Bhubaneswar is perfectly positioned for weekend self drive trips. Within a 3-6 hour drive, you can reach beaches, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient temple towns. Here are the top 10 weekend getaways from Bhubaneswar you can do with a self drive car from Rideez.
1. Puri — The Classic Beach Weekend
Distance: 60 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours | Best car: Any
The most popular weekend drive from Bhubaneswar. Jagannath Temple darshan on Saturday morning, beach time in the afternoon, seafood dinner on Marine Drive, and a lazy Sunday before driving back. The NH-316 highway is smooth and traffic-free outside of Rath Yatra season.
2. Konark — Sun Temple and Coastal Drive
Distance: 65 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours | Best car: Any
The drive to Konark via Marine Drive Road is one of Odisha’s most scenic stretches. Visit the UNESCO Sun Temple at sunrise, explore Chandrabhaga Beach, and stop at the ASI Museum. Combine with Puri for a 2-day Golden Triangle trip.
3. Chilika Lake — Dolphins and Birdwatching
Distance: 100 km | Drive time: 2.5 hours | Best car: SUV recommended
Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Take a boat from Satapada to spot Irrawaddy dolphins, visit Kalijai Temple island, and if you go between November and March, see thousands of migratory birds at Nalabana Sanctuary.
4. Satkosia Gorge — Nature Camp Adventure
Distance: 130 km | Drive time: 3 hours | Best car: Venue or Creta
Satkosia Tiger Reserve offers gorge boat rides, nature camping at Tikarpada, and a gharial breeding centre. The drive through rural Odisha is peaceful. Book the forest rest house in advance through the Odisha Eco-tourism website.
5. Daringbadi — The Kashmir of Odisha
Distance: 250 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours | Best car: Thar or XUV 500
Daringbadi sits at 900m with pine forests, coffee plantations, and misty mornings in winter. The last 50 km involves mountain roads with hairpin bends — SUV recommended. Best visited December through February for the fog and cool weather.
6. Gopalpur-on-Sea — The Quiet Beach
Distance: 175 km | Drive time: 3.5 hours | Best car: Any
Gopalpur is Odisha’s hidden beach — far less crowded than Puri. Old lighthouse, pristine sand, and fresh seafood. The drive on NH-16 via Berhampur is a smooth 4-lane highway the entire way.
7. Bhitarkanika — Mangroves and Crocodiles
Distance: 150 km | Drive time: 4-5 hours | Best car: SUV
Bhitarkanika has India’s second-largest mangrove forest with saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley turtle nesting at Gahirmatha (January-March), and boat safaris. Roads near Bhitarkanika are narrow — an SUV handles them better.
8. Cuttack — Heritage and Silver Markets
Distance: 30 km | Drive time: 45 minutes | Best car: Any
The quickest getaway from Bhubaneswar. Barabati Fort, Netaji Birth Place Museum, and the famous silver filigree market in Nayasarak. Perfect for a half-day trip or combined with other destinations. Best during Durga Puja for the spectacular silver puja pandals.
9. Simlipal National Park — Tiger Reserve
Distance: 270 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours | Best car: Thar
Simlipal is Odisha’s premier tiger reserve with Barehipani Falls (India’s 2nd tallest) and dense sal forests. Requires 2 nights minimum. The Thar is ideal for the forest roads. Park is closed July-October for monsoon; book entry permits in advance.
10. Dhauli Peace Pagoda — Quick Half-Day
Distance: 8 km | Drive time: 20 minutes | Best car: Any
The closest getaway — the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli hill overlooks the Daya River where the Kalinga War was fought. Peaceful, historically significant, and you can be back in the city within 2 hours. Combine with Pipili’s appliqué market on the way to Puri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which weekend trip from Bhubaneswar is best for families?
Puri (beach + temple) and Chilika (dolphins + boating) are the most family-friendly. Both have comfortable accommodation and the drives are easy on any car. For adventure families, Satkosia camping is unforgettable.
Which car should I rent for weekend trips?
For Puri, Konark, Cuttack, Gopalpur — any hatchback works. For Chilika, Satkosia, Bhitarkanika — an SUV like the Venue or Creta is better. For Daringbadi, Simlipal, Deomali — the Thar or XUV 500 is strongly recommended.
