Puri town · The 'Gateway to Heaven'
Swargadwar Beach & Market
Puri's most lively beach and the sacred cremation ground where salvation is believed to be granted. The adjacent market is the best place for Pattachitra, shells and Puri khaja sweets.
History & legend
Swargadwar, 'the door to heaven', is Puri's ancient cremation ground on the sea, where Odia tradition holds that a soul attains moksha. Scriptures and the Skanda Purana call Puri Sri Kshetra and its sea the Mahodadhi; being cremated here has been sought by devotees for over a thousand years. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 16th-century Bengali saint, is believed by some traditions to have vanished near here. The bazaar grew around the pilgrim lodges of the 19th century and remains the town's souvenir heart.
Timings
Open all day · market 9 AM – 10 PM
Best time to visit
Evening 5–8 PM
Entry fee
Free
Approx. cab from Puri (one way)
₹225 · 3 km × ₹75/km
Don't miss
- Evening beach bazaar
- Puri khaja & chhena poda
- Shell & Pattachitra souvenirs
- Sunset walks
Local tip: Bargain politely at the market. Avoid the cremation ghat side out of respect.
On the map
