The city’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal is a gift for locals and visitors alike. Out of the places to visit in Puri, its beaches are a must-visit after the beautiful temples. The first Asian beach to receive a Blue Flag certification, Puri beach is one of the most popular sites in the region. Its choppy waters make it perfect for surfing enthusiasts and visitors can stroll, browse pearls and seashell souvenirs, or marvel at the splendid sand sculptures. And if you wish to experience a relatively more peaceful atmosphere, you could head to the Balighai beach. Located only 8 km away from Puri, you could try your hand at parasailing or water skiing. And a barely known fact about this beach is that you will find Olive Ridley turtles laying their eggs in the sand during the months of December and January. A tempting view for nature lovers.

 

Once you have finished visiting all of Puri’s famous places, do not miss out on the neighbouring sights awaiting you. 50 km away from Puri is Chilika Lake, Asia’s biggest inland salt-water lagoon. The lake is dotted with small islands of lush green natural beauty and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow neck of land. The flocks of migratory birds make the winter months a great time to visit the lake. Follow this with a visit to Raghurajpur village, 15 km away from Puri. It is set against a picturesque backdrop of lush green and tropical trees along the bank of the Bhargavi River. The fascinating thing about this place is that every household here is involved in some form of handicrafts. These include its specialty Pattachitra paintings along with stone carvings, wood carvings and wooden toys. You could browse through the painted murals on the houses, and even buy a few pieces as souvenirs for your home.