Makar Sankranti is not just about changing the calendar  it is a sign of longer days, festive warmth, and a collective desire to travel. When Odisha enters into pleasant winter sunshine in January 2026, the festival becomes the perfect reason to go out on the road with family or friends. A Makar Sankranti self drive trip lets travellers see the state’s nature at their own pace, without strict itineraries or crowded transport hubs. 

What makes this season special is the freedom it offers. The roads are less busy, the weather is perfect, and the cultural celebrations give more value to every stop. With dependable self drive options available at Rideez Car Rental, a comfortable family trip in Odisha can be both easy and memorable. A quiet weekend trip would just be perfect when the long weekends are lined up.

Why Makar Sankranti Is Ideal for a Self Drive Trip in Odisha

Makar Sankranti in Odisha comes with cool mornings, clear roads, and festive excitement in towns and villages. Unlike the busy summer travel season, January allows for easy driving with less fatigue and fewer weather issues. For anyone planning a self drive trip during Makar Sankranti, these conditions mean safer roads and better visibility for driving.  

In addition to the weather, Sankranti features local fairs, kite flying traditions, and food festivals along highways and in rural areas. These experiences are best enjoyed by car rather than rigid tour schedules. Rideez cars make this flexibility possible by providing well-maintained self drive cars for both short and long trips. This is perfect for families looking for a smooth trip in Odisha or couples wanting a relaxing weekend getaway without the hassle of logistics.

Puri & Konark Coastal Festivities and Cultural Stops

Puri becomes spiritually lively during Makar Sankranti. Pilgrims visit the Jagannath Temple, while locals celebrate with traditional sweets like Makara Chaula. A drive from Bhubaneswar to Puri, with a stop at the Konark Sun Temple, creates a culturally rich self drive route for Makar Sankranti.  

The coastal highway offers beautiful views, beach stops, and local markets that sell Sankranti treats. Families often choose this route because the distances are manageable, making it ideal for a short family trip in Odisha. Rideez’s compact and mid-size cars allow for easy navigation through temple towns and convenient parking, making this coastal route a relaxing weekend getaway.

Daringbadi The Winter Hill Escape of Odisha

Daringbadi, often known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” becomes a peaceful hill retreat in January. Morning mist, coffee plantations, and cool temperatures offer a refreshing change from coastal areas. For travellers planning a Makar Sankranti self drive, this spot provides solitude and enjoyable scenery.  The winding roads to Daringbadi call for a stable, comfortable vehicle, especially for families or groups. Rideez cars offers sedans and SUVs that handle hills easily, ensuring a relaxing family trip in Odisha without exhausting the driver. If you’re organising a quiet weekend retreat, self driving lets you stop at waterfalls, tribal villages, and viewpoints along the route. 

Chilika Lake Sankranti by the Water

Makar Sankranti coincides with peak migratory bird season at Chilika Lake, creating a visual treat for nature enthusiasts. A Makar Sankranti self drive to Satapada or Barkul allows travellers to enjoy sunrise boat rides, visit local fishing villages, and stay by the calm lake.   This destination is particularly suitable for families with elders or children, as the road conditions are smooth and the travel time is reasonable. Rideez’s spacious cars make it easier to carry necessities, snacks, and camera gear, improving the comfort of a family trip in Odisha. The peaceful setting of Chilika also makes it a refreshing weekend escape from city noise.

Simlipal National Park For the Adventure Driven Travelers

For those who prefer forests over festivals, Simlipal National Park offers an adventurous Sankranti escape. Dense sal forests, wildlife trails, and tribal regions make it one of Odisha’s most immersive drives. A Makar Sankranti self drive here is perfect for travellers who enjoy long road trips and offbeat exploration.

Since this route has varied terrain, choosing the right vehicle is important. Rideez cars provides SUVs that are suitable for forest roads and longer drives, ensuring safety and comfort during your family trip in Odisha. For adventure lovers, Simlipal serves as a unique weekend getaway that mixes nature, culture, and the thrill of a road trip.  

Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Wildlife, and Quiet Roads

Bhitarkanika’s mangrove forests and river systems provide a calm, educational travel experience during Makar Sankranti. The drive itself goes through scenic countryside, making it a rewarding Makar Sankranti self drive option.

This destination is especially good for families interested in wildlife and ecology, making it a great fit for a slow paced family trip in Odisha. Rideez’s cars reliable vehicles ensure smooth travel on highways and easy access to forest lodges, making Bhitarkanika a refreshing weekend getaway without the hustle of commercial tourism.

Rideez Car Recommendations for Your Sankranti Road Trip

Choosing the right car can shape your entire travel experience. For a Makar Sankranti self drive, Rideez Cars recommends vehicles based on group size, luggage needs, and route type.

4 Seater Cars: Ideal for Couples & Short Trips  

Recommended models

These 4 seater cars are perfect for city to coast drives like Bhubaneswar to Puri or Chilika. They are fuel efficient and easy to handle, making them great for weekend getaways.

5 Seater Cars  Best for Small Families 

Recommended models

With spacious interiors and stable handling, these 5 seater vehicles are ideal for comfortable family trips in Odisha, especially to Daringbadi or Simlipal.

7 Seater Cars For Group & Extended Travel  

Recommended models: 

These 7 seater vehicles are designed for larger families or group travel. They provide space, safety, and comfort, which are essential for longerMakar Sankranti self drive journeys. Rideez’s car fleet is well maintained and sanitized, and it offers flexible booking options. This makes planning your travel simpler and more reliable.

Key Travel Tips for a Smooth Makar Sankranti Drive

Planning makes your Sankranti trip enjoyable instead of exhausting. For any Makar Sankranti self drive, book early and check your route.  

  • Start early to avoid festival traffic near temples and markets.  
  • Carry light winter clothing for hill destinations.  
  • Pre download offline maps for forest routes.  
  • Choose a Rideez car that fits your group size and terrain.  

These small preparations greatly improve comfort during a family trip in Odisha. They help you make the most of your weekend getaway without any last minute hassles.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti 2026 is not just a festival. It’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and reconnect with Odisha’s landscapes. Whether you’re planning a drive along the coast, a hill retreat, or a wildlife escape, a Makar Sankranti self drive gives you the freedom to celebrate on your own terms.  

With carefully chosen vehicles, flexible rental plans, and a strong focus on comfort and reliability, Rideez cars make every family trip in Odisha feel easy. From short festive breaks to longer weekend getaways, the right car turns travel into an experience, one road, one memory at a time.

Key Takeaways for Sankranti Travellers

  • Makar Sankranti is one of the best times for road trips in Odisha because of the weather and festive spirit.  
  • A self drive during Makar Sankranti offers great flexibility and genuine local experiences.  
  • Destinations like Puri, Daringbadi, Chilika, and Simlipal are great for both families and solo travellers.  
  • Rideez’s self driving car options make every family trip in Odisha safer, easier, and more comfortable.  
  • With the right car, even a short weekend getaway can feel very refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pleasant winter weather, lighter traffic, and festive local experiences make Makar Sankranti ideal for a self drive journey.

Yes, short distances, smooth highways, and flexible pacing make it perfect for a family trip in Odisha. 

Puri, Chilika, Daringbadi, and Bhitarkanika are among the best options for a relaxed weekend getaway

A 5 seater SUV or a 7 seater MPV offers the best balance of comfort, luggage space, and safety.  

Yes, self driving cars offer more flexibility, privacy, and control, especially during festival travel.

A 2 to 4 day plan works best, making it easy to enjoy a meaningful weekend getaway without rushing.

Absolutely. Festival demand is higher, so booking early ensures better car availability and pricing.