How to Reach Puri: A Complete Travel Guide
How to Reach Puri: A Complete Travel Guide
Blog Article
Puri is considered among the most famous pilgrimage and tourist destinations in India, featuring the iconic Jagannath Temple, along with the beautiful beach on the Bay of Bengal. Knowing which are the best routes and modes of transportation will be helpful for the smooth journey and tourism trip to this cultural and spiritual haven. This guide will answer the common question of people, "How to reach Puri?" and provide specific details on how one can get there from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Puri: A Brief Overview
Puri is an ancient city located in the state of Odisha, with a rich cultural history and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The Jagannath Puri Temple is a great destination for devotees, while the pristine Puri Beach attracts travelers seeking relaxation and scenic beauty.
Now that you know a little about Puri, let's explore the various ways to reach this beautiful city.
How to Reach Puri: Transportation Route
Puri is very much connected with India's other key cities by both air, rail, and road. The options given below would be the best ones to opt for.
1. By Air
Puri has a decent access through flight options since Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (around 37 miles/ 60 km distant) has significant direct links into many cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai in the rest of the country.
From Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri: You can easily travel to Puri from Bhubaneswar. Taxis, buses, and private cabs are available at the airport, which can take you directly to Puri. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Alternative Option: You can also book a train or bus from Bhubaneswar to Puri. Bhubaneswar is an easy city through which it is convenient to reach Puri; transport links here connect well with neighboring towns.
How to Reach Jagannath Puri from Delhi by Air:
You can reach Jagannath Puri from Delhi by air as follows:
Fly straight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) to Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar).
Once you arrive at Bhubaneswar, follow the road options above (taxi, bus, or train) to get to Puri.
2. By Train
Puri is well connected through the Indian Railways network and can be reached easily by train. There are several trains connecting major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar to Puri.
Delhi to Puri by Train: There are some direct trains available from New Delhi Railway Station to Puri Railway Station. Here are some popular ones:
Purushottam Express: This is among the fastest trains from Delhi to Puri that takes around 30-32 hours.
Neelachal Express: One of the famous trains, and it takes close to 30-33 hours.
Kalinga Utkal Express: It is one of the budget trains and takes 31 hours to reach Puri from Delhi.
Booking: Indian Railways website or apps like IRCTC are the mediums for booking tickets. Train tickets must be booked in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season or holidays.
From Mumbai to Puri by Train: There are also several trains that run regularly from Mumbai to Jagannath Puri. Some of the options are:
Konark Express: This train takes around 28-30 hours from Mumbai to Puri.
Nandankanan Express: Another good option, with a journey time of approximately 28 hours.
Train journeys can be long, but they are scenic and comfortable, especially if you choose air-conditioned coaches.
3. By Road
The roads link the city well, and travelling by car or bus is wonderful, especially if you like a more flexible itinerary. It is an easy drive from places such as Bhubaneswar to Puri; the scenery is vivid, and it's a great way to pass time.
From Bhubaneswar to Puri: As mentioned earlier, Puri is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Bhubaneswar, and the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The road is well-maintained, and you can travel via National Highway 316.
Delhi to Puri by Road: If you are ready for a long road trip, you can drive from Delhi to Puri. The total distance is about 1,800 kilometers, or approximately 1,100 miles, and it would take around 30-35 hours of driving, depending on the route and traffic. You can follow National Highways NH 44 and NH 16 to reach Puri from Delhi.
The drive from Mumbai to Puri would cover a distance of about 1,500 kilometers (approximately 930 miles) and may take around 25-30 hours. For the journey, you can use NH 48 and NH 16 National Highways.
It may be an exhaustion to long drive, but at least this gives you time and flexibility to explore places and have a good rest on your road journey.
By Bus: Various state-owned and private buses travel between Bhubaneswar and Puri. The buses are comfortable and cost-effective so chances are that most people prefer taking the bus while traveling. It takes about 2 hours to travel, and buses are easily available throughout the day.
4. How to Reach Jagannath Puri from Delhi and Mumbai by Private Vehicle
If you want a more personalized approach to traveling, private vehicle hiring might work well for you. With this, you can stop at any location and get along with the surroundings at your own velocity.
From Delhi: If you take a private vehicle, then it will take you more than 30-35 hours to arrive from Delhi to Puri. Plan your stops for meals and resting on the way.
From Mumbai: Similarly, the drive from Mumbai to Puri would take about 25-30 hours, and hiring a private car or taxi is a comfortable option if you’re traveling with family or a group.
5. Best Time to Visit Puri
Best time to visit Puri is again based on the individual preferences. If one plans to see the Jagannath Temple or is keen on catching the annual Rath Yatra event in July-August, they should visit the place at the same time. The best part, however, is during the winter season between October and March, as it has perfect climatic conditions to go about seeing places and doing beach activities.
Puri is a well-connected destination that can be reached through train, road, and air. Whether traveling from Delhi or Mumbai, there are numerous convenient options available within a budget-friendly range of tickets to ensure that the trip turns out to be a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Jagannath Puri Temple, as well as the coastal beauty, awaits you.
Plan your trip well, choose the best travel mode, and get ready to experience the spiritual charm and beauty of this historical city!