Hub

If direct trains to Puri are not available, you can take a train to Bhubaneswar and then a connecting train or bus to Puri. Bhubaneswar is a major railhead with more frequent services.

•Bhubaneswar to Puri by train: about 1.5 hours, with several daily passenger trains.
•Alternatively, take a bus from Bhubaneswar bus stand (1.5–2 hours).
•Pre-paid taxis from Bhubaneswar station to Puri cost around ₹1,500.
•Check train availability on IRCTC; book in advance during festival seasons.

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By Road

Puri is well-connected by road to major cities in Odisha and neighboring states. National Highway 316 (NH316) links Puri to Bhubaneswar and beyond. State-run and private buses, as well as taxis, operate regularly.

Bus Services

Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs regular AC and non-AC buses from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other cities. Private operators also offer luxury coaches.

•Bhubaneswar to Puri: frequent buses, fare ₹50–₹150, travel time 2 hours.
•From Kolkata: around 500 km, journey 10–12 hours by bus.
•From Visakhapatnam: about 450 km, 9–10 hours by bus.
•Buses drop you at Puri bus stand, 1 km from the temple.

Self-Drive and Taxi

Driving to Puri is convenient, with well-maintained highways. You can rent a car from Bhubaneswar or drive from nearby cities. Parking is available near the temple but can be crowded.

•From Bhubaneswar: 60 km via NH316, toll road, travel time 1.5–2 hours.
•From Kolkata: via NH16, distance ~500 km, travel time 10–12 hours.
•From Chennai: via NH16, distance ~1,200 km, travel time 20+ hours.
•Parking at temple area: ₹20–₹50 per day; use designated lots.

Practical Tips

•Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main Jagannath Temple; you can view the temple from outside or visit the nearby Raghunandan Library for a view.
•Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering any temple; photography is prohibited inside the temple complex.
•Carry cash, as many small shops and eateries near the temple do not accept cards.
•Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, especially during summer; the beach is best visited early morning or late afternoon.
•Respect local customs: avoid leather items inside temple premises, and try to attend the daily evening aarti for a spiritual experience.