Puri: What to see, do, and experience in Odisha’s temple town

Discover the rich history, spirituality, and artistry of Puri, Odisha, from the Konark Sun Temple to traditional Odia thalis.

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:

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.

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.