Best Places to Visit Near Bhubaneswar in 2 Days
Bhubaneswar, the City of Temples, is not just a destination — it is a gateway to some of Odisha’s most iconic and breathtaking places. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a refreshing getaway, the region around Bhubaneswar has something extraordinary to offer.
The best part? All the must-see destinations near Bhubaneswar are within 1–3 hours of travel, making a 2-day trip from Bhubaneswar not just possible but incredibly rewarding. In this guide, we cover the best places to visit near Bhubaneswar in 2 days — complete with travel tips, distances, and a ready-to-follow itinerary.
At Advenza Tours and Travel, Bhubaneswar’s trusted local travel agency, we help you explore all these gems with comfortable, well-planned tour packages and reliable car rental services.
Why a 2-Day Trip from Bhubaneswar Is Perfect
Bhubaneswar sits at the heart of Odisha’s cultural triangle. Within a radius of just 60–100 km, you will find ancient temples, a serene coastal town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, and dense wildlife sanctuaries. Two days is the ideal window to explore 3–4 of these landmarks without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Puri, Konark & the Coastal Trail
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 60–65 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours
Start your 2-day adventure with the most beloved short trip from Bhubaneswar — the Puri-Konark coastal route. This single day can pack in temples, beaches, and one of India’s greatest architectural marvels.
1. Jagannath Temple, Puri
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, the Jagannath Temple in Puri is a spiritual experience unlike any other. The towering 65-metre shikhara (spire) dominates the skyline of Puri and has been a center of devotion for over 900 years. The temple complex buzzes with energy, rituals, and an atmosphere of deep faith. Note: Entry is restricted to Hindu devotees. Non-Hindu visitors can observe the temple from the Raghunandan Library rooftop.
2. Puri Beach
After the temple, head to Puri Beach — one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in eastern India. The golden sands stretch for miles, and the Bay of Bengal provides a dramatic backdrop. Morning and evening are the best times to visit. Local delicacies like chhena poda and fresh seafood from the beach stalls are a must-try.
3. Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
From Puri, drive 35 km to Konark to visit the magnificent Sun Temple — India’s most celebrated example of Kalinga architecture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, the entire temple is designed as a giant chariot with 24 intricately carved stone wheels drawn by 7 horses. The erotic carvings, celestial sculptures, and sheer scale of this structure make it one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in all of Asia. Spend at least 2 hours here to truly appreciate its grandeur.
Tip: Book your Puri-Konark tour package with Advenza Tours and Travel for a hassle-free, well-guided one-day experience from Bhubaneswar.
Day 2: Chilika Lake, Dhauli & Nandankanan
Distance: 30–50 km from Bhubaneswar | Perfect for nature, history & wildlife
Day 2 offers a completely different experience — from Asia’s largest coastal lagoon to a hilltop peace pagoda to Odisha’s beloved zoo.
4. Chilika Lake
About 50 km from Bhubaneswar, Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland of international importance. Between November and February, the lake becomes home to over one million migratory birds, including flamingos, grey pelicans, and rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Take a boat ride to Nalabana Bird Sanctuary or Kalijai Island — an experience that feels worlds away from city life. Chilika is a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream.
5. Dhauli Giri (Peace Pagoda)
Just 8 km from Bhubaneswar, Dhauli Giri sits on a hilltop overlooking the Daya River. This is the historic site of the Kalinga War (261 BC), where Emperor Ashoka witnessed the devastation of battle and converted to Buddhism. The white Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), built jointly by Japanese and Indian Buddhist communities, stands atop the hill as a symbol of peace and non-violence. It is one of the most serene and historically significant spots in all of Odisha.
6. Nandankanan Zoological Park
Located just 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan is one of India’s finest zoological parks and the first zoo in the country to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). It is especially famous for its white tigers and white Bengal tigers. Set within a lush forest alongside Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanjia Lake, it offers a ropeway ride, a safari, and a botanical garden — making it a wonderful half-day outing for families.
More Places Near Bhubaneswar Worth Visiting
If you have extra time or want to customize your 2-day trip, here are a few more incredible destinations within easy reach:
- Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves: Ancient Jain rock-cut caves (2nd century BC) just 6 km from Bhubaneswar. A quick and fascinating historical stop.
- Lingaraj Temple: One of the finest examples of Kalinga temple architecture, located right in Bhubaneswar. A must-visit before leaving the city.
- Raghurajpur Craft Village: A heritage village of artists, 14 km from Puri, where traditional Pattachitra paintings and other crafts are made and sold.
- Daringibadi (Odisha’s Kashmir): About 250 km away but worth a longer trip — coffee plantations, pine forests, and cool weather in a tropical state.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary from Bhubaneswar
- Day 1 — Morning (6:00 AM): Depart Bhubaneswar by car. Drive to Puri (1.5 hrs). Visit Jagannath Temple.
- Day 1 — Midday (10:00 AM): Stroll and relax at Puri Beach. Enjoy local seafood lunch.
- Day 1 — Afternoon (1:30 PM): Drive to Konark Sun Temple (35 km). Spend 2+ hours exploring.
- Day 1 — Evening (5:30 PM): Return to Bhubaneswar or stay overnight in Puri.
- Day 2 — Morning (7:00 AM): Early morning boat ride on Chilika Lake. Spot migratory birds and dolphins.
- Day 2 — Late Morning (11:00 AM): Visit Dhauli Giri Peace Pagoda on the way back to Bhubaneswar.
- Day 2 — Afternoon (2:00 PM): Explore Nandankanan Zoological Park. Safari + ropeway ride.
- Day 2 — Evening (5:30 PM): Return to Bhubaneswar. Trip complete.
Travel Tips for Your 2-Day Trip from Bhubaneswar
- Best time to visit: October to March is ideal. Winters are pleasant and perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Avoid peak summer (April–June) for comfort.
- How to travel: Hiring a private cab from Bhubaneswar is the most convenient option. Advenza Tours offers comfortable car rental services with experienced drivers for full-day or multi-day trips.
- What to wear: Light cotton clothes for beaches and outdoor sites. Cover shoulders for temple visits.
- Book in advance: During peak season (October–February) and festivals like Rath Yatra, hotels near Puri fill up fast. Book early.
- Carry cash: Many local markets, boat operators, and smaller eateries around Chilika and Konark prefer cash.
Plan Your 2-Day Trip with Advenza Tours and Travel
Exploring the best places near Bhubaneswar in 2 days is easy when you have the right travel partner. At Advenza Tours and Travel, we specialize in customized tour packages and reliable car rental services in Bhubaneswar — designed to make your trip comfortable, memorable, and stress-free.
Whether you want a driver-guided Puri-Konark day trip, a nature escape to Chilika Lake, or a fully customized 2-day package, our local experts have you covered.
📞 Call us: +91 7609934471 / +91 8328806162
🌐 Website: www.advenzatourstravel.com
📍 Location: Prachi Vihar, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751025
Let us handle the planning while you soak in the beauty of Odisha. Your perfect 2-day escape from Bhubaneswar starts here.
Which is the best place to visit near Bhubaneswar for a day trip?
The Puri-Konark circuit is the most popular day trip from Bhubaneswar. You can visit Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, and Konark Sun Temple all in one day.
How far is Puri from Bhubaneswar?
Puri is approximately 60 km from Bhubaneswar and takes about 1.5 hours by road. Advenza Tours provides comfortable car rental services for this route.
What is the best time to visit places near Bhubaneswar?
October to February is the best time. The weather is pleasant, and Chilika Lake is full of migratory birds during this season.
Can I cover Puri, Konark, and Chilika in 2 days?
Yes! With a well-planned itinerary, you can comfortably cover Puri, Konark, and Chilika Lake in 2 days. Advenza Tours specializes in exactly this kind of customized 2-day package from Bhubaneswar.
How do I book a tour from Bhubaneswar?
Contact Advenza Tours and Travel at +91 7609934471 or visit advenzatourstravel.com to book a customized tour package or car rental service from Bhubaneswar.