Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, known for the sacred Jagannath Temple. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major metropolitan city in southern India. Many travelers journey from Bangalore to Puri to visit this important pilgrimage site and enjoy the beaches.

This guide explains the main travel options from Bangalore to Puri Jagannath Temple. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Bangalore to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Puri from Bangalore. Several direct trains connect these cities, offering a comfortable overnight journey.

• Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) and Puri Railway Station (PURI) are the main stations for this route, covering approximately 1,700 km in 30 to 36 hours by train.

• Popular trains include the Howrah-Puri Express and the East Coast Express, which run 2-3 times a week, providing sleeper and AC coach options for different budgets.

• Train fares range from ₹600 for sleeper class to ₹2,000 for AC 3-tier, making it affordable for most travelers.

• Trains can get crowded during festivals like Rath Yatra, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents is essential to secure a seat.

• Food options on trains vary; it is advisable to carry some snacks and water, as station vendors may not always be reliable.

• Delays can occur during monsoon due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings, so plan some buffer time in your itinerary.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and budget-friendly option, though the journey is long and can be tiring. Direct buses are limited, so travelers often break the trip into segments.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) has buses to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, from where you can take local buses or taxis to Puri, about 60 km away.

• The total bus journey can take 36 to 42 hours, depending on connections and traffic, covering over 1,700 km mostly via NH16 and NH44 highways.

• State transport buses like KSRTC and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation run regular services, with fares ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 for AC sleeper buses.

• Bus travel is less comfortable for long distances, so night buses with sleeper berths are recommended to rest during the journey.

• Highway tolls and frequent stops for food and restroom breaks can extend travel time, so pack light and carry water.

• During monsoon, some highway sections near Odisha may face waterlogging, causing delays; check weather updates before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Puri is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route destinations.

• The distance is about 1,700 km via NH44 and NH16, taking approximately 30 to 32 hours of driving time without long breaks.

• Major cities on the route include Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar, where you can stop for rest, meals, and sightseeing.

• Fuel costs for a car with average mileage can range between ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 one way, depending on vehicle type and fuel prices.

• Highways are mostly in good condition, but watch for toll plazas on NH44 and NH16, with toll fees totaling around ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.

• Driving through Odisha’s coastal region requires caution during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional flooding.

• Plan overnight stops in safe towns like Hyderabad or Visakhapatnam to avoid fatigue and night driving risks.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Puri from Bangalore, though there is no direct airport in Puri. The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) offers multiple daily flights to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km from Puri.

• Flight duration is around 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares typically ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one way depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bhubaneswar airport, you can hire prepaid taxis, Ola/Uber cabs, or take buses to Puri, which take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Airport taxis are available 24/7, but booking app-based cabs in advance can save money and ensure availability.

• Flights can be more expensive during festival seasons and holidays, so booking tickets early is advisable.

• Weather delays are rare but possible during monsoon; check flight status before traveling to the airport.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Puri Jagannath Temple. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• If traveling by train, choose an overnight train with AC coaches for comfort and better rest during the long journey.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and a small first-aid kit, as facilities en route may be limited.

• On arrival at Puri railway station or bus stand, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs to reach the Jagannath Temple safely and avoid overcharging.

• Plan your temple visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat, especially during summer months.

• Carry valid ID and temple entry tokens if required, and respect local customs and dress codes for a smooth pilgrimage experience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and buses, as pickpocketing can occur in busy Indian travel hubs.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Use official booking portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites for flights to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• In Puri, use cycle rickshaws or electric autos for short distances; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter use.

• Carry a small bag with essentials during temple visits, as large bags may not be allowed inside the sanctum.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check local weather forecasts to avoid travel disruptions on highways and trains.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Puri is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoon brings heavy rains affecting travel.

Festival seasons like Rath Yatra in Puri attract large crowds and higher travel demand, so plan and book well in advance if you want to attend.

• Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of July and August due to possible delays and roadblocks from heavy rains.

• Festivals like Rath Yatra in June or July cause crowding and higher prices; plan accordingly if traveling then.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help you avoid city traffic and reach stations or airports on time.

• Winter fog in Odisha can cause minor train delays, so keep some flexibility in your schedule during December and January.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri railway station or bus stand, you will find several options to reach the Jagannath Temple and nearby accommodations. The temple is close to the town center, making local travel convenient.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Puri, offering safe and fixed fares to your hotel or the temple. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also common for short distances but agree on the fare before starting.

Popular areas to stay include near the temple, Puri Beach Road, and Swargadwar. These locations offer easy access to the temple and local markets. Many hotels provide guided tours and can help with temple entry passes.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Puri Jagannath Temple is manageable with several transport options suited to different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a balance of comfort and affordability, while flights save time for those willing to spend more. Buses and self-driving provide flexibility but require more planning and stamina.

Booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing travel times carefully will help you have a smooth and enjoyable pilgrimage. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Puri and experience the spiritual and cultural richness of the Jagannath Temple.