Bhubaneswar to Madurai: 1670 km Road Guide 20h 57m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Bhubaneswar to Madurai? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 1670km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Bhubaneswar to Madurai
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 20h 57m | ₹15,949 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | ~2h 45m | ₹5,845 - ₹11,690 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹929 – ₹3,419 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹2,704 – ₹11,222 |
How to Reach Madurai from Bhubaneswar: Car, Train, Bus & Flight Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Bhubaneswar to Madurai (1670 km, 20h 57m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
Fly Bhubaneswar to Madurai (~2h 45m flight)
Speed, long distances, business travel
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 1670km long-distance journey, consider flying (~2h 45m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.
What to Eat in Bhubaneswar Before You Hit the Road
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Must-Try Food in Bhubaneswar Before Your Drive
- local_dining Dalma - A lentil and vegetable stew, a staple of Odia cuisine (try at Dalma Restaurant)
- local_dining Pakhala Bhata - Fermented rice dish, especially refreshing in summer
- local_dining Chhena Poda - Baked cheese dessert, a must-try Odia sweet
Dalma Restaurant • Kharabela Nagar
Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Bhubaneswar and Madurai
These cities sit along your Bhubaneswar to Madurai route corridor and are worth a brief stop:
Minjur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Minjur is a small, rural coastal town in Tamil Nadu, offering a glimpse into authentic local life. It is not a bustling tourist hub but a peaceful retreat near Chennai. You will find working fishing villages, ancient temples, and a quiet coastline.
attractions Top Attractions
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Sri Ponniyamman Temple
Minjur Fishing Village & Coastline
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Meen Kuzhambu - spicy fish curry, best with rice, available at local eateries, rupees 150-250
Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis and a gateway to South India. It's known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful beaches.
attractions Top Attractions
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a magnificent Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's one of the oldest and most important temples in Chennai.
Fort St. George
Fort St. George is a historic fort that was the first English fortress in India. It played a significant role in the British East India Company's expansion.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli and Sambar - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with lentil soup and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop).
Srimukundavalli Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Srimukundavalli is a small, traditional village in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. It is primarily known for its ancient Sri Mukundavalli Perumal Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites. This rural destination offers a glimpse into authentic South Indian village life, far from urban bustle.
attractions Top Attractions
Sri Mukundavalli Perumal Temple
Local Village Pond (Kulam)
Sri Mariamman Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli - Steamed rice cakes, soft and fluffy, served with sambar and chutneys. Available at any local eatery, rupees 30-50.
Chromepet Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Chromepet is a busy southern suburb of Chennai. It is known for its historical connection to the leather industry. Today, it is a vibrant residential and commercial hub.
attractions Top Attractions
Madras Institute of Technology (MIT)
Sri Puthra Kamakshi Amman Temple
Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli - soft steamed rice cakes, served with sambar and chutney, local tiffin centres, rupees 40-60
Sriperumbudur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Sriperumbudur is an industrial town in Tamil Nadu, primarily known for its manufacturing hubs and as the birthplace of Saint Ramanuja. It is not a typical tourist destination, but rather a functional town with significant historical and religious sites.
attractions Top Attractions
Rajiv Gandhi Memorial
Sri Ramanujar Temple (Adikesava Perumal Temple)
Vallakottai Murugan Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli Sambar - Steamed rice cakes with lentil stew, available at local eateries, rupees 40-60.
Top Attractions in Madurai: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Madurai, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
-
Meenakshi Amman Temple
⏱ 3-4 hours • 💰 Free (Indians and foreigners). Camera fee rupees 50. Special darshan tickets rupees 50-100. • 🕐 6am-12:30pm, 4pm-9:30pmBest Time to Visit: Early morning (6am-8am) or late evening (7pm-9pm) for fewer crowds.
💡 Insider Tip: Hire an official temple guide for rupees 200-300 to understand the complex history and mythology. They can help navigate the crowds. Leave large bags at the cloakroom.
-
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 rupees 10 (Indians), rupees 50 (foreigners) • 🕐 9am-5pmBest Time to Visit: Morning to avoid heat, or evening for the sound and light show.
💡 Insider Tip: Attend the English sound and light show at 7:00 PM. Tickets cost rupees 50. Arrive 15 minutes early to get a good seat.
-
Gandhi Memorial Museum
⏱ 1-1.5 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 10am-1pm, 2pm-5:30pmBest Time to Visit: Any time during opening hours.
💡 Insider Tip: Combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. You can easily spend an hour here without feeling rushed.
-
Koodal Azhagar Temple
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 Free • 🕐 5:30am-12:30pm, 4pm-9pmBest Time to Visit: Morning to avoid crowds and heat.
💡 Insider Tip: Look for the unique Navagraha (nine planets) shrine inside the temple. It is rare to find a Navagraha shrine in a Vishnu temple.
-
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
⏱ 30-45 minutes • 💰 Free • 🕐 Daylight hoursBest Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for photography, or during the Teppam festival.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit during the Teppam Festival (January/February) for a truly unique cultural experience. Check local calendars for exact dates.
Where to Eat in Madurai: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Madurai
Don't leave Madurai without tasting these local specialties:
- Jigarthanda - A refreshing cold drink with milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla syrup, and ice cream. Famous at Famous Jigarthanda, rupees 60-100.
- Kari Dosa - A thick dosa topped with minced mutton or chicken. Available at Amma Mess, rupees 150-250.
- Madurai Parotta - Flaky, layered flatbread, often served with salna (gravy). Widely available at roadside stalls and restaurants, rupees 30-60.
- Filter Coffee - Strong, sweet South Indian coffee. Best at Murugan Idli Shop, rupees 30-50.
- Idiyappam - String hoppers, usually served with coconut milk or kurma. Found at local tiffin centers, rupees 40-80.
- Murukku - A crunchy, savory snack made from rice flour. Available at local bakeries and sweet shops, rupees 100-200 per 250g.
Recommended Restaurants in Madurai
Murugan Idli Shop
South Indian •
Amma Mess
Chettinad, Non-vegetarian •
Konar Mess
Local Non-vegetarian •
Annapoorna
South Indian Vegetarian •
Where to Stay in Madurai: Hotels for Every Budget
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Hotel Temple View
Price:
rupees 1000-2000. Basic rooms, very close to Meenakshi Temple. Good for pilgrims on a tight budget.
Zostel Madurai
Price:
rupees 500-1000 (dorm bed), rupees 1500-2500 (private room). Hostel with good common areas, 2km from temple. Popular with backpackers.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Hotel Supreme
Price:
rupees 2500-4000. Comfortable rooms, good service, 1km from Meenakshi Temple. Features a rooftop restaurant.
Heritage Madurai
Price:
rupees 4000-7000. Historic property with modern amenities, 5km from city center. Offers a swimming pool and spacious rooms.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
Price:
rupees 6000-10000. Modern hotel with all amenities, 3km from city center. Known for its comfortable beds and good dining options.
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai
Price:
rupees 7000-12000. Hilltop property with panoramic views, 7km from city center. Offers a serene escape and excellent service.
Best Time to Visit Madurai: Season & Weather Travel Guide
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Madurai:
Best Time
Temperature: 18-28 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant, dry, and relatively cool. Ideal for sightseeing.
Why Visit: Comfortable weather for exploring temples and markets. Many local festivals occur.
Shoulder Season
Temperature: 25-35 degrees C
Weather: March is hot and dry. July-September sees monsoon rains, making it humid.
Why Visit: Fewer tourists, better deals on hotels. Monsoon brings lush greenery.
Avoid Season
Temperature: 30-40 degrees C
Weather: Extremely hot and dry. Uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
Why Visit: N/A (unless specifically for Chithirai Festival)
Madurai Travel Tips: Money, Safety & Local Advice
💰 Money & Budget
🏥 Health & Safety
📱 Communication
👕 What to Wear
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered. For women, salwar kameez or sarees are appropriate. For men, trousers and shirts are fine. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring. You will need to remove shoes at temples.
Bhubaneswar to Madurai FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
More Road Trips from Bhubaneswar: Popular Nearby Routes
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Traveling to Madurai from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:
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