Short answer
Puri is a coastal pilgrim town built around the Shree Jagannath Temple, with a working beach, a well-known fishing and boat culture, and Rath Yatra as its defining annual event; two days is enough to see both the temple town and the beach at an unhurried pace.
The Jagannath Temple
The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and follows a strict rule limiting entry to Hindus; non-Hindu visitors are not permitted inside the main temple, though the view from the Raghunandan Library rooftop nearby is a commonly used alternative.
Puri Beach
The beach runs for several kilometres and is a working beach with fishing boats alongside the tourist stretch; swimming should be limited to marked, lifeguard-monitored zones since currents can be strong away from the main stretch.
Rath Yatra
The annual chariot festival, held in June or July depending on the lunar calendar, draws very large crowds as the deities are pulled through the Grand Road in enormous wooden chariots; travellers wanting to witness it should book accommodation well in advance.
Where to eat
Puri's Ananda Bazaar, within the temple complex, serves Mahaprasad — food cooked in the temple kitchens and sold to the public — and the town is also known for Puri khaja, a layered fried sweet sold across its markets.
Practical notes
Cyclone season runs roughly June to October, so it is worth checking weather advisories before a coastal trip in that window, and modest dress is expected near temple areas.
