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3 Days in Puri for a Food Trip
Puri is a paradise for food lovers, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Odia flavors. I've spent countless evenings here, digging into crispy chhena poda or slurping on tangy dalma. The streets near the beach come alive with food stalls, and the local thalis are a must-try. This itinerary will take you through the best bites in town, from temple prasad to beachside crab curries.
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Day 1
Day 1 in Puri
Kick off your Puri adventure with its iconic temple, a leisurely beach stroll, and a deep dive into Odisha's legendary street food scene.
Activities
Morning at Jagannath Temple
Start your day early at the sacred Jagannath Temple, one of India's Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The morning aarti (prayer ceremony) is a mesmerizing experience with chanting priests and the scent of incense. Don't miss the temple kitchen - said to be the world's largest - where 500 cooks prepare mahaprasad (sacred food) daily.
- Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered)
- Leave phones/cameras at your hotel - they're not allowed inside
Puri Beach Walk & Fresh Coconut Break
After the temple, take a 10-minute rickshaw ride to Puri Beach. The golden sands stretch for miles, with colorful fishing boats bobbing in the surf. Grab a tender coconut from beach vendors and watch local fishermen haul in their morning catch. Look for the iconic 'chhappan bhog' sellers offering 56 types of temple sweets.
- Bargain for beach souvenirs
- Avoid swimming - currents are strong
Lunch at Wildgrass Restaurant
This beloved local spot serves authentic Odia thalis in a breezy garden setting. Their seafood is fresh from morning catches - try the chingudi malai curry (prawns in coconut milk) or machha besara (fish in mustard gravy). End with chenna poda, Odisha's answer to cheesecake.
- Ask for the daily catch specials
- Try their homemade aam papad (mango leather)
Must Try Foods
Transportation
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Day 2
Day 2 in Puri
A mix of cultural sights and local flavors, from ancient temples to bustling markets and seafood delights.
Activities
Chilika Lake Boat Ride
Head to Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, about an hour from Puri. Spot playful dolphins, migratory birds, and local fishermen at work. The morning light makes the water shimmer, and the cool breeze is refreshing. Don't miss the tiny Nalabana Island, a bird sanctuary in the middle of the lake.
- Carry binoculars for birdwatching
- Bargain for boat prices if not booked through a tour
Lunch at Trupti Restaurant
A no-frills local favorite known for its fresh seafood. Try their crab masala or prawn malai curry with steamed rice. The fish pakoras make a great starter. The place gets crowded, so go slightly early or late to avoid the rush.
- Ask for 'today's catch' specials
- Their mango chutney is a must-try side
Raghurajpur Artist Village
This heritage crafts village is where Pattachitra artists create intricate scroll paintings using traditional methods. Watch artisans at work, see palm leaf engravings, and maybe take home a souvenir. The colorful murals on mud houses make great photo backdrops.
- Carry cash for purchases
- Respectfully ask before photographing artists
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 3
Day 3 in Puri
A relaxed day diving into Puri's lesser-known gems, from serene gardens to local markets and authentic Odia flavors.
Activities
Morning at Narendra Tank & Garden
Start your day with a peaceful stroll around Narendra Tank, a sacred water tank surrounded by lush gardens. Locals believe a dip here is as holy as visiting the Jagannath Temple. The garden is perfect for a quiet morning, with shady trees and benches to soak in the calm.
- Carry a small towel if you plan to dip your feet in the tank
- Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool breeze
Breakfast at Mahaprasad at Anand Bazaar
Head to Anand Bazaar, the lively market near Jagannath Temple, to try the temple’s famous Mahaprasad. This sacred food is cooked in the temple kitchens and sold here. Don’t miss the dalma (lentil stew with veggies), khichdi, and sweet pithas. Eating here feels like a cultural ritual.
- Try the chenna poda (caramelized cottage cheese dessert) if available
- Carry cash as most vendors don’t accept digital payments
Explore Local Handicrafts at Pipli Village
A short drive from Puri, Pipli is famous for its vibrant appliqué work. Wander through small workshops where artisans stitch colorful canopies, lampshades, and bags. You can even pick up souvenirs directly from the makers. The burst of colors and craftsmanship is unforgettable.
- Bargain gently—artisans often quote higher initial prices
- Look for the peacock motifs, a Pipli specialty