Odisha is a state that is rich in art and craft, which reflects its vibrant cultural ethos and heritage. The state has a variety of art and craft forms, such as stonework, silver filigree, woodcraft, appliqué work, brass and bell metal work, dhokra castings, horn work, pattachitra, paper mache, terracotta, and tie and dye textiles. These art and craft forms are practiced by skilled artisans, who use natural and locally available materials to create exquisite and useful products.

How to reach these places, what to see and do there, and what to buy from there. So, get ready to immerse yourself in Odisha’s artistic and aesthetic world, and enjoy a unique and enriching experience. There are so Many Places to Visit near Puri. Some of the Places are:

Raghurajpur

Raghurajpur is a small village located about 14 km from Puri and is famous for its pattachitra paintings, one of the oldest and most renowned art forms of Odisha. Pattachitra literally means “cloth painting“, and involves painting on a piece of cloth with natural colors and brushes made from animal hair. The paintings depict various themes, such as mythology, religion, folklore, and nature. The paintings are also embellished with gold and silver foils and have intricate and elaborate borders.

Raghurajpur is not just a village, but a heritage village, where every household is engaged in some form of art and craft. Apart from pattachitra, the villagers also make other products, such as palm leaf engravings, paper mache masks, stone carvings, wood carvings, toys, and puppets. The village is also the birthplace of the legendary Odissi dancer, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, and hosts an annual festival of classical dance and music, called the Raghurajpur International Art and Craft Exchange (RIA/CE).

To reach Raghurajpur, you can take a bus or a taxi from Puri, and then walk for about a kilometre from the main road. The village is open for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm, and you can enter the village by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 10 per person. Hire a local guide, who will show you around the village and explain the art and craft forms. You can interact with the artists, watch them work, and learn about their techniques and stories.

Pipili

Pipili is another village located about 36 km from Puri and is famous for its appliqué work, which is a form of needlework that involves stitching pieces of colored cloth on a base cloth to create various patterns and designs. The appliqué work of Pipili is also known as chandua and is used to make various products, such as umbrellas, lampshades, wall hangings, bags, and bed covers. The appliqué work is also used to decorate the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri. The appliqué work of Pipili is characterized by its bright colors, geometric shapes, and motifs of flowers, animals, and gods.

Pipili is not just a village, but a craft village, where every family is involved in some stage of the appliqué work. The village has a long and rich history of craft, which dates back to the 12th century when the king of Puri commissioned the villagers to make the covers for the chariots of the deities. The craft has been passed down from generation to generation and has evolved over time to suit the changing tastes and demands of the customers. The village is also a hub of trade and commerce and attracts buyers from all over the world.

To reach Pipili, you can take a bus or a taxi from Puri, and then stop at the main market of the village, which is located on the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway. The market is open from 9 am to 7 pm, and you can see a colorful display of appliqué products on both sides of the road. Enter the village and visit the workshops of the artisans, where you can see the process of the appliqué work and the variety of the products.

Raghurajpur and Pipili are two places to visit near Puri that will give you a chance to experience the art and craft of Odisha. See the pattachitra paintings and the appliqué work, which are the pride and glory of the state. Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the people, who have preserved and promoted their art and craft forms for centuries. Also support the artisans, who depend on their art and craft for their livelihood. Also take home some of the art and craft products, which will remind you of your visit to these places. So, do not miss these places when you are in Puri, and enjoy a different and delightful aspect of Odisha.