How to Plan a Bhubaneswar Wildlife Trip on a Budget: Accommodation, Transport and Complete Itinerary Guide
A budget-friendly wildlife sojourn around here is, indeed, going to be one of the most memorable and adventurous experiences: therefore, Bhubaneswar is absolutely the place. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha, known for its natural beauty and historical temples as well as wildlife destinations.
The beauty of this place allows one to travel on the cheap, provided they have an itinerary and make wise choices. In this article, we will tell you in detail how you can plan a wildlife trip to Bhubaneswar at a low cost – from transport to accommodation and complete planning of the trip.
1. How to reach and travel: Transportation tips on a budget
Local buses and autos:
Local transport in Bhubaneswar is quite good and cheap. You can use local buses or sharing auto-rickshaws to travel within the city. It costs ₹10 to ₹30 to go from one place to another.
Sharing taxi or cab:
If you want to go to far off places like Nandankanan or Chilika Lake, then it is more beneficial to book a sharing taxi or cab in a group. This divides the fare and makes the journey economical.
Travel by train:
If you are coming from an outside city to Bhubaneswar, instead of flying in, travel by train. Tickets for sleeper or general coaches will cost from ₹200 to ₹800, which is quite cheaper than airfares.
2. Where to stay: Budget-friendly accommodation options
Budget hotels and guesthouses:
Stay in areas near the railway station or bus stand instead of the main areas of the city. Here clean and good hotels or guesthouses are available for ₹500 to ₹1000.
Hostels:
If you are traveling alone or with friends, then hostels can be a cheap and social option. Dormitory beds range from ₹300 to ₹600, and you get a chance to meet other travellers.
Eco-Resorts:
Some eco-friendly resorts like the jungle lodges or homestays near Nandankanan are also available on a budget. These are not only light on the pocket but also offer a different experience of staying close to nature.
3. How to make an itinerary: Easy and exciting plan
If you have 2-3 days, you can cover the wildlife and religious places in and around Bhubaneswar. Below we are giving you a sample itinerary.
Example Itinerary: 2 day trip
Day 1:
- Come early to Bhubaneswar in the mornings disembarking from either railway station or bus.
- After checking into the hotel, set out for Nandankanan Zoological Park (entry fee ₹50).
- There you see white tigers, crocodiles, lions, bears, and many more types of birds.
- Enjoy boat safari or toy train inside the park (a little extra cost)
- After returning in the evening, visit historical temples like Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple
Day 2:
- Leave Bhubaneswar very early in the morning and reach Chilika Lake (about 100 kilometers away, a journey of 2.5 hours).
- There is boating here (₹100-₹300, cheaper in groups).
- You will get a chance to see dolphins, as well as migratory birds
- Return by evening and do shopping from local markets (like Ekammara Haat)
4. Expense planning: Easy ways to save money
Food:
Local food of Odisha is very tasty and cheap. You can eat a full meal in ₹50-₹100 from the roadside dhabas and stalls. Do try dalma, chana tadka, puri-bhaji and rasgulla.
Entry Fees and Tickets:
- Nandankanan Entry Fee – ₹50
- Chilika Lake Boat Ride – ₹100 to ₹300 (cheaper if sharing)
- There is no ticket for temples
- If you want a guide, there may be an additional charge of ₹100-₹200
Activities:
- Most parks and temples are free or inexpensive to visit
- Choose inexpensive activities – like temple darshan, local market visit, park walk
5. Wildlife Spots to Include in Trip
- Nandankanan Zoological Park:This is a well-organized zoo and biological park, especially known for white tigers and crocodiles.Here you can also enjoy safari, butterfly park, herbal garden, toy train and boat ride.
- Chilika Lake:
- Asia’s largest saltwater lake
- A large number of migratory birds can be seen here between November and February
- Irrawaddy dolphins can also be seen here
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:Located at a short distance from Bhubaneswar, this sanctuary is a great place for trekking and wildlife photographyDeer, leopard, elephant and many birds can be seen here
6. Some special tips to make the journey easy and fun
- Book tickets online in advance, this saves both time and money
- Do not hesitate to ask local people for directions and food and drink
- Keep a light bag, keep a power bank and a water bottle with you
- Stay calm during the safari or boat ride so that the animals do not get scared
- Dress according to the weather – light cotton clothes in summer, jacket in winter
Conclusion: Wildlife trip can be memorable even in less money
Bhubaneswar is a city where you can enjoy history, nature and Adventure – you can enjoy everything at the same time. All you need is a little understanding and budget planning.
If you plan your transport, accommodation and sightseeing properly, you can go on a great wildlife trip for two days in ₹2000-₹3000.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set out on an exciting, cheap and memorable trip – where nature is ready to welcome you!
