A bhubaneswar city tour by self drive is the most convenient way to dive into the city’s ancient temples, cultural parks, and monuments that represent both the past and the present. Bhubaneswar is once again the Temple City of India besides its mixture of heritage and urban charm, it still remains the first choice for self drive travellers. Due to the smooth roads, clear signboards, and a lot of parking options, giving yourself the liberty of pace turns into a hassle-free journey. The guide here is 15 must visit places in Bhubaneswar. It has a temple circuit that is complete, some tips for smarter driving, and a parking guide for Bhubaneswar, a brief. Whether you are a local and rеvеrѕіng the сіtу оr a trаvеlеr еxрlоrіng thе соncаlvе оf Odisha, this route offers you a profound and unforgettable experience.
1. Lingaraj Temple The Essence of Old Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple will be the first place bhubaneswar city tour by self drive. Not only is it the most recognisable landmark in the city, but it is also one of the best preserved architectural marvels of Kalinga.
What to See?
a)Grand structure from the 11th century
b)Cleansed vibe
c)Amazing work done by the temple craftsmen
In cases like this, a small car such as the Hyundai i20 or Maruti Swift would be perfect, because the lanes of the old town around Lingaraj Temple are very narrow and crowded during the rush hours.
Parking Guide
A convenient parking lot is available close to the temple’s main gate. Get there early if you want to be free of the crowd.
2. Mukteswar Temple A Gem of the Temple Circuit
The Mukteswar Temple is referred to as the “Gem of Odisha Architecture” very often. Because of its artistic arch and stone carvings, it is an indispensable part of the temple circuit.
Highlights
a)Celebrated “Torana” (arched gateway)
b)Quiet courtyard
c)Excellent for photography
Parking
There are some places where you can park your car at the street side not far from here.
3. Rajarani Temple The Temple of Love & Red Sandstone
Rajarani Temple is a very eye catching temple due to its construction from red and yellow sandstone. Also, it is the only one to be absolutely empty inside.
Why Visit?
a)Splendid carvings
b)Green landscaped lawns
c)Nice jogging tracks
Parking
There is good parking available right at the heart of the complex.
4. Brahmeswar Temple A Quiet Stop on the City Circuit
Brahmeswar Temple has fewer people, which is a great advantage for those who want to visit a heritage site of the past that is peaceful.
Why Visit?
a)The temple is great for a visit because it is located in a neat and tranquil place.
b)Elaborate stone carvings
c)Perfect to take your time and discover
Parking
There is no problem with parking on the street, and the place.
5. Ananta Vasudeva Temple The Living Heritage
This temple ranks high among the rest, as it is the only one that is still in line with the living Vaishnav traditions. When you are in Bhubaneswar on a self drive city tour, definitely make a point of stopping here for prasadam.
Why Visit?
a)It is an active temple with active rituals.
b)Pure temple kitchen food.
c)Ancient architecture.
Parking
Parking space is quite tight in the old-town area of the lanes, so you should avail yourself of the nearby paid parking
6. Ekamra Heritage Walk A Journey Through Old Bhubaneswar
This walk has an architectural heritage of temples, water tanks, and old markets. It is the very essence of a temple circuit in Bhubaneswar.
What You’ll See
a)More than 10 temples of the ancient period
b)Old style houses
c)Religious ponds
Parking
It is best if you park your vehicle near Ekamra Van or Rajarani Temple and then go for a stroll through the trail.
7. Bindusagar Lake The Sacred Waterbody
Bindusagar is the heart of the old city. The lake is full of ritual activities related to the temples around it.
Why Visit?
a)Calm and serene views of the lake
b)Excellent morning place
c)Enclosed by the heritage buildings
Parking
There are a number of small parking lots around the lake where you can park your vehicle.
8. Kedar Gouri Temple Calm, Quiet, and Spiritual
The temple situated close to Mukteswar Temple is famous for its tranquil gardens.
Why Visit?
a)Fresh surroundings
b)Quiet atmosphere
c)A fantastic break from your tour
Parking
There is parking on the street available near the entrance.
9. Dhauli Peace Pagoda The Buddhist Landmark
Dhauli should be on your list of places to visit in Bhubaneswar when you are touring the city on your own means because it is where the mass Kalinga War happened.
Why Visit?
a)White Peace Pagoda
b)Hilltop views
c)Historic Ashokan inscriptions
Parking
There is a huge parking area both at the foot of the hill and near the Pagoda.
10. Kalinga Stadium Road The Modern Stretch
This area provides a nice change from the temple filled old city. With wide roads, modern buildings, and a lively atmosphere, Kalinga Stadium Road showcases Bhubaneswar’s rapidly growing urban landscape.
What to Enjoy
a)Excellent roads
b)Stadium design
c)Cafes and eateries
Parking
There is ample amount of space
11. Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves A Glimpse of Jain History
The two sets of caves, which were built thousands of years ago, have a little bit of everything past, trekking, and fantastic sights.
Why Visit?
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are among the most famous rock cut caves in India.
Parking
Paid parking is available near the entrance.
12. Kala Bhoomi Museum Odisha Art & Handicrafts
Kala Bhoomi showcases Odisha’s craft traditions with modern displays.
Highlights
a)Pottery
b)Applique
c)Tribal arts
d)Textile heritage
Parking
Spacious designated parking.
13. Odisha Crafts Museum Handlooms & Heritage
This museum is a great stop during your temple circuit break. It offers cultural insight.
What to See
a)Ikat weaving
b)Traditional crafts
c)Live demonstrations
Parking
Large on site parking available.
14. Nandankanan Zoo Wildlife & Safari Experience
Nandankanan is one of the city’s biggest attractions and is perfect for families.
Why Visit?
a)White tiger safari
b)Botanical gardens
c)Lake views
Parking
Well organised parking is available near the gate.
15. Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary The Forest Escape
This is a great stop for nature lovers during your Bhubaneswar city tour by car.
Why Visit?
a)Elephant reserve
b)Forest trails
c)Bird watching
Parking
Parking is available near the entry gate.
Rideez Car Recommendations for a Smooth City Tour
Choosing the right car makes your Bhubaneswar trip comfortable and stress free. Rideez offers clean, reliable vehicles for every group size.
Best Cars for Couples (4 Seaters)
a)Hyundai i20
b)maruti Swift
c)Thar
These are perfect for narrow lanes in Old Town with our 4 seater self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar.
Best Cars for Families & Friends (5 Seaters)
a)Hyundai Venue
b)Baleno
c)Creta
These are ideal for Dhauli, Nandankanan, and museum routes.Check out our 5 seater self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar.
Best Cars for Large Groups (7 Seaters)
Comfortable for full day trips with luggage. Explore our 7 seater self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar.
Conclusion
Driving yourself around Bhubaneswar is the best way to see temples, museums, parks, and heritage sites at your own pace. With a planned temple route, smooth roads, and a clear parking guide in Bhubaneswar, your trip will be comfortable and enjoyable. Rideez Car Rental keeps your journey stress free. Their fleet includes the compact i20, the versatile Venue, and the spacious Kia Carens. Each traveller can find the right car for a perfect city drive with our self drive car rental near airport services.
Key Takeaways
a)A bhubaneswar city tour by self drive lets you visit more places in less time.
b)The temple circuit includes Lingaraj, Mukteswar, Rajarani, Ananta Vasudeva, and others.
c)Refer to this parking guide for Bhubaneswar to travel easily between temples and heritage sites.
Choose the right Rideez car:
a)Couples – i20 / Swift
b)Small groups – Venue / Thar / Creta
c)Families – Ertiga / Kia Carens
Looking for budget friendly options? Check out our budget car rental in Bhubaneswar or explore Hyundai self drive car rental and Maruti Suzuki self drive car rental in Bhubaneswar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the roads are smooth, and the city traffic is well-organised.
Start early in the morning for easy parking and fewer crowds.
Yes, most temples have designated parking areas.
Compact cars like the Hyundai i20 or Swift work well.
It’s possible, but it’s better to enjoy them over two days.
