Odisha
Odisha, on India's east coast, holds Puri's Jagannath Temple and its thunderous Rath Yatra chariot festival, and the temple city of Bhubaneswar close by. October to February is the comfortable season, and both cities can be combined in a short coastal trip.
By Experience My India Editorial Team · Reviewed by Experience My India Editorial Team · Updated 1 Sept 2026
Government-approved operatorApproved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Places to visit in Odisha
About Odisha
Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, is one of India's less-travelled states relative to what it offers, anchored by Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple and one of Hinduism's seven holy cities (the Sapta Puri), and its enormous Rath Yatra chariot festival. Bhubaneswar, the state capital a short drive away, is itself known as the Temple City for its concentration of ancient shrines.
Puri
The Jagannath Temple, Puri's beach and the thunderous annual Rath Yatra chariot festival.
Bhubaneswar
Odisha's capital, known as the Temple City for its many ancient shrines.
Konark Sun Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage 13th-century temple built in the form of a giant stone chariot, near Puri.
Best time to visit
October to February is the comfortable season on the Odisha coast, avoiding the summer heat and the monsoon. The Rath Yatra, usually in June or July on the Hindu lunar calendar, draws enormous crowds to Puri and is worth timing a trip around only if you specifically want to see it.
How many days do you need
Puri and Bhubaneswar together, with a side trip to the Konark Sun Temple, make a comfortable three-to-four-day coastal trip.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Rath Yatra?
Puri's annual chariot festival, one of Hinduism's largest, when enormous wooden chariots carrying the deities of the Jagannath Temple are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. Dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in June or July.
Can non-Hindus enter the Jagannath Temple?
Entry to the inner temple is restricted to Hindus by long-standing temple tradition; confirm current access rules before visiting, as they are strictly enforced.
How far is Bhubaneswar from Puri?
A manageable drive, close enough that the two are almost always visited together.
What is the Konark Sun Temple?
A UNESCO World Heritage 13th-century temple near Puri, built in the shape of a giant ornately carved stone chariot.
Tour packages in Odisha
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Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Puri temple tour and VIP darshan
Price on request
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