Reaching the Jagannath Temple in Puri is convenient as the city is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the detailed options for first-time visitors:
By Air:
Nearest Airport:
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar – The nearest airport to Puri, located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) away.
From the Airport to Puri:
Taxi/Cab: Pre-paid taxis and cabs are available at the airport. The journey to Puri takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Bus: Direct buses are available from Bhubaneswar to Puri, operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private operators.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station:
Puri Railway Station (PURI): Puri has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities across India.
From the Railway Station to the Temple:
Auto-rickshaw/Cycle Rickshaw: Easily available outside the station; the temple is about 2-3 kilometers from the station.
Taxi: Taxis are also available and can be booked for a more comfortable ride.
By Road:
From Bhubaneswar to Puri:
Bus: Regular buses run from Bhubaneswar to Puri. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Taxi/Cab: Private cabs can be hired for a direct and comfortable journey to Puri.
From Other Major Cities:
Private Car/Taxi: Puri is accessible by road from major cities like Kolkata, Cuttack, and others. The journey from Kolkata takes about 8-9 hours.
Bus: Long-distance buses operated by OSRTC and private operators are available from various cities.
Local Transportation in Puri:
Auto-rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws: Common modes of transport within the city, ideal for short distances.
Taxis and Rental Cars: Available for hire for local sightseeing and visiting nearby attractions.
Additional Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals like the Rath Yatra.
Temple Timings: The temple is open from early morning (around 5 AM) to late evening (around 10 PM). Check specific darshan and pooja timings.
Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire is recommended. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or any revealing clothing.
Security and Safety: Follow temple protocols and security guidelines. Bags, mobile phones, and cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises.
Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance your visit by providing historical and cultural insights.
By following these guidelines, first-time visitors can have a smooth and enriching experience at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. Here’s a guide on how to reach the temple by air, train, and road:
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar
Distance to Puri: The airport is about 60 km from Puri.
Connectivity: The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and some international destinations like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur.
How to Reach Puri from Bhubaneswar Airport:
Taxi: Pre-paid taxis and app-based taxis (like Ola and Uber) are available. The drive to Puri takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Bus: There are government and private buses from Bhubaneswar to Puri, which take about 2 to 3 hours.
Train: You can take a train from Bhubaneswar Railway Station to Puri (trains run frequently and the journey is about 1.5 hours).
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (PURI)
Distance to the Temple: The railway station is about 3 km from the Jagannath Temple.
Connectivity: Puri Railway Station is well-connected to cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Major trains like Purushottam Express, Puri Express, Howrah-Puri Express, and others serve this route.
How to Reach the Temple from Puri Railway Station:
Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are readily available and take about 10 minutes to reach the temple.
Cycle-Rickshaw: You can also opt for a slower-paced ride in a cycle-rickshaw.
Walking: If you prefer walking, the temple is about 15-20 minutes on foot from the station.
3. By Road
Puri is well-connected by road to various cities in Odisha and nearby states:
From Bhubaneswar: Approx. 60 km (~1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus).
From Kolkata: Approx. 500 km (~8-10 hours by car or bus).
From Cuttack: Approx. 90 km (~2 hours by car or bus).
Bus Services:
State-run buses (OSRTC) and private buses operate regularly from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Kolkata, and other nearby cities.
Buses typically stop at the Puri Bus Stand, which is about 2-3 km from the temple.
Private Car/Taxi: You can hire a private taxi or use car rental services from Bhubaneswar or other nearby cities for a more convenient journey.
Local Transportation in Puri
Auto-rickshaws and Cycle-rickshaws: Easily available for commuting within Puri, including getting to the Jagannath Temple.
Taxis: Private taxis are also available, but auto-rickshaws are more commonly used within the city.