The Jagannath Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, which roughly translates to “lord of the universe”. The temple is an architectural marvel with eye-catching carvings and a beautiful entrance called the Singha Dwara. Inside, visitors can see the four-story Jagannath and Balabhadra temple and the Subhadra temple, which is dedicated to Jagannath’s sister. Note, non-Hindu visitors cannot access the main temple chamber. The opening hours of the temple are from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Puri Beach is a serene destination with vast stretches of white sand and pristine water. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to spend the day relaxing or enjoying water sports. Visitors can hire a boat to take them for a ride on the sea, go surfing, or just lay out a towel to soak up the sun. The beach is open from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Sudarshan Craft Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It showcases traditional hand-carved wooden art pieces, including masks, lamps, toys, and unique objects carved out of wood. Visitors can even watch artisans at work and learn more about the craft, and purchase souvenirs to take home. The museum is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The Lokanath Temple is another significant religious site in Puri, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's believed to be the place where Lord Shiva hid from Lord Jagannath and his followers. The temple is surrounded by a scenic forest-like area and has unique architectural features. The temple opens at 6:00 am, and the closing time is 10:00 pm.
If visitors have more time on day 1, they can visit the nearby Gundicha Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath's aunt. It's roughly an eight-minute drive from Puri Beach. Nature enthusiasts can check out the Chilika Lagoon, an hour's drive from Puri Beach, where they can see migratory birds and go boating. Visitors with less time can skip Pomfort Beach, a crowded tourist spot that's listed on many guides, but you won't miss much by skipping it.