Bhubaneswar to Konark Road Trip: Self Drive Guide
The Konark Sun Temple — a 13th-century chariot-shaped masterpiece dedicated to the Sun God — is one of India's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a must-visit from Bhubaneswar. The drive from Bhubaneswar to Konark covers 65 km via NH316, taking about 90 minutes. This guide covers the best route, the scenic Marine Drive option via Puri, what to see and do, and how to book a self drive car from Drigo in Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar to Konark: Route Options
Route 1 — Direct via NH316: Bhubaneswar → Pipli → Konark (65 km, ~90 min). Straight, fast highway. Good for those focused on Konark alone.
Route 2 — Scenic via Puri and Marine Drive: Bhubaneswar → Puri (60 km via NH316, ~75 min) → Konark via Marine Drive (35 km, ~50 min). This adds distance but is one of Odisha's most scenic coastal drives — the Marine Drive runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal. Recommended for first-time visitors.
What to See at Konark
- The Konark Sun Temple — a 13th-century colossal chariot of the Sun God Surya, constructed from Khondalite stone. The temple's intricate erotic carvings, celestial musicians, and astronomical precision make it a marvel of Kalinga architecture. Allow 90–120 minutes minimum. Entry: ₹40 (Indian nationals), ₹600 (foreign nationals).
- ASI Museum — adjacent to the temple complex. Houses beautiful stone sculptures, idols, and architectural fragments from the original temple. Included in the temple entry ticket.
- Chandrabhaga Beach — just 3 km from the temple on a signed road. Far quieter and cleaner than Puri Beach. A beautiful spot for a walk before or after the temple. No entry fee.
- Sound and Light Show — held every evening at the temple complex. Show timings: 7:00 PM (November–March), 8:00 PM (April–October). Duration: 45 minutes. A beautifully narrated audiovisual retelling of the temple's history. Tickets: ₹50 (Hindi) or ₹100 (English). Arrive 20 minutes early.
- Konark Beach — just 500 m from the temple. A pleasant stroll between visits.
Best Cars for the Bhubaneswar to Konark Trip
- Hyundai Creta (₹1,999/day) — the most popular choice. Comfortable cabin, good boot space for a day trip, efficient diesel engine on NH316. Ideal for families of 4–5.
- Maruti Swift (₹1,299/day) — best value for solo travellers or couples. Easy to park near the temple complex.
- Mahindra Thar (₹3,999/day) — if you want the coastal drive experience. Excellent on Marine Drive, and the experience of driving a 4x4 on the Bay of Bengal coast is something special.
- Mahindra Scorpio (₹2,799/day) — ideal for groups of 6–7. Comfortable for the 90-minute highway drive and the Marine Drive if you're doing the Golden Triangle.
Browse all cars available in Bhubaneswar and book now.
Complete Bhubaneswar to Konark Day Trip Itinerary
6:30 AM: Pick up your Drigo car in Bhubaneswar. Fill up fuel.
7:00 AM: Depart for Dhauli (8 km). Brief stop at Dhauli Shanti Stupa — the Peace Pagoda built on the site of the Kalinga War. Allow 20 minutes. Free entry.
7:45 AM: Continue on NH316 toward Pipli.
8:00 AM: Pipli Appliqué Village — stop for 10–15 minutes to browse Odisha's famous colourful handicrafts.
8:30 AM: Continue to Puri (60 km from Bhubaneswar). Arrive at Puri beach for a 30-minute sunrise walk.
9:30 AM: Jagannath Temple area — view from outside or Raghunandan Library rooftop (non-Hindus only from library). 30 minutes.
10:30 AM: Depart Puri for Konark via Marine Drive (35 km scenic coastal road, ~50 min).
11:30 AM: Arrive Konark. Visit the Sun Temple (90–120 minutes). Visit ASI Museum.
1:30 PM: Lunch near the temple — simple but good Odia food available from local restaurants on the approach road.
2:30 PM: Chandrabhaga Beach — 3 km from the temple. Peaceful walk. Allow 45 minutes.
3:30 PM: Option 1: Drive directly back to Bhubaneswar via NH316 (65 km, ~90 min). Arrive by 5:00 PM. Option 2: Stay for the Sound & Light Show (7 PM or 8 PM) and return to Bhubaneswar after — arriving by 9:30–10:00 PM.
Combining the Golden Triangle: Bhubaneswar–Puri–Konark
The classic Odisha day trip combines all three in a single loop: depart Bhubaneswar → Puri (60 km) → Konark via Marine Drive (35 km) → back to Bhubaneswar via NH316 (65 km). Total loop is approximately 160 km. Allow 7–9 hours for a relaxed visit. The Creta or Scorpio is ideal for this loop.
Practical Tips for Konark
- Reach the temple by 8–9 AM for the best photography light and smallest crowds. By 11 AM the temple fills with tourist groups.
- Entry ticket is ₹40 for Indian nationals and ₹600 for foreign nationals. The ASI Museum is included in the ticket.
- There is limited parking within the temple complex approach. Arrive early to park comfortably. Paid parking is available at the designated lots near the entrance.
- Chandrabhaga Beach is clean and relatively uncrowded — wear comfortable walking shoes for the beach walk.
- If attending the Sound & Light Show, carry a light jacket — sea breeze after sunset can be cool even in October.
- The Marine Drive from Puri to Konark has limited fuel stations — fill up in Puri town before heading to Konark.
Book Your Drigo Car for Konark
Drigo offers self drive cars in Bhubaneswar from ₹1,499/day. No driver required — complete digital KYC in under 10 minutes and pick up from a verified host across Bhubaneswar. Browse live availability and book now. See also our dedicated Bhubaneswar to Konark car rental page for route details, car recommendations, and FAQs. Planning to add Puri? See our Bhubaneswar to Puri car rental guide.