Cuttack is one of Orissa's oldest cities (Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka of medieval times), Cuttack is a bustling commercial centre, situated on the delta formed by the Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers. The legendary engineering skills of the ancient Orissans are not only featured in their wonderful temples but also can be seen in the 11th century AD stone embankments on the Kathjori river. The ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi, evoke memories of bygone days, while the fort's location is home to a modern stadium which rings with the sounds of sports events and cultural programmes today. The venerated shrine of Katak Chandi is at a strolling distance from the fort area. The Qadam-i-Rasool has the unusual element of being venerated by both Muslims and Hindus. The shrine has a high compound wall and towers at each corner. There are three mosques within with elegant domes and a Naubat Khana (music gallery) built in the l8th century AD. |
| SHOPPING: For shopping and souvenirs, Cuttack is one of the best places in Orissa. The famous silver filigree works with intricate interwoven wires, horn and brass products, tie and dye textiles of Maniabandha and Sambalpur, applique works of Pipli in exquisite cloth designs and the stone works of Puri are preferred most by the tourists. For ore information on handicrafts & handlooms of Orissa |
| EXCURSION: Stone Revetment of Cuttack: The river banks of Cuttack are protected by stone revetment, a great engineering marvel of the 11th century A.D. and a remarkable example of ancient technological skill of Orissa. Barabati Fort: The ruins of a medieval fort with its moat & gate and the earthern mound of the nine storeyed palace on the bank of the river Mahanadi are noteworthy. Adjacent to the fort is a modern stadium. Temple of Cuttack Chandi: Being the shrine of the presiding deity of the city, the temple of Cuttack Chandi is normally visited by every Hindu visitor. Quadam-i-Rasool: A sacred shrine both for the Hindus & Muslims, Quadam-i-Rasool, having a compound wall and towers at each corner has inside three mosques with beautiful domes and a Nawabat Khana (music gallery). It is an object of veneration for Hindus and Muslims alike. |
Desde - Cuttack
Cuttack and Paradeep - Cuttack
Attractions and Places to Visit in Cuttack
Dhavaleswar: A small but beautiful island in Mahanadi, Dhavaleswar enchants all with the spell of the river. The Shiva Temple, perched on a hillock, is approachable by flights of steps, one from the north and other one from the south. As a religious centre, Dhavaleswar throngs with religious activities throughout the year. It is 37 km by road from Cuttack and 4 km through water.
Chandikhol: Chandikhol is a perfect picnic spot with its thickly wooded hills and sylvan springs that flow perennially through its green glades. It lies about 40 km north of Cuttack. At Mahavinayak, 5 km away, there is a shrine of the five godheads on one lingam. Ganapati is much revered here.
Jajpur: Once the prosperous and ancient capital of Utkal, Jajpur was an important and flourishing centre for trade and commerce in the olden days. Its diverse cultural crosscurrents enlivened and enriched the city even in the days of the visit of the Chinese traveller Huien T'Sang. It is also one of the sacred pilgrim points in Orissa. Goddess Viraja (Durga) is the city's reigning deity. Jajpur is also known as Navigaya Kshetra where Pinda is offered by the Hindus for their ancestors. It lies 92 km from Cuttack.
Udayagiri-Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri: It was the conversion of Ashoka to Buddhism, after the bloody war of Kalinga that was responsible for the spread of this religion not only in Orissa but also to places as far flung as China and Japan. Some of the most wonderful relics of that era have come to light in the three hillsides of Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and their environs like Langudi hill, Kayam hill, etc.
Kendrapara: Famous for its presiding deity Lord Baladeva, Kendrapara is called the `Tulasi Kshetra' of Orissa. A grand Car Festival is held here annually which draws a mammoth crowd. `Tulasi Kshetra Mahatyam' refers that Lord Baladeva killed the demon Kandarasura ruling at Lalitgiri and married his daughter `Tulasi', for which the place is called. `Kendrapara' as well as `Tulasi Kshetra'- only 65 km from Cuttack.
Paradeep: This modern port is a hectic tourist spot today. Lying 94 km from Cuttack, it offers a beautiful fine-grained white beach, lovely creeks, and a riveting estuary with evergreen forests abounding on the estuarine islands of the Mahanadi.
How to Reach Cuttack
Air: The nearest airport to Cuttack is the Bhubaneswar airport, 30 Km distant.
Rail: Cuttack is an important station and is well connected to Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi, and Mumbai through regular trains.
Road: Cuttack is well connected with Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Puri, Kolkata and rest of India by road.