Inside The Enchanting Taj Puri Resort & Spa, Odisha

Cradled in the plush comfort of my sea-facing balcony at Taj Puri Resort & Spa, savouring a cup of delicately brewed herbal tea, I find my long-held belief reaffirmed: there truly is no better place to witness the sun’s descent than the eastern coast of India—specifically, Puri. Below me, the beach stretches endlessly in both directions, its shifting rhythms punctuated by fishermen’s silhouettes, distant boats bobbing on the surf, and seabirds wheeling high above, all softened into poetry by the fading light.

The sky, vast and theatrical, is bruised with towering monsoon clouds, casting a moody palette of grey-blues across the horizon. Wind-driven waves rise and crash with vigour, their frothy edges catching the light like molten silver. At moments, the clouds part to let sunlight pierce through, casting ethereal shafts onto the shoreline—transforming the beach into a dreamscape painted in light and shadow. The natural drama of the coast is nothing short of hypnotic.

Taj Puri’s elegant sprawl is a graceful homage to Kalinga architecture, framed by miles of sandy beachfront and lush tropical greenery. I arrived via an early morning flight from Kolkata, followed by a smooth, scenic drive from Bhubaneswar airport. A regal welcome awaited me—both in hospitality and on the plate—with a lavish Odisha thali that paid tribute to the state’s nuanced culinary heritage.

That evening, the experience deepened. The hotel organises a Samudra Arati by the sea, followed by a performance of classical Odissi dance—a cultural immersion that is both understated and profound. But it was the Arati that left a visceral imprint: priests clad in Odisha’s exquisite woven textiles stood on the sand, their garments rippling in the wind, as the flames of the arati rose high against the roaring sea. It was an image of elemental reverence—fire, water, and spirit in sublime dialogue.

Later, a member of the staff shared an arresting piece of lore: that the mythical Samudra Manthan, the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, took place here in Puri. As I stood watching the ocean swell and retreat with fierce intensity, the story felt entirely plausible—an ancient myth echoing through the storm-charged waves of the Bay of Bengal.

Decor At Taj Puri Resort & Spa

As the storm seemed to pick up strength, we made our way back to the hotel. I had booked a spa treatment for the night, and while waiting in the foyer, I took in the elegant and minimalist decor. The architecture seamlessly blends ancient aesthetics with contemporary design principles. Inspired by the region’s Kalinga architecture, the interiors showcase traditional stonework, complemented by intricate Pattachitra art, Ikat weaves, and terracotta accents, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance.

Locally sourced materials, such as laterite and Khondalite, echo the centuries-old practices of the region. Each space, including the foyer and lobby, is designed to maximize views of the ocean. The buildings, reflecting the region’s rich history, embrace a mix of modern design and local aesthetics, with intricate carved motifs paying homage to Odisha’s temples. Large windows and open spaces invite abundant natural light into the hotel.

At the spa, I am served a cup of fragrant detox tea made from jaggery, tulsi leaves, and lemon. The Indian aromatherapy massage, accompanied by signature essential oils, followed by a sauna, is incredibly relaxing after a long day.

Memories Of Sea Voyages

For dinner that night, I enjoy an indulgent spread at Jaatra, a restaurant situated by the pool that specialises in Southeast Asian cuisine. The handcrafted décor captures the spirit of Bali Jatra, an ancient maritime expedition that connected Odisha to the distant shores of Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka nearly 2,000 years ago. Motifs of sea voyages are prevalent, including a map of Bali Jatra. The ceiling features Vietnamese fishing nets made of bamboo that scatter the lighting in a surreal manner.

The amuse-bouche here is the Jajana Pasara—boat-shaped charcoal tart shells filled with kosila saag, sesame tuille, and savoury khaja—perfectly blending different influences from Puri. The menu has been designed by Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, widely known as Chef Saby, a celebrated culinary innovator. Seafood takes center stage at this restaurant, highlighted by the stunning Khmer Sea Bass Amok. It’s a moment of connection as I savour the tastes reminiscent of the lands people once sailed to in the past.

The staff at Taj Puri Resort & Spa informs me that the hotel embraces sustainable culinary practices that delight the palate while honouring the environment. The chefs skillfully use every part of the ingredients, transforming potential waste into culinary masterpieces. They incorporate vegetable stems into nourishing stocks and soups and source their ingredients locally and seasonally. This approach embodies the ‘Glocal Way’—crafting global cuisine with local ingredients while preserving resources for future generations. To minimise their environmental footprint, the resort composts leftovers, explores innovative uses for food waste, and repurposes coffee residue as a sustainable alternative to charcoal.

Cultural Explorations In Puri

The next day, I wake up to the sunrise over the sea. The hotel had planned a busy day ahead, starting with a visit to the famous Jagannath Temple, one of the four holy Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. As we approach, the temple’s spire is visible from a long distance. Built in the 12th century AD, this richly sculpted temple is home to three main deities: Hindu deity Jagannath and his siblings, Subhadra and Balabhadra. A temple priest guided us inside, allowing us to see the deities in the sanctum sanctorum.

The idols undergo a variety of rituals from dawn until bedtime, and the opening and closing of the sanctum for visitors is regulated by these activities. The temple is also known for having the world’s largest kitchen, where Jagannath’s rosaghar (kitchen) is located and where bhog (offering) is prepared.

Exploring A Craft Village

After picking up prasad from the temple, we headed to Raghurajpur, a UNESCO-recognised “Heritage Crafts Village” known for its Pattachitra paintings. As soon as we entered the village, located about 10 km from Puri, we were greeted by neat rows of houses, their walls adorned with vibrant paintings. In this artist’s village, homes also serve as workshops. Once renowned as the keepers of Odisha’s ancient Pattachitra art, thanks in large part to the late Jagannath Mohapatra, who won the President of India’s award in 1965, the village now houses artists practicing various traditional arts.

At The Sun Temple Of Konark

After purchasing wooden hand-painted figures and Pattachitras, we wrapped up our day with a visit to the Konark Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Polymath Rabindranath Tagore aptly called it “poetry in stone,” and the exquisite Sun Temple in Konark certainly lives up to that praise.

Even though it ceased to be a living temple a few decades after its consecration in the 13th century, it attracts nearly 12,000 visitors every day, many of whom come with devotion in their hearts. Aside from the celebrated temple, the sleepy town of Konark is a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere of Puri.

Back in the hotel after an eventful day, I retire to my room. Located on the fifth floor, the room has glass doors that open onto a private patio overlooking the beach. I spend a significant amount of time here during my stay, soaking up the uninterrupted coastal views of the golden sands. It feels like there is nothing between me and the ocean. This truly is the perfect location for a traditional seaside holiday, I think.

Address: Sipasarubali, Sipasarubali, Plot No: 545/1546, Puri, Sipasurubili, Odisha 752001

Bookings: Email [email protected]. Or call +91 67526 67788