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Puri, with its world-renowned Jagannath Temple and vibrant beaches, is one of the most celebrated destinations in Odisha. However, several offbeat places near Puri offer an enchanting escape for those willing to venture off the well-travelled paths. The lesser-known spots provide a different view of the place, natural beauty, cultural richness, and serene landscapes. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking new landscapes or a culture enthusiast dying to dig deeper into local traditions, such places enhance your list of places to visit in Puri for more than one reason.
10 Offbeat Places Near Puri
Discover these unique spots close to Puri for a captivating getaway experience. These are the top ten offbeat places near Puri to explore:
1. The Museum Of Tribal Arts & Artefacts
Photo: Bogdan R. Anton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts, an offbeat place near Puri, offers a glimpse into the sumptuous undivided span of Odisha’s tribal groups. Finding a place among some of the most offbeat tourist attractions in Puri, this museum boasts an enviable collection of tribal art, artefacts, and traditional handicrafts that picture the vibrant and diverse cultures of the Indigenous people of this region. A visit here provides an extra opportunity to dig into the artistic and cultural expressions of the tribal people.
Entry Fees: ₹50
Location: 22 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Dhauligiri Hills
Photo: Debashis Pradhan / Wikimedia Commons
The Dhauligiri Hills are amongst the most beautiful and an offbeat place near Puri. The hills house the Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa, a quiet monument built to commemorate the spread of Buddhism. Panoramic views of the surroundings abound from the hills and form an ideal nature retreat for any lover of history and nature. Therefore, if one visits the Dhauligiri Hills, there is a blend of tranquillity with historical exploration, which is a unique addition that one can make to a Puri itinerary.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 8 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Baliharachandi Beach
Photo: Camille Minouflet / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Baliharachandi Beach, a rather unexploited quiet retreat from the crowds, is an offbeat place near Puri. The atmosphere is calm, with clean sand and gentle waves-just perfect for relaxation and introspection. It is not like those congested beaches of Puri, as one can enjoy a far more secluded experience at Baliharachandi Beach; hence, it is a connoisseur of secrecy for travellers seeking peace and solitude by the sea.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 40 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: November to February
4. Raghurajpur
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Raghurajpur is a quaint little village near Puri and is famous for its traditional paintings called Pattachitra and its vibrant artisan community. An offbeat place near Puri, Raghurajpur offers an immersive cultural experience, including the detailed process of making these artworks. The village itself is a living museum of Odisha’s artistic heritage, and every house painted in different colours, along with the lively streets, contributes to the charm of this latent cultural treasure.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 15 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: September to March
5. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Sreenivas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another offbeat place near Puri is Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, situated inside Chilika Lake, which attracts bird and nature lovers. It is rich in avian variability; some migratory species visit it during the winter. With huge wetlands and tranquil surroundings, Nalbana presents a great opportunity for bird-watching and photography. The sanctuary is amongst the best places to get a firsthand taste of Odisha’s natural beauty and wildlife in all its serenity.
Entry Fees: ₹ 100
Location: 50 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: November to February
6. Chaudhury Bazaar
Photo: Min An / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located just a few minute’s drive away from the city, Chaudhury Bazaar is an offbeat place near Puri from where you can indulge in a different kind of shopping experience far away from the usual tourist trails. This bustling marketplace is well-known for its vibrant ambience and a wide range of local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Odia items. Unlike the other commercial markets, Chaudhury Bazaar provides a better view of the residents’ day-to-day life. It is a great place for tourists to get special souvenirs back home and experience the culture of the places.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 20 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Chausath Yogini Temple
Photo: Dharmendra106 / Wikimedia Commons
The Chausath Yogini Temple, an offbeat place near Puri. Boasting ancient architecture and carrying a historical significance, it hosts a temple for 64 Yoginis. It assumes the shape of a circular one with a surrounding environment showcasing picture-postcard landscapes. One of the lesser-known places to see in Puri, it is sacred and spiritual within the ruins of its historic existence. It is architecturally unique and surrounded by a peaceful environment; hence, the temple is an interesting visit for those looking for ancient religious customs and architecture.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 25 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Udayagiri Caves
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Further ahead, one would come across the Udayagiri Caves, a little offbeat place near Puri comprising a set of ancient rock-cut caves dating back in history. Caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and are famous for their intricate carvings and inscriptions depicting early Indian history and a description of Buddhist customs. Visiting Udayagiri Caves was like a journey into the pages of history, with the natural surroundings giving a touch of tranquillity and serenity. History buffs and adventurous souls alike make it worth visiting.
Entry Fees: ₹25
Location: 80 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Nandankanan Zoological Park
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Puri, Nandankanan Zoological Park is an irresistible destination for lovers of fauna, which was discovered by a few. This vast zoological and botanical garden comes up with a wide variety, including the white tiger and multiple species barely seen around the globe. Being amongst the prominent offbeat places near Puri, Nandankanan relates to learning and recreation concerning different age groups. The well-maintained enclosure and the rich greenery in the park provide a nice atmosphere for watching the wild animals and a family outing.
Entry Fees: ₹50
Location: 20 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
10. Pipili
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
One of the places located about 40 km from Puri and one that fails to leave one disappointed is Pipili. The beautiful small village with a splendid old tradition of work, appliqué work, comprises artisans in the local factories amidst cheerful markets offering innumerable handmade items. The distinct cultural exposure and entering craft sessions offered in Pipili are pretty interesting for any offbeat itinerary in Puri.
Location: 40 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Journeying to the less-seen paths around Puri is like a refreshing break from the mundanity of the typical tourist destinations. These hidden treasures present diverse experiences, ranging from natural landscapes to charming villages and historical sites that brim with local culture. Whether mesmerised by the serene lakes, the peaceful beaches, or the bouncy artisan crafts, these off-the-beaten-track destinations offer a unique and memorable alternative to the standard travel itinerary. So you can add these offbeat places near Puri to your itinerary for an intense journey, book your trip with TripXL and explore the dimensions unseen by this beautiful land.
Cover Photo:Mainak Chakraborty / Unsplash
