Why choose a self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar for a family road trip Odisha
A family road trip is one of the best ways to explore Odisha’s varied landscapes — from misty hills to dense forests and tribal towns. Choosing self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar gives you flexibility in pace, stops and routes. You control the mornings at hill viewpoints, the lunch stops in local eateries, and the time spent on wildlife safaris at Simlipal National Park by car. For families with children or elderly members, a private car means comfort, privacy and the ability to pack everything you need for a multi-day adventure.
I recommend Drigo as a reliable rental platform for Odisha trips — friendly booking, clear pricing and a range of vehicles to suit family trips. You can easily book at drigo.in and choose pickup from Bhubaneswar.
Weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar: Route overview to Daringbadi, Rayagada and Simlipal National Park by car
This suggested loop starts and ends in Bhubaneswar and hits the three featured locations: Daringbadi (the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’), Rayagada (culture and local markets) and Simlipal (wildlife and waterfalls). The route is family-friendly and designed for a relaxed pace over 3–5 days, with flexible stopovers.
- Start: Bhubaneswar (car pickup)
- Stop 1: Daringbadi — hill station
- Stop 2: Rayagada — local culture
- Stop 3: Simlipal National Park (Jashipur/Baripada area)
- Return: Bhubaneswar
Booking a self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar through Drigo gives you the flexibility to extend the itinerary if you fall in love with a place.
4-day family road trip itinerary: Simlipal National Park by car
This sample itinerary balances driving time with sightseeing and relaxation — ideal for families.
- Day 1 — Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi (approx. 220–270 km, 6–7 hours)
Pick up your car in Bhubaneswar in the morning. Drive southwest toward Daringbadi. Expect winding ghat stretches as you climb; stop at viewpoints and small roadside dhabas for local food. Arrive by afternoon and relax in the cool hill climate.
- Day 2 — Daringbadi to Rayagada (approx. 120–160 km, 3–5 hours)
Spend the morning at quiet viewpoints and the coffee plantations around Daringbadi. After lunch, leave for Rayagada. Explore the local markets and tribal crafts in the evening — a great cultural experience for kids.
- Day 3 — Rayagada to Simlipal area (Jashipur/Baripada; approx. 230–300 km, 6–8 hours)
Start early for a long but scenic drive into northern Odisha. Arrive near Simlipal by late afternoon. Check into a lodge in Jashipur or Baripada to rest before your wildlife day.
- Day 4 — Explore Simlipal National Park by car and return toward Bhubaneswar (drive times vary)
Book a park entry and local jeep safari; many parts of Simlipal require guided entry and are best accessed from Jashipur or Baripada. Spend the morning at the Park — waterfalls, elephants, and birdlife are highlights. Begin your return to Bhubaneswar in the afternoon or stay another night to split the drive.
Adjust this plan to add an extra day at Simlipal for a relaxed wildlife experience or to shorten driving segments for elderly family members.
Practical travel info: distances, drive times, best season and road conditions for a road trip Odisha
Here are practical details to plan your family trip:
- Approximate distances & drive times (one-way, approximate):
- Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi: 220–270 km — 6 to 7 hours (depending on route and stops)
- Daringbadi to Rayagada: 120–160 km — 3 to 5 hours
- Rayagada to Jashipur/Simlipal area: 230–300 km — 6 to 8 hours
- Jashipur/Baripada to Bhubaneswar: 250–320 km — 6 to 8 hours
- Best season: October to March — cool, dry weather, clear roads and maximum wildlife visibility. Daringbadi is especially pleasant in winter. Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and occasional park closures or slippery forest tracks in Simlipal.
- Road conditions: Major stretches of the route use national and state highways in reasonable condition. Expect:
- Good to very good highway stretches near Bhubaneswar and provincial towns
- Winding ghat roads and narrower sections near Daringbadi — drive carefully and avoid night driving on steep stretches
- Rougher interior roads approaching core zones of Simlipal — some forest roads are gravel or uneven and may need a higher-clearance vehicle
- Vehicle recommendation: For comfort and safety, consider an SUV for a family — better ground clearance on rough patches and more space for luggage and child seats. Drigo lists SUVs and family sedans; book at drigo.in to see options.
- Permits & park rules: Simlipal often requires entry permits and guided jeep safaris in certain zones. Check local forest department guidelines and reserve permits in advance during peak season.
Tips for a smooth family drive and booking with Drigo
Make your Odisha family trip stress-free with these practical tips:
- Pack smart: First-aid, medications, snacks, refillable water bottles and chargers. Warm clothes for Daringbadi nights in winter.
- Break up long drives: Plan 2–3 stops during long stretches to rest and enjoy local food.
- Pre-book accommodation and safaris: Popular lodges near Simlipal fill quickly in winter. Book jeep safaris in advance.
- Vehicle checklist: Confirm spare tyre, tools, insurance, and mobile network availability. Carry cash for remote areas.
- Local etiquette: Respect tribal communities and forest rules. Ask before taking photos of people or private property.
- Booking tip: Use a trusted platform — I recommend Drigo for clear rates, multiple car types, and pickup in Bhubaneswar. Visit drigo.in to compare cars and reserve your family vehicle.
With the right preparation and a comfortable car, a family road trip across Odisha becomes a memorable mix of nature, culture and relaxed exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar?
Book online via rental platforms like Drigo or through local agencies. Choose pickup location as Bhubaneswar, select vehicle type (SUV recommended for this route), verify insurance and fuel policy, and confirm pick-up time. For convenience and clear pricing, visit drigo.in.
Is it safe to drive to Simlipal National Park by car?
Yes, driving to the outskirts and entry points of Simlipal is common. Core zones require guided access and some forest roads may be rough — an SUV and local guide/jeep safari are recommended for interior exploration. Avoid night driving inside forested stretches.
What is the best time for a weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi and Simlipal?
The ideal period is October to March when the climate is cool and dry. Daringbadi is particularly pleasant in winter. Monsoon months can make forest roads slippery and restrict park activities.
Can I do this entire road trip in a long weekend?
You can do a condensed 2–3 day version focusing on Daringbadi and one night near Simlipal, but to fully enjoy wildlife and cultural stops, 4 days is recommended. Drive times are long between some destinations, so add an extra day for a relaxed family pace.