Puri, often called the spiritual heart of Odisha, is not just about its famous Jagannath Temple. With golden beaches, vibrant markets, and nearby cultural gems, Puri offers a perfect blend of devotion, leisure, and exploration. However, navigating this charming town and its surrounding attractions can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. That’s where car rental in Puri and
car rental in Bhubaneswar services come in, offering travelers unmatched convenience and flexibility.
Why Choose a Rental Car in Puri?
Traveling by public transport in Puri can be unpredictable. Local buses may not follow strict schedules, and auto-rickshaws often charge unpredictable fares for longer trips. A rental car solves all these issues, giving you control over your itinerary. Here’s why renting a car is the smartest choice:
1. Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace
A rental car allows you to design your day without being tied to a timetable. Whether you want to spend hours at the serene Chilika Lake, soak in the sunset at Puri Beach, or hop between nearby temples, a car ensures you’re not rushing to catch a bus or a taxi.
2. Comfort During the Journey
Puri’s weather can be unpredictable—hot summers, monsoon rains, and chilly evenings. Traveling in a private vehicle ensures comfort, with air conditioning, enough luggage space, and a stress-free ride, unlike cramped local transport options.
3. Ideal for Family and Group Trips
Families and friends traveling together will find a rental car more practical. Instead of paying for multiple auto-rickshaws or taxis, a single car can accommodate everyone, keeping the group together and making journeys more enjoyable.
4. Safety and Convenience
A personal rental car offers enhanced safety compared to shared transportation. You can store your belongings securely, avoid waiting in crowded bus stops, and travel in a controlled environment.
Starting Your Journey: Car Rental in Bhubaneswar
Many travelers reach Odisha via Bhubaneswar, the capital city. Thanks to excellent car rental in Bhubaneswar services, getting to Puri has never been easier. The drive from Bhubaneswar to Puri is roughly 60 km and takes around 1.5 hours, offering a smooth and scenic route.
Choosing a rental car in Bhubaneswar allows you to:
Start your Puri trip early in the morning without worrying about train or bus timings.
Explore attractions along the way, such as Dhauli Shanti Stupa or the Raghurajpur heritage village, without needing multiple transport arrangements.
Travel comfortably with air-conditioned cars and modern amenities.
Must-Visit Attractions in Puri
With a rental car, you can cover Puri’s iconic landmarks effortlessly. Here’s a suggested itinerary for exploring Puri and nearby attractions:
1. Jagannath Temple
No visit to Puri is complete without a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple. While access inside the temple is limited to Hindus, the outer complex and surroundings offer rich experiences of Odisha’s temple architecture and spiritual ambiance.
2. Puri Beach
A few steps from the temple lies Puri Beach, where you can enjoy sunrise walks, beach activities, and local snacks. Renting a car makes it easy to reach early morning or late evening for a quieter, more serene experience.
3. Gundicha Temple
Around 2 km from the Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple is an important stop during the annual Rath Yatra festival. A rental car ensures you can visit without waiting for crowded transport.
4. Chilika Lake
About 35 km from Puri, Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. With a rental car, you can plan a day trip to explore Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, enjoy boat rides, and witness dolphins in the lagoon. Public transport to Chilika is limited and often time-consuming, making a rental car the ideal choice.
5. Konark Sun Temple
Another gem nearby is the Sun Temple at Konark, 35 km east of Puri. Its intricate architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status make it a must-visit. A rental car allows a comfortable day trip with plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
6. Raghurajpur Heritage Village
This artisan village, around 14 km from Puri, is famous for Pattachitra painting and traditional crafts. Traveling in a rental car allows you to stay longer, interact with artisans, and shop without worrying about public transport schedules.
Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience
While renting a car in Puri or Bhubaneswar is convenient, a few tips can enhance your experience:
Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist season or festivals, car availability can be limited. Booking online or in advance ensures you get your preferred vehicle.
Check the Vehicle Condition: Inspect your rental car for scratches, tire condition, and functioning AC before starting your journey.
Plan Your Route: While GPS apps are helpful, having a rough idea of distances and road conditions saves time. For instance, the route from Bhubaneswar to Puri via NH316 is smooth, but local city traffic can slow you down.
Keep Essentials Handy: Water bottles, snacks, and a first aid kit can make your journey more comfortable.
Understand the Fuel Policy: Some rental services offer full-to-full fuel options, while others may charge for fuel. Clarify this to avoid surprises.
Advantages of Renting a Car for Multi-Day Trips
For travelers planning to explore beyond Puri for multiple days, a rental car is even more beneficial:
Flexible Day Trips: You can visit Konark, Chilika, and Raghurajpur over two or three days without worrying about public transport schedules.
Luggage Management: Traveling with family or for extended stays means carrying extra bags. A rental car provides ample space.
Customized Stops: Make spontaneous stops at roadside eateries, temples, or scenic viewpoints. This freedom is almost impossible with public transport.
Cost-Effective Travel
Contrary to common belief, car rentals in Puri and Bhubaneswar can be economical for groups. Consider a family of four or five traveling together:
Paying individually for taxis or auto-rickshaws to multiple attractions adds up quickly.
A single rental car can cost less than the total expense of multiple local rides while providing greater convenience.
Eco-Friendly Options
Many car rental services now offer hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicles. If you’re environmentally conscious, you can choose these options to minimize your carbon footprint while enjoying the flexibility of private travel.
Conclusion
Exploring Puri and its nearby attractions is a unique experience, blending spiritual journeys with cultural and natural exploration. While public transport is available, it often restricts freedom, comfort, and timing. Choosing
car rental in Puri or car rental in Bhubaneswar gives you control, comfort, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
