Why choose self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar for a road trip Odisha
Odisha is a state of contrasts: coastline and hills, ancient temples and sleepy towns, bustling markets and quiet viewpoints. The best way to discover its hidden gems is by car. A self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar gives you flexibility to stop when a view catches your eye, explore offbeat roads and craft your own pace. Start in Bhubaneswar, pick up your vehicle, and head out to uncover local secrets like the Tara Tarini hill shrine, the heritage lanes of Cuttack, and the misty hill station of Daringbadi.
For a smooth start, consider booking with Drigo — a recommended platform for renting cars in Odisha. You can check availability and book at drigo.in before you set off.
Tara Tarini Temple by car — spiritual offbeat route from Bhubaneswar
Tara Tarini Temple sits on a hill near the banks of the Rushikulya river and is one of the oldest Shakti Peethas in India. Visiting the Tara Tarini Temple by car is a rewarding drive that blends spiritual experience with coastal geography.
Distance and drive time
- Bhubaneswar to Tara Tarini Temple: approximately 180 to 200 km
- Estimated drive time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic and breaks
Route and road conditions
The main part of the route follows NH16 with smooth four-lane stretches. The last 15 to 25 km involve state highways and smaller roads that wind toward the temple hill; expect narrower lanes and local traffic. The temple requires a short walk or climb up stone steps from the parking area, so wear comfortable shoes.
Best time to visit
The ideal season is October to March for pleasant weather and clear views. Avoid heavy rains during the monsoon when local roads can be slippery.
Cuttack offbeat corners — a short weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar
Cuttack is just a short drive from Bhubaneswar and is perfect for a quick cultural detour. Often overshadowed by the state capital, Cuttack surprises visitors with heritage architecture, bustling markets, and riverside charm.
Distance and drive time
- Bhubaneswar to Cuttack: approximately 20 to 30 km
- Estimated drive time: 30 to 50 minutes
What to explore
- Barabati Fort and its riverside fortifications
- Historic freshwater markets and silver filigree shops
- Local food lanes for Odia snacks and sweets
- Netaji Birthplace and heritage walks along the Mahanadi tributaries
A short weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar can include an early morning drive to Cuttack, a walking tour of the old town, and a relaxed ferry ride near sunset.
Daringbadi by car — cool hills and scenic drives in Odisha
Daringbadi, often called the Scotland of Odisha, offers a refreshing escape with rolling hills, coffee plantations, and cool weather, especially in winter. This is an ideal destination for travelers looking to get off the beaten path on a longer road trip Odisha.
Distance and drive time
- Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi: approximately 240 to 270 km
- Estimated drive time: 6 to 7 hours depending on stops and road sections
Road conditions and advice
The drive includes stretches of NH and state highways followed by ghat roads and narrower mountain lanes. The ghat sections are scenic but can be winding and slower. Check weather forecasts before traveling; heavy monsoon rains sometimes cause temporary road closures or require cautious driving. In winter the roads are generally dry and the views are clear, making October to February the best months to visit.
What to do in Daringbadi
- Sunrise and sunset viewpoints for misty valley views
- Visit local coffee plantations and try local cuisine
- Short treks and nature walks
Practical tips, itineraries and booking your self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar
Planning makes a big difference on a self-drive adventure. Below are sample itineraries and practical advice to help you make the most of your trip.
Sample itineraries
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One day: Cuttack quick escape
- Morning: pick up car in Bhubaneswar and drive to Cuttack
- Midday: heritage walk and local lunch
- Evening: return to Bhubaneswar
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Two day: Tara Tarini weekend
- Day 1: Bhubaneswar to Tara Tarini, temple visit and overnight nearby
- Day 2: Explore coastal towns on return to Bhubaneswar
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Long weekend: Daringbadi nature retreat
- Day 1: Drive to Daringbadi with stops en route
- Day 2: Hill walks and local experiences
- Day 3: Return drive via scenic viewpoints
Packing and safety tips
- Carry a physical map or offline map download; mobile network can be patchy on ghat roads
- Keep a spare tyre, toolkit and first aid kit in the car
- Fuel up in larger towns; petrol pumps may be sparse in remote stretches
- For hill drives, check weather and avoid nighttime driving on narrow roads
- Respect local customs at religious sites like Tara Tarini and park responsibly
Booking your car
For convenience and reliable service, consider Drigo for your self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar. Drigo offers flexible pickup and drop options in Bhubaneswar and a range of vehicle types to match your trip needs. Visit drigo.in to compare cars, check pricing and book in advance, especially for long weekends and peak season.
FAQs
How far is Tara Tarini from Bhubaneswar and is the drive difficult
Tara Tarini is roughly 180 to 200 km from Bhubaneswar with a drive time of about 4.5 to 5.5 hours. The drive is mostly along NH16 which is smooth, with the final approach on smaller roads that are narrower but manageable in daylight.
Can I make a weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi
Yes, a long weekend works best for Daringbadi. The distance is around 240 to 270 km with 6 to 7 hours of driving. Plan for an early start, one overnight stay, and allow time for scenic stops.
Is it better to rent a car or hire a driver in Odisha
If you enjoy freedom and want to explore hidden routes at your own pace, a self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar is ideal. If you prefer to focus on sightseeing and local navigation, a car with driver may be more convenient. Platforms like Drigo offer self-drive options with clear booking steps at drigo.in.
What is the best season for a road trip Odisha covering these spots
The best time is October to March when the weather is pleasant, roads are dry and viewpoints are clear. Avoid heavy monsoon months for hill drives due to slippery conditions.