Daily Hindu Panchang
Lord Jagannath and the Rath Yatra
Puri is a Char Dham, home to the Jagannath Temple and the world-famous Rath Yatra. Konark Sun Temple and Chilika Lake are nearby.
| Place | Puri, Odisha |
|---|---|
| Known as | Char Dham · Jagannath Dham |
| Best time | October to March. The Rath Yatra falls in June or July. |
| Time needed | 2 days, or 3 with Konark and Bhubaneswar |
| Nearest railway | Puri |
| Nearest airport | Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar |
Puri is the home of Lord Jagannath, one of the four Dhams and one of the most unique temple traditions in India. The deity is a wooden form, renewed every few years in the Nabakalebara ritual. The famous Rath Yatra each year brings millions of pilgrims to the Grand Road.
The Jagannath Temple has strict rules on entry. It is open only to Hindus, and there are limits on phones, bags and shoes, so read the rules before you go.
Puri is also a beach town. A calm visit pairs the temple with Konark and Chilika on a day trip each.
The temple is in the heart of the old town. The Grand Road, Bada Danda, runs from the temple to the Gundicha temple. The sea beach and the Swargadwar cremation ghat are a short ride from the temple. Konark is 35 km and Bhubaneswar is 60 km away.
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
A quick pilgrim stop from Bhubaneswar.
The classic plan, with Konark.
A relaxed trip with the lagoon.
Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar and Chilika.
For the festival week.
A tall temple built in the 12th century with the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The mahaprasad, cooked in earthen pots in the huge kitchen, is shared with devotees at the Anand Bazaar.
Only Hindus are allowed inside. Check the temple administration's official instructions for the current darshan rules.
Local tip: Leave phones, bags and leather items at your hotel.
The summer temple of Jagannath, where the deities stay during Rath Yatra. It is quiet outside the festival and has a garden around it.
Local tip: Visit in the morning.
A wide sea beach, famed for its sunrise and for the sand art. Swargadwar is where the last rites are performed for pilgrims. Bathing in the sea at Swargadwar is considered holy.
Local tip: Swim only where lifeguards are present. The sea can be rough.
A 13th-century temple built as a giant chariot for the Sun god with carved wheels. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 35 km from Puri.
Local tip: Go in the morning and hire a licensed guide.
Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, about 50 km from Puri, known for its birds and dolphins. Boat rides are available at Satapada.
Local tip: Go early for birds. Winter is the best season.
| October to March | Cool and pleasant. The best time. |
|---|---|
| Rath Yatra (June or July) | The biggest festival. Very crowded. |
| Summer | Hot and humid. |
| Monsoon and cyclone season | Check the weather before travelling. |
Hotels near the beach and mutts near the temple. Book early for Rath Yatra and winter.
Mahaprasad, dalma, khichdi, pakhala, and fresh sea fish if you eat non-vegetarian away from the temple area. Sweets like chhena poda are a local pride.
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
One day for the temple. Two or three days with Konark and Chilika.
No. Entry is limited to Hindus. Others can see the temple from nearby viewpoints.
The annual chariot festival where the three deities are pulled on giant chariots along the Grand Road.
October to March.
Only near lifeguards. The waves can be strong.
October to March. The Rath Yatra falls in June or July.
Plan 2 days, or 3 with Konark and Bhubaneswar.
The nearest railway station is Puri. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
Rath Yatra (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya); Snana Yatra; Nabakalebara (rare).
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:07 AM to 11:31 AM, worked out for Puri's own sunrise.
Spire of the Jagannath Temple: Amartyabag, CC BY-SA 3.0, source.
