There’s something special about hitting the road with a packed bag, a good playlist, and open highways ahead, a packed trunk, a playlist and highways to get lost in. And that’s why the road trip from Bhubaneswar has attained a cult status among those who need the comfort of luxury hotels without the chains. Whether it’s a 5 hour drive to a panoramic coast or a 3-hour drive to a silent forest, Odisha holds some of the best unknown drives in India.
Of course, the increasing options of weekend travel from Bhubaneswar only make travelling by car, including short road trips in Odisha, even more attractive. The network of highways and the beauty of the roads mean planning a few day trip is now simple, and with the right vehicle (via, for example, Rideez Cars), the trip will be a bonus.
Why Road Trips from Bhubaneswar Are Worth It
Each trip from Bhubaneswar is different. Within 2 hours of driving you get to see temples, beaches, mangrove Islands, and heritage towns. Bhubaneswar, being a starting point for various types of day trips, one can plan spontaneous trips or exhaustive trips without much travel fatigue.
The number of days required to make a weekend trip from Bhubaneswar is usually anywhere between 50 to 300 km, so it makes a quick getaway. A Konark road trip or a Chilika Lake drive becomes more enjoyable with a comfortable and reliable car (say, a Hyundai i20 or a Venue from Rideez Cars to take you through an untraveled path.
Top 10 Road Trips from Bhubaneswar
1. Bhubaneswar to Puri Drive (Approx. 65 km)
The drive from Bhubaneswar to Puri is a beautiful journey where the essence of spirituality seamlessly blends with the laid back coastal ambience. The highway is in top condition, lined with local cafes serving genuine Odia cuisine. This is one of the most popular routes from Bhubaneswar, also known as the City of Temples.
It is also preferred by those travelling to Puri for the first time. Rideez Car recommends the Maruti Swift or Hyundai i20 for this route when on a short, relaxing drive.
2. Konark Road Trip via Marine Drive (Approx. 70 km)
One of the most scenic drives is the Konark road trip via the Puri Konark Marine Drive , perhaps the best natural scenic coastal road that Odisha has to offer. To the east, a thick wall of Casuarina woods; to the west, the Bay of Bengal.
It is one of the most scenic short road trips in Odisha. Rideez Cars give a more relaxing drive due to its power to handle long highway stretches smoothly.
3. Chilika Lake Drive to Satapada (Approx. 100 km)
The Chilika Lake drive takes you to Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. It’s famous for its migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins. The drive is peaceful, with varied scenery throughout.
As one of the most tranquil weekend trips from Bhubaneswar, this route is best suited for spacious vehicles like the Ertiga or an SUV from Rideez Cars for extra comfort.
4. Bhitarkanika National Park (Approx. 170 km)
If you’re looking for wilderness, Bhitarkanika has thick mangroves and crocodile habitats. The trip is longer but very rewarding for nature lovers. This is one of the more adventurous road trips from Bhubaneswar. Rideez Cars usually suggest sturdy cars like the Ertiga for group travel and tougher areas.
5. Daringbadi The “Kashmir of Odisha” (Approx. 250 km)
Daringbadi has cool weather, pine forests, and hill views, which are rare in Odisha. The roads are winding, making the drive enjoyable. For longer weekend trips from Bhubaneswar, a reliable sedan like the XUV 500 or a 7 seater like the Kia Carena from Rideez Cars provides both safety and comfort.
6. Gopalpur on Sea (Approx. 170 km)
A more peaceful alternative to Puri, Gopalpur is a good choice for some relaxing beach time. The drive along the highway is smooth with less traffic. This destination is indeed the right place for short road trips in Odisha for travellers seeking less commercialised beaches. Rideez Cars generally recommend sedans such as the Dzire for this drive.
7. Chandipur Beach (Approx. 200 km)
Chandipur is renowned for its disappearing sea, which can withdraw up to 5 kilometres away at low tide. This is a very rare natural phenomenon. As the most unique road trip you can enjoy out of Bhubaneswar, it’s better done in an SUV like the Ertiga provided by Rideez Cars.
8. Hirakud Dam (Approx. 300 km)
One of the longest earthen dams in the world, the Hirakud Dam, will be perfect for you if you wish to take an extra distance drive. If you wish to go on a long trip from Bhubaneswar on weekends, Rideez Car advises using sedan or SUV cars, which give better mileage.
9. Simlipal National Park (Approx. 250 km)
Simlipal offers waterfalls, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. Preparation is required because there is a variety of terrain on the trip. Of all short road trips in Odisha, this requires a strong car, according to Rideez Cars, such as the Ertiga.
10. Paradeep Port (Approx. 110 km)
Paradeep offers a unique blend of industrial landscape and coastal views. This is a great choice for a short journey out of Bhubaneswar, where a Swift from Rideez Cars suits best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, road trips from Bhubaneswar are not only enjoyable experiences but are also enriching ones that provide unique insights into places that you will miss out on through other forms of transport. Whether it be the classic Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip, the beautiful Konark road trip, or the serene Chilika Lake drive, each trip offers something special. Choosing the right car can make your road trip more comfortable and enjoyable. With Rideez Car Rental, you get a variety of cars suitable for both short city drives and long highway trips across Odisha.
Key Takeaways
• Road trips from Bhubaneswar offer diverse experiences within short distances
• Popular routes include Puri, Konark, and Chilika
• Weekend trips from Bhubaneswar are ideal for quick, refreshing getaways
• The city car vs highway car choice impacts comfort and efficiency
• Rideez provides suitable cars for 4, 5, and 7 seater travel needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Puri, Konark, Chilika, and Daringbadi are ideal because they offer smooth highways, clear routes, and flexible stopovers for self drive trips.
The Bhubaneswar to Puri drive is the safest choice due to wide roads, good signage, and minimal complex turns.
Yes, but it’s best during the daytime since the Marine Drive stretch has limited lighting despite being scenic.
The Chilika Lake drive is perfect for beginners transitioning from city driving to open highway conditions.
Pick a hatchback for city heavy routes and a sedan or SUV for longer highway-focused drives.
