Why choose a road trip Odisha with self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar
There is no better way to explore Odisha's coastline, temples and hidden coastal towns than by hitting the road. With a self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar, you control the schedule, stop where you want and discover offbeat spots between major attractions. Bhubaneswar is the perfect pickup city for weekend escapes to Puri, Chandipur and the Lingaraj Temple area — all ideal for a quick, refreshing trip.
Pick a comfortable car from Bhubaneswar, load up your snacks and playlist, and enjoy scenic drives through Eastern India. For hassle-free booking and a reliable fleet, consider Drigo — easily bookable at drigo.in.
Top weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar: Puri, Chandipur & Lingaraj Temple
Here are three featured locations that work perfectly for a 1-2 day weekend trip from Bhubaneswar. Each is accessible by car and offers distinct experiences: beaches, sunsets, and spiritual heritage.
Puri by car: the classic beach escape
Puri is a must for anyone planning a road trip Odisha. Distance from Bhubaneswar: approximately 60 km. Typical drive time: around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Puri is famous for its long sandy beach, vibrant bazaars, and the Jagannath temple precinct (note: non-Hindus are not allowed inside the inner sanctum).
What to do in Puri:
- Relax on Puri Beach and watch the sunrise or a lively evening scene.
- Explore local handicrafts at the beach market.
- Visit nearby Konark Sun Temple (about 35 km from Puri) for an extended day trip.
Chandipur: unique disappearing sea and peaceful sunsets
Chandipur is a quiet, less commercialised beach famous for its retreating waters — the sea withdraws several hundred metres during low tide. Distance from Bhubaneswar: roughly 180-200 km. Typical drive time: around 4 to 5 hours. The road takes you along national and state highways with stretches that are smooth and others that may be single-lane; drive carefully, especially after dark.
Highlights:
- Walk far out on the exposed seabed at low tide — a rare experience.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and calm evenings with fewer crowds.
Lingaraj Temple and Bhubaneswar Old Town: spiritual and cultural short trips
If you prefer to stay local, a short drive within Bhubaneswar takes you to the magnificent Lingaraj Temple in Old Town. Distance from most central pickup points in Bhubaneswar: 10-20 minutes (depending on traffic). This is perfect for a half-day cultural itinerary before heading to the coast or as a relaxed morning plan on a weekend.
Tips at the temple:
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Respect dress codes and photography rules in the temple complex.
Suggested 2-day itinerary for a Puri by car weekend getaway
Here is a friendly, flexible plan if you want to make the most of a weekend starting from Bhubaneswar.
- Day 1 - Morning: Pickup your rental car in Bhubaneswar. Drive to Puri (60 km, ~1.5-2 hrs). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Day 1 - Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant, then relax on Puri Beach. Walk the shoreline and shop at the beach market.
- Day 1 - Evening: Watch sunset at Puri Beach, try street food and attend the evening seashore activities.
- Day 2 - Morning: Early visit to Jagannath Temple precinct and a quick stroll around Old Town, or drive to Konark Sun Temple (optional 35 km one-way).
- Day 2 - Afternoon: Drive back to Bhubaneswar, stopping for local cuisine on the way.
For an adventurous combo, extend to Chandipur: leave Puri early, drive to Chandipur (approx 4-5 hrs) and enjoy the unique low-tide experience before returning to Bhubaneswar the next day.
Practical tips for self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar and road trip Odisha
Driving in Odisha is a joy if you prepare. Here are practical points to ensure a smooth weekend getaway.
- Best season: October to February for pleasant weather and clear skies. Avoid heavy monsoon months (June to September) when coastal roads may be waterlogged.
- Road conditions: Major highways (NH routes) between Bhubaneswar and Puri are generally well-maintained. Coastal stretches toward Chandipur include mixed-quality roads with single-lane sections; drive cautiously after sunset.
- Fuel and tolls: Plan fuel stops — there are regular petrol stations on main routes. Carry small change for tolls.
- Documentation: Carry a valid driving license, ID proof, and a printed or digital copy of your rental agreement and insurance papers.
- Car inspection: Inspect the vehicle with the rental provider before departure: tyres, spare wheel, lights and AC. Note existing dents or scratches in the agreement.
- Parking: Puri and Chandipur have public parking near the beaches. In Bhubaneswar Old Town, use designated lots and avoid parking in temple approach lanes during festivals.
- Safety: Keep valuables out of sight, avoid isolated stretches after dark, and observe local speed limits. Mobile network coverage is generally good along highways but can be patchy in remote coastal areas.
Booking and vehicle options with Drigo for a weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar
For a reliable rental experience in Bhubaneswar, Drigo is a recommended platform. Drigo offers a clear booking flow, modern cars and transparent policies — ideal for both short weekend trips and longer road trip Odisha plans. Reserve online quickly by visiting drigo.in.
Vehicle suggestions:
- Compact hatchbacks for easy city driving and fuel efficiency.
- Sedans or compact SUVs if you prefer more space for family and luggage.
- Premium SUVs for extra comfort on longer drives to Chandipur.
Booking checklist:
- Choose pickup location in Bhubaneswar and confirm pickup time.
- Check mileage limits and fuel policy.
- Confirm emergency contact details and roadside assistance options.
With Drigo, you can compare vehicle options, read reviews and confirm booking details online so you start your Puri by car weekend without surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar legal and what documents do I need?
Yes. You need a valid Indian driving license, government-issued ID (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID), and the rental agreement provided by the company. Ensure the car has valid insurance and that you keep contact details for roadside assistance.
How long does it take to drive from Bhubaneswar to Puri and Chandipur?
Bhudaneswar to Puri is about 60 km and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Bhubaneswar to Chandipur is longer — roughly 180-200 km and around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
What is the best season to plan a weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar to the coast?
The best season is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers (March to May) are hot, and the monsoon season (June to September) can bring heavy rains and occasional road flooding.
Why should I choose Drigo for booking a self-drive car in Bhubaneswar?
Drigo offers transparent pricing, a reliable fleet and easy online booking. For a smooth start to your weekend getaway and dependable customer support, consider booking at drigo.in.