Puri, a small coastal town located in the state of Odisha, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and delicious seafood. While the town is bustling with tourists during the peak summer months, it can be a quieter and more relaxing place to visit during the winter.
Why is Puri a great place to visit in Winters?
During the winter months, between December and February, the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring all that the town has to offer. The pristine beaches of Puri are the perfect place to spend a few days soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. With golden sands and crystal-clear waters, the beaches of Puri are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and simply enjoying the view. If you are looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of water sports activities to choose from, such as surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Puri is also home to some of India’s oldest and most beautiful temples. The 12th-century Jagannath temple is the most famous, and visitors can take part in the colourful Rath Yatra festival, when the three main deities are taken out in a procession. Other temples include the 11th-century Gundicha Temple, the 12th-century Sunar Gauranga Temple, and the 16th-century Swargadwar Temple.Puri also has a number of interesting markets and handicraft shops where you can buy traditional items such as hand-woven textiles, wooden carvings, and stone sculptures. To sample the local cuisine, head to the bustling sea-facing market and enjoy the delicious seafood dishes.
Winter is also an ideal time for food lovers to visit Puri as the town is famous for its traditional Odia cuisine, which is known for its use of local spices and fresh seafood. Visitors can try popular dishes such as dahi-pakhala (a curd-based dish), machha jhola (fish curry), and pitha (a sweet dish made from rice flour).
For those planning a relaxing beach holiday or a spiritual pilgrimage, Puri is the perfect place to visit in the winter season. Check out Top 10 Places to visit in Puri.
Here are some things to do in Puri during the winter months:
Visit the Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Puri.
Visit the Puri Light House
The Puri Light House is located at the end of the beach road and offer a panoramic view of the sea. You can climb to the top for a view of the surrounding area, including the Jagannath Temple.
Take a stroll on the beach
Puri’s beaches are a major draw for tourists, and the cool winter temperatures make it an ideal time to take a walk along the sandy shores. You can also enjoy a variety of beach activities like beach soccer, flying kites, and horse riding.
Visit the Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Raghurajpur is a small village located near Puri, and is famous for its traditional patachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, and other handicrafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work, and purchase their products.
Visit the Puri Sari Market
The Puri Sari market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts. The market is known for its beautiful silk and cotton saris, and also has a wide variety of other products on offer like wooden and stone statues, traditional jewelry and much more
Attend the Makar Sankranti Festival
Makar Sankranti is a popular festival celebrated in Odisha, and it usually falls in January. This festival is celebrated to mark the start of the harvest season and it is a very colorful celebration with traditional music, dance and food.
Enjoy Local Seafood
Puri is famous for its delicious seafood and the winter is a great time to sample it. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fish dishes, including traditional preparations like “poda macha” (smoked fish) and “chuna macha” (sun-dried fish).
Visit the Chilika Lake
Chilika lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia, is located nearby Puri and this is a great place to visit during the winter. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride and spot a wide variety of migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
Visit the Konark Sun Temple
Konark sun temple is a UNESCO world heritage site located around 34km from Puri. This beautiful temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya, and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
Participate in yoga and meditation sessions
Many yoga and meditation centers offer classes during the winter months. This is an excellent way to relax, rejuvenate and find inner peace in the serene setting of Puri
Shop at the local markets
Puri has a number of local markets selling a variety of goods, from traditional handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing and jewelry. Winter is a great time to explore these markets and pick up some unique items. Some of the popular markets are Pipli, Astaranga and Nimapara.
Visit the Science Centre and Museum
The Science Centre and Museum in Puri is a great place to visit, especially for families with children. The museum has a variety of exhibits on science and technology, including interactive displays, and it’s a great way to spend a winter day.
These are just a few examples of the many things to do in Puri during the winter months.
Best Hotels in Puri during winters
Mayfair Waves: Located on the beachfront, this hotel offers luxurious accommodation with stunning views of the sea. The hotel has a variety of room options, including beachfront cottages, suites, and deluxe rooms. Amenities include a spa, fitness center, and a restaurant that serves delicious seafood.
The Hans Coco Palms: This hotel is located in a serene and peaceful location, just a short walk from the beach. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant that serves delicious Indian and continental cuisine. The hotel also offers yoga and meditation classes for guests.
Swosti Premium: This hotel is located close to the Jagannath Temple and offers comfortable and elegant accommodation. Amenities include a spa, fitness center, and a restaurant that serves delicious seafood.
Hotel Golden Sand: This hotel is located on the beachfront and offers comfortable and convenient accommodation. Amenities include a restaurant that serves delicious seafood and a lounge area for guests to relax.
The Sea Hawk Hotel: The hotel has a variety of room options, including sea-facing rooms and suites. Amenities include a restaurant that serves delicious seafood and a lounge area for guests to relax.
Treebo hotels in Puri: Treebo is a chain of budget hotels that can be found across India, and it has some hotels in Puri as well. These hotels are a great option for those looking for comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation during their winter visit to Puri. Treebo Select Hill View, Treebo Trend Samudra, Treebo Trend Pearl are a few examples.
In conclusion, Puri offers a wide range of activities for visitors during the winter months. From religious shrines and temples to beaches, local markets and vibrant festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this coastal town. And, the pleasant weather makes it a perfect time to explore the beauty of this city.Visitors can also witness the famous Puri Beach Festival, which is held every year in December and features a variety of cultural performances, including music, dance, and fireworks.
