Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Puri Travel Guide: Distance, Route & Scenic Stops

There is no better way to spend a weekend for tourists and locals in Bhubaneswar than by taking a road trip to Jagannath Puri, one of the most popular and easy travel experiences in Odisha. You can drive down to this picturesque town during a religious holiday (like the Jagannath Puri yatra) for a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore the various sites around Puri. With its beautiful beaches, spiritual vibrancy, and rich cultural heritage, Puri has something for everyone! If you want to experience what this lovely town has to offer, the best option is to book a self-drive car rental in Bhubaneswar for a smooth and hassle-free ride to Puri. The distance from Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Puri by road via the shortest route is about 65 km, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. There are some great places to stop along your journey. This blog offers a comprehensive travel plan, including suggested routes, travel tips, must-see attractions, and reasons why using a car rental service in Bhubaneswar will give you the best possible experience.

Routes to Explore for a Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Puri Trip on a Rental Car

The city of Puri is a coastal town situated in the Bay of Bengal. In addition to being a popular pilgrimage site, it is also an excellent choice for family vacations. The scenic drive from Bhubaneswar to Puri takes you through beautiful landscapes of Odisha, making for an enjoyable journey. 

Route 1: Bhubaneswar – Gudia Pokhari – Mangalpur – Sakhigopal – Puri

The shortest route from Bhubaneswar to Puri is about 65 km, and you can experience regular traffic on this route. However, there aren’t any significant delays or closed roads to impede travel. It is better to check live traffic conditions before leaving and to check live maps during the trip. The road conditions along this route are excellent. 

• Distance: 65 km
  
  
• Time: 1.5 hours
  
  
• Road Conditions: Excellent 

Popular Places to Explore on the Way: Route 1

1. Gudia Pokhari

It is a quiet lakeside spot surrounded by greenery where you can enjoy a peaceful pause away from city crowds. It is ideal for a short break and for photography. 

2. CIFA Aquarium, Uttara

CIFA Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to see many different species of freshwater fish and  Odisha’s aquatic biodiversity in a peaceful ambience. It is an excellent location for a quick educational experience while also allowing you to relax. 

3. Mangalpur

This is a scenic rural stretch offering glimpses of Odisha’s countryside and traditional life. Ideal for enjoying local snacks and experiencing authentic village vibes.

4. Sakshigopal Temple, Sakhigopal

This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its spiritual and historical significance, as told through many interesting legends. Sakshigopal Temple is a popular stop for pilgrims heading to Puri.

5. Loknath Temple, Chandanpur

This is an important Lord Shiva shrine in Chandanpur, which has considerable religious significance for many devotees. This temple can be especially crowded during major festivals, such as Shivratri.

Route 2: Bhubaneswar – Pitapalli – Motari – Sakhigopal – Puri

The distance from Bhubaneswar to Puri via this route is longer than route 1 (about 85 km). There can also be traffic congestion on the roads during regular hours. Use live Google Maps to get up-to-date traffic and road condition information for a smooth trip. 

• Distance: 85 km
  
  
• Time: 2.5 hours
  
  
• Road Conditions: Average 

Popular Places to Explore on the Way: Route 2

1. Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves

Archaeologically significant Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves at Khandagiri are rock-cut caves with intricate carvings of cave dwellings that date back to around the 1st century B.C.

2. Pitapalli 

A popular highway stop known for roadside eateries and local snacks where you can take a quick tea break while enjoying Odisha’s green landscapes.

3. Motari and Chilika Lake Region

This is the gateway to the famous Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. You can visit Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary for birdwatching, especially in winter to spot migratory birds and enjoy peaceful boat rides.

4. Sakshigopal Temple and Pipli

Sakshigopal is a sacred Krishna temple with deep mythological significance, while Pipili is famous for colorful appliqué work, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

5. Loknath Temple, Chandanpur 

Loknath temple is another major Hindu religious shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Best Time to Visit Puri

The winters from December to March are considered the favorable time to visit Puri due to the abundance of festivals during these months. Summers in Puri can be very hot and uncomfortable, so the best time to visit Puri is generally either during the winter months or when the monsoon season has just ended.

Top Sightseeing Spots at Puri

1. Jagannath Temple

This temple complex was built in the 16th century, making it a respected place of worship, and it is well-known for its annual Rathyatra Festival.

2. Gundicha Temple

This sandstone temple was built in the Kalinga architectural style and is situated within a coconut grove.

3. Puri Beach

This is the most well-known local and tourist attraction, as well as the site of the annual Puri Beach Festival and sand sculpture events.

4. Ramachandi Temple

This temple is very old and is located at the point where the Kusabhadra River meets the Bay of Bengal.

5. Narendra Pokhari

This lake allows visitors to take advantage of local boating opportunities. There is also a temple located on an island in the center of the lake.

6. Sudarshan Crafts Museum

This museum contains numerous examples of sculpture, carvings, and other forms of art from the area.

Tips to Make Your Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Puri Trip Memorable

Below are some important tips to make your trip from Bhubaneswar to Jagannath puri by car easy:

• Begin your drive in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy pleasant weather along the route.
  
  
• Take breaks at places like Sakhigopal and Pipili to experience culture, handicrafts, and local life.
  
  
• Visit Jagannath Temple during non-peak hours to avoid long queues and have a peaceful darshan.
  
  
• While in Puri, be mindful of the dress code, especially when visiting some temples.
  
  
•  Carry water, sunscreen, sanitizer, face masks, and comfortable clothing, especially during summer for a smooth trip experience.
  
  
• Don’t miss local dishes like chhena poda, dalma, and fresh seafood in Puri.

Explore Odisha Your Way with Revv Self-Drive Car Rentals

With Revv’s self-drive car rental in Bhubaneswar, you can take your time exploring Odisha, and avoid fixed itineraries or guided tours. Whether you want to visit the beaches of Puri, the temples in Bhubaneswar, or the beautiful countryside of Konark, Revv makes it easy for you to reach every destination comfortably and hassle-free. Revv cars are well-maintained and delivered directly to your home, hotel, or wherever you are. You also have the flexibility to choose from various rental plans for different periods. Revv also makes car booking easy through the Revv app, offers reasonable, transparent pricing for all rentals, and provides 24/7 support to help make your road trip through Odisha enjoyable.

Takeaway

With Revv self-drive car rentals, you can easily explore Odisha and enjoy all the freedom and comfort. Travel at your own pace with the convenience of having your car delivered right to your doorstep. All you have to worry about is having an amazing time in Odisha, and your road trip will be a success.