Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake | Self Drive Car Rental
Rent a self drive car in Bhubaneswar for Chilika Lake — 100 km via NH316. Asia's largest coastal lagoon. Irrawaddy dolphins, Satapada, Kalijai Island. Cars from ₹1,499/day on Drigo.
Quick Info — Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake Road Trip
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 100 km (one way) |
| Drive Time | ~2 hours |
| Route | Bhubaneswar → Khurda → Balugaon/Satapada (NH316 then ODR) |
| Best Drigo Cars | Hyundai Creta (₹1,999/day — comfortable on NH316), Mahindra Scorpio (₹2,799/day for groups), Maruti Swift (₹1,299/day for budget travel) |
| Fuel Stops | Khurda |
Book a self drive car for this trip on Drigo →
Starting from ₹999/day. No driver needed. Digital KYC in minutes. Pickup in Bhubaneswar.
Top Places to Visit in Chilika Lake
- Chilika Lake — Asia's largest coastal lagoon covering 1,100 sq km; home to Irrawaddy dolphins
- Satapada — the most popular point for dolphin-watching boat rides; 3–5 dolphins commonly spotted
- Kalijai Island — a sacred island temple inside the lake accessible by boat from Balugaon
- Nalabana Bird Sanctuary — migratory flamingos, grey pelicans and painted storks (October–March)
- Rambha — a scenic lakeside town on the southern shore, ideal for sunrise views over the water
Best Cars from Drigo for Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake
- Hyundai Creta (₹1,999/day — comfortable on NH316)
- Mahindra Scorpio (₹2,799/day for groups)
- Maruti Swift (₹1,299/day for budget travel)
Book Hyundai Creta in Bhubaneswar · Book Mahindra Scorpio in Bhubaneswar · Book Mahindra Thar in Bhubaneswar
Fuel Stops on the Route
- Khurda
Travel Tips for Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake
- Drive to Satapada (100 km from Bhubaneswar, via Khurda) for the most reliable Irrawaddy dolphin boat rides
- Boat rides at Satapada for dolphin watching cost approximately ₹400–₹800 per boat (negotiate at the jetty)
- The best season for dolphins is November–March — calm waters and high dolphin activity
- The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is open October to June; peak birdwatching is November–January
- Combine with Puri (60 km from Satapada via ODR) for a full-day loop: Bhubaneswar → Chilika → Puri → Bhubaneswar
Read the full Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake road trip guide →
Bhubaneswar to Puri Car Rental →
Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake — FAQs
How far is Chilika Lake from Bhubaneswar by road?
The most popular point, Satapada, is approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar via NH316 and the ODR toward Satapada. The drive takes about 2 hours including the final stretch to the Satapada jetty. Balugaon, on the main NH316, is only 75 km from Bhubaneswar.
Which car is best for a Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake trip?
The Hyundai Creta at ₹1,999/day is the most comfortable choice — NH316 is smooth and the Creta's cabin is ideal for a 2-hour drive. For groups of 6–7, the Mahindra Scorpio at ₹2,799/day is the best option. Budget travellers can book the Maruti Swift at ₹1,299/day.
Can I see Irrawaddy dolphins at Chilika Lake?
Yes. Chilika Lake is one of the few places in the world where Irrawaddy dolphins are regularly sighted. The Satapada zone has the highest dolphin density. Boat rides are available at the Satapada jetty for approximately ₹400–₹800 per boat. November to March is the best season for sightings.
Can I combine Chilika Lake with Puri in one day from Bhubaneswar?
Yes. A popular loop: Bhubaneswar → Satapada/Chilika (2 hrs) → boat ride (2 hrs) → Puri via ODR (60 km from Satapada, 1.5 hrs) → Jagannath Temple and beach → return to Bhubaneswar via NH316 (60 km, 1.5 hrs). Start by 6 AM and you can cover all three comfortably.
Is the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside Chilika Lake open year-round?
No. Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is open from October to June and closed during the monsoon (July–September). The peak birdwatching season is November to January when over a million migratory birds — flamingos, painted storks, grey pelicans — fill the sanctuary.