Bhubaneswar's premier self-drive agency. We offer a fleet of sanitised, well-maintained cars with Flexible Rental Plans and Zero Hidden Charges. Your journey, our priority.
24
May
Embarking on a Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip is one of the most refreshing weekend escapes you can experience in Odisha. (If you want to explore more options, check out our guide on the top 5 weekend getaways from Bhubaneswar by self-drive car). Spanning a scenic 64 km distance along the beautifully paved NH-316 highway, this journey connects the tranquil temple city of Bhubaneswar to the vibrant coastal town of Puri. While you could easily catch a bus or hire a taxi, nothing beats the absolute freedom of a self drive car, where you can pause for roadside tea, listen to your favorite tunes, and set your own pace. Driving down this smooth highway stretch is a liberating experience, giving you the power to choose your own detours and travel on your own terms. Ready to discover the ultimate stops, scenic routes, local secrets, and budget-saving tips for this memorable coastal drive? Let's dive into everything you need to know for the perfect road adventure!
The NH-316 highway is indisputably the finest route for your journey. As one of Odisha's most pristine and well-maintained highway stretches, it offers an incredibly smooth driving experience with clear lane markings and excellent road signage. This four-lane toll road ensures a hassle-free and comfortable drive, making the journey just as enjoyable as the coastal destination itself.
| From | To | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patia Bhubaneswar | Dhauli | 15 km | 25 min |
| Dhauli | Pipli | 10 km | 15 min |
| Pipli | Sakshigopal | 18 km | 20 min |
| Sakshigopal | Puri | 12 km | 18 min |
| TOTAL | Puri | 64 km | 1 hr 20 min |
Perched on a hilltop, the striking white peace pagoda of Dhauli Shanti Stupa marks the historical site where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence after the Kalinga War. Looking out from the summit, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Daya River flowing gently below. Entry is completely free, making this serene 20-to-25-minute stop a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs and soak in some deep history.
As you drive into Pipli, your eyes will immediately be treated to a vibrant explosion of colors. Famous worldwide for its traditional appliqué handicrafts, the entire village is lined with charming roadside shops displaying colorful lanterns, handbags, and wall hangings. It is the perfect place to pull over for a quick 15-to-20-minute stop, support local artisans, and pick up beautiful, authentic souvenirs for friends and family.
This famous historic Krishna temple is a delightful highway landmark. Its elegant white tower is easily visible from NH-316, prompting a natural pause in your drive. Dedicated to Lord Gopal, it is widely believed that a pilgrimage to Puri is incomplete without visiting here. It is an ideal spot for a quick darshan and a refreshing 15-minute stretch break before conquering the final stretch of your road trip.
Leave by 6:30 AM — beat traffic, reach Puri by 8:15 AM, shorter darshan queue at Jagannath Temple
As one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, the legendary Shree Jagannath Temple is the spiritual heart of Puri. While non-Hindus are not permitted inside the inner sanctum, anyone can admire the towering 65-meter main temple structure and the magnificent Lion Gate (Singhadwara) from the outside. To experience the temple at its most peaceful, aim to arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This lets you witness the enchanting morning rituals when the queues are significantly shorter and the atmosphere is wonderfully cool.
Located just 700 meters from the temple, Puri Beach is a gorgeous expanse of wide golden sand and energetic, roaring waves. The liveliest and most scenic stretch is found right near the Swargadwar area, where you can watch local fishermen launch their colorful traditional boats into the surf. If you decide to drive out extremely early, witnessing the sunrise here between 5:45 AM and 6:00 AM in the summer is absolutely magical. It is a stunning visual feast that you will not want to miss.
After a busy morning, satisfy your appetite on Chakratirtha (CT) Road, the culinary hub of Puri. This area is packed with fantastic eateries serving incredibly fresh seafood, including aromatic fish fry, rich prawn curries, and savory masala crab. Expect to spend around ₹300 to ₹600 per person for an extremely satisfying feast. Among the most popular spots are Peace Restaurant, renowned for its fresh seafood prep, and Honey Bee Bakery, which is perfect for continental bites and delicious fresh desserts.
The best part is that the absolute freedom of a self drive car lets you stay as long as you want at the beach, with no rigid bus schedules or impatient cab drivers rushing you back.
Choosing the right vehicle can make your coastal journey significantly more enjoyable. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with a large family, or a group of adventure-seeking friends, having a well-maintained car tailored to your road trip needs ensures maximum comfort. Before you finalize your booking, make sure to check the essential documents required for self-drive car rentals in Odisha to ensure a smooth pickup process. Here is a breakdown of our top recommendations for the perfect drive down to Puri.
Hyundai Verna (₹2599/day) — Best for couples or groups of four. It features a powerful AC, a smooth highway ride, and is easy to park in Puri's narrow lanes. This premium sedan remains our most popular choice for this coastal route.
Kia Carens 7-seater (₹3199/day) — The ultimate choice for family road trips. It offers a spacious boot for beach bags and luggage, along with comfortable seating for seven passengers. Travel together in style without compromising on cabin legroom.
Mahindra Thar Roxx (₹4999/day) — Ideal for groups of friends wanting an adventurous vibe. Arrive at Puri beach in style and capture the best Instagram-worthy moments with this rugged SUV. It turns heads wherever you drive it.
We also offer a fantastic budget option: the Hyundai i20 (₹1899/day), which is absolutely perfect for solo travelers or couples traveling on a budget. To compare all rental options and plans, view our complete Bhubaneswar self-drive car rental price guide.
To ensure your family's safety, every vehicle in our fleet goes through deep sanitization before handover. Read our detailed car sanitization and safety checklist for peace of mind.
Planning your budget is simple when there are no hidden fees. Here is an approximate breakdown of the total cost for a full-day trip to Puri for two people, keeping your expenses transparent and manageable.
| Expense | Approx Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental (1 day) | ₹1799–₹4999 | depends on car, from Utkal Rides |
| Fuel round trip ~130 km | ₹350–550 | petrol ~₹105/litre |
| Toll (1 plaza, return) | ₹120–160 | keep FASTag ready |
| Parking in Puri | ₹50–100 | paid lots near temple and beach |
| Food (2 people) | ₹600–1200 | breakfast + seafood lunch |
| TOTAL | ₹2900–₹7000 | for 2 people, full day trip |
Puri gets busy, so knowing where to park is crucial for a stress-free trip. Here are the most reliable paid parking spaces to safely park your Utkal Rides rental car while you explore the city's sights.
| Parking Area | Near | Charge | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Road Parking | Jagannath Temple | ₹30–50 | Arrives before 9 AM on weekends |
| Swargadwar Parking | Puri Beach | ₹20–40 | Open 24 hours, walk to beach |
| CT Road Parking | Restaurants & hotels | Free/₹20 | Good for lunch stops |
Tip 1: Leave by 6:00–6:30 AM — beat city traffic, reach for morning darshan, best light at beach
Tip 2: Stick to NH-316, don't follow Google Maps shortcuts through village roads
Tip 3: Fuel up in Bhubaneswar before leaving — Utkal Rides cars come with full tank
Tip 4: Dress modestly for temple — no shorts or sleeveless (keep change of clothes in car)
Tip 5: Monsoon driving July–September — highway safe but slow down in heavy rain, don't swim beyond waist depth at beach
Tip 6: Extend to Konark — 35 km from Puri via Puri–Konark Marine Drive, one of India's best coastal roads
Enjoy hassle-free doorstep delivery and zero hidden charges on all rentals.
Get your perfect self-drive car starting from just ₹1799/day.
WhatsApp us at 70776 95050 or call anytime — we'll deliver the car to your door.
The road distance is approximately 64 km via the NH-316 highway. Depending on traffic, it usually takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes to complete the drive. The road is beautifully maintained and represents one of the smoothest, most enjoyable highway stretches in Odisha.
There is exactly one toll plaza located along the highway route. The toll charge is approximately ₹60 to ₹80 one way for a private car. Having a functional FASTag is highly recommended to quickly pass through the toll lane and avoid any manual payment queues.
We recommend the premium Hyundai Verna sedan for couples seeking top-tier AC and comfort. For larger families, the Kia Carens 7-seater is perfect. If you want a stylish adventure vibe, pick the Mahindra Thar Roxx. All are available from Utkal Rides starting at ₹1799/day.
The main parking area near the temple is located at Grand Road (Bada Danda) and costs between ₹30 and ₹50. If you are heading to the beach, Swargadwar parking is open 24 hours. We advise arriving before 9 AM on weekends to secure a spot.
Booking is extremely simple! Just message Utkal Rides on WhatsApp at 70776 95050 with your preferred dates. We will deliver the vehicle to your doorstep in Bhubaneswar. Simply keep your driving license and Aadhaar ready; the digital verification process takes under 5 minutes.
