Bhubaneswar is perfectly positioned for weekend self drive trips. Within a 3 to 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 Car. whether you need an outstation car rental for long drives or planning pilgrimage trips across Odisha.
Why Self Drive Trips Are Perfect for Weekend Escapes
One of the best benefits of traveling Weekend Travel Bhubaneswar is flexibility. It may allow you to leave early, choose more scenic routes and spend a longer duration at the points that you really like. Self drive car trips create privacy and ease of travel and are preferable for couples, families etc. Rather than adapting to the schedule of transport, every aspect of the journey is under your control and rideez cars cater for this style of travel with vehicles for short drive along the coast as well as for hill stations.
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 to 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: 4to 5 hours | Best car: SUV
Bhitarkanika has India’s second largest mangrove forest with saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley turtle nesting at Gahirmatha (January to 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: 5to 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.
The Adventure of Off Road Driving in Odisha
The Adventure of Offcome, a highlight of this route, is the live performance of off road driving that Odisha tourists crave for nature exploration. The meaning of most of the routes will be good roads, some near forest zones. Yet isolated stretches only offer a more adventurous kind of driving.
The thrill of it is that the roads are in the forests and natural terrain. In fact, the post-monsoon timings and the view of the rich green vegetation over the entire environment make the whole scene very picturesque. A drive through Simlipal National Park is both a thrill and a view. Travellers often find it is such a happy memory, a Mahindra Thar adventure trip, for they get a feeling of freedom, and the spirit of discovery comes with that.
Rideez car is dedicated to providing vehicles most suitable for different road conditions to a number of them who have the desire to go on a trip and at the same time enjoy the comfort of a well-maintained vehicle.
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.
Rideez Recommended Cars for Every Travel Group
Different journeys call for different vehicles. Rideez car offers options suited to various travel needs.
Recommended Cars by Seating Capacity:
| Seating | Car | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Seater | Maruti Suzuki Swift | Solo travelers & couples | Fuel efficient, easy handling, ideal for beach drives and short weekend routes |
| 5 Seater | Hyundai Creta | Families & longer drives | Spacious cabin, comfortable for trips to Chilika and Daringbadi |
| 7 Seater | Kia Carens | Larger groups & extended trips | Extra seating, good luggage space, perfect for weekend adventures |
Travel Tips for Weekend Road Trips
Before setting out on your next adventure, keep these tips in mind:
• Pre plan your route. Convert freight as early as possible.
• If processing is in a city, traffic jams should be avoided.
• Bring water and snacks.
• Weather forecasts.
• Keep emergency contacts handy.
• Check your rental vehicle before you leave.
Following these easy steps, you will have safer and more enjoyable self driving car holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are Rideez cars suitable for nearby tourist places?
Yes, Rideez cars are well-suited for visiting nearby tourist destinations like Chilika Lake, Konark, Puri, and Daringbadi. Our fleet includes comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicles perfect for short and long distance travel across Odisha.
Q2: Can I rent a 7-seater for group travel?
Absolutely! Rideez offers 7-seater options like the Kia Carens and Maruti Ertiga, which are ideal for group travel. These vehicles provide ample seating and luggage space, ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone.
Q3: How can Rideez cars improve my weekend travel?
Rideez makes weekend travel hassle free by offering flexible rental plans, well-maintained vehicles, and convenient pickup locations across Bhubaneswar. Whether it’s a beach drive or a hill trip, you can travel at your own pace without depending on public transport.
Q4: Is Rideez a good option for self-drive trips in Odisha?
Yes, Rideez is an excellent choice for self-drive trips in Odisha. With a wide range of vehicles, easy booking, and flexible rental durations, you can explore destinations like Puri, Konark, and Chilika on your own terms.
Q5: What types of cars does Rideez offer for weekend getaways?
Rideez offers a variety of cars for weekend getaways including 4-seater compact cars like the Maruti Swift, 5-seater SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, and 7-seater MPVs like the Kia Carens suitable for solo travelers, families, and large groups alike.
Q6:Which weekend trip from Bhubaneswar is best for families?
A weekend trip to Puri (beach + temple) and Chilika (dolphins + boating) are the most family and friendly. Both have comfortable accommodation and the drives are easy on any car. For adventure families, Satkosia camping is unforgettable.
Q7: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.
