I've been there in Puri as part of friends Trip. We were 4 people and the place was far better than expected.
It took around 22 hours to reach Puri from Raipur by train. After going there we found a hotel very nearby to the station that too only for 800 per night for 4 people.The hotel was good at this price and was near to sea beach also. In the eveninh we visited beach there and it was cleaner than other beaches I have been. There were so many shops and restaurant nearby the beach, we had our dinner in one of the restairant and the food was also good as the tourist place and cheaper too.
Next day we visited Jagannath Temple that is very attractive and keeps you feel very calm and good. But beware there are so many pandits who can put a good load on your pocket so just avoid them and do darshan yourself.
People of oorisa are nice and they welcome tourist with open heart so it is quite safe also.
Once in life just visit this place and you will feel all the things I have written here.
