Pipili is a small town on the highway between Bhubaneswar and Puri, about 20 km from the capital, and home to Odisha’s best-known form of appliqué (chandua). Craftsmen cut shapes of animals, flowers and birds from brightly dyed cloth and stitch them onto backgrounds, with small mirrors for sparkle.
The tradition grew up to make canopies, umbrellas and banners for Jagannath’s festivals, especially the chariots of Rath Yatra. Today the main street is lined with shops selling lanterns, wall hangings, bags and cushion covers — and in many, tailors are at work at the back.
Top things to do at Pipili
Browse the main street
Walk the length of the shops before buying — quality varies a lot. Hand-stitched pieces are more expensive than machine-made ones and worth it.
Watch the craft
Ask politely and most shopkeepers will show you the cutting and stitching in progress.
Buy a festival lantern
The cylindrical appliqué lanterns are light, fold flat and make an excellent souvenir.
How to get to Pipili
- From Bhubaneswar: about 20 km, 30–40 minutes by car on the Puri road.
- On a day trip: the Konark & Pipili tour stops here; any driver to Puri or Konark can make the detour.
- By bus: every Bhubaneswar–Puri bus passes through Pipili.
Insider tips
- Bargaining is normal but keep it friendly.
- Colours can run: ask whether dyes are fast before buying items you plan to wash.
- Shops open from mid-morning into the evening.
Best tours & tickets for Pipili
These experiences are the easiest way to see Pipili with a guide and transport sorted:
Private day trip from US$88 From Bhubaneswar: Konark Sun Temple & Pipli Village Day Tour
A relaxed private day that pairs Konark’s colossal stone chariot with a stop in Pipili, whose lanes are hung with the bright appliqué canopies, lanterns and umbrellas made for Jagannath’s festivals. Leaves around 8:30 am, back mid-afternoon.
- The 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark (UNESCO)
- Pipili, the village of bright appliqué craft
- Private transport with hotel pickup
Multi-day tour from US$330 per group 2N/3D Bhubaneswar, Konark & Puri Golden Triangle Tour Package
Odisha’s classic circuit handled for you: the Temple City, the Sun Temple and Jagannath’s Puri over three unhurried days, with hotels, transport and some meals included. Split between four people, it is one of the best-value ways to see the region.
- Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri in one private package
- Two nights’ accommodation and meals included
- Priced per group of up to four
