Cuttack, Odisha – Is best known for its internationally acclaimed art – the silver filigree work
Cuttack is one of oldest cities of Odisha (Orissa). It was known as the Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka in the medieval age. The city resides on a fertile delta formed by the Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers. Cuttack is now one of the busy commercial centres flooded with trade activities and is an ideal tourist destination providing best facilities of all sorts.
Spanning from east to west, a narrow strip of land is what comprises Cuttack. With two topographical divisions, namely, the hilly terrain on the west and Mahanadi delta plains in the east, this densely populated city is highly fertile. The fertility due to the water bodies functioning as tributaries of Mahanadi river system, Cuttack is a major producer of rice.
Places to see at Cuttack: Around 30 km from the capital city of Odisha (Orissa), Cuttack is best known for its internationally acclaimed art–the silver filigree work. Thin silver wires fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils and decorative items will simply take your breath away along with a heavy toll on your wallet.
You will also get a prominent example of the legendary skills of Cuttack artists on the stone embankments of Kathjori River dating back to 11th century AD. The ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi add more to the architectural skills of the people of Cuttack. Being a home to several sports events and cultural programmes today, the fort evokes brave memories of the past days. There is a very famous Hindu Temple coined Katak Chandi that rests at a strolling distance from the fort area.
Another popular shrine at the city named Qadam-i-Rasool represents an unique example of inter religion brotherhood.The shrine is surrounded by a high compound wall and rising towers at each corner is acclaimed by both Muslims and Hindus. The shrine is marked for a rare music gallery built in l8th century AD. Another attraction at the shrine is the footprints of Prophet Mohammed imprinted on a circular stone in its central dome structure. Cuttack is also renowned for its Durga Puja celebrations.
Things to do at Cuttack: Cuttack is the favourite spot of the shoppers. Silk and cotton being the major textiles of the region, Cuttack takes good care of your shopping spree.
Every public discourse at Cuttack is marked by brotherhood, tradition and history, some of the most predominant sentiments of people at Cuttack. With years of history to support them, the people of Cuttack are quite confident despite the fact that they have to witness some of the worst floods.
Unmoved by these natural calamities, life at Cuttack goes on amidst many celebrations taking place here round the year. This ‘live life king size’ trait of the Katakis is believed to be inherited by the might of Emperor Ashoka of Kalinga Empire. With several tourist attractions nearby, Cuttack remains one of the most essential links of the golden triangle tour to Odisha (Orissa).
Nearby attractions from Cuttack City: Cuttack is a tourist hub from where you can organise your trip to various tourist destinations.
Choudwar
It is a growing industrial area and was once the capital of Somakhuli Kesari kings of Orissa. You will still find the remnants of eight prominent Shiv Piths here. During the Mahabharata era the five Pandavas along with Draupadi took shelter here during the period of their secret exile. This historical place is just 24 km by road and 5 km by boat from Cuttack city.
Naraj
Naraj a picturesque location is just 15 km from Cuttack city. The place was once a seat of learning for Buddhist culture & learning. Savour the spectacular view of river Mahanadi from here.
Dhabaleshwar
Lying in the bosom of the river Mahanadi this is a beautiful island named after the presiding deity Lord Dhabaleshwar an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is just 35 km from Cuttack and is a place worth visiting.
Chhatia
Also known as Chhatiabata, Chhatia is a sacred pilgrimage place with the shrine of Lord Jaganath.
Best time to visit Cuttack: You can visit Cuttack throughout the year. However the best time to visit Cuttack is during the winter season. The weather remains pleasant during this time and you can enjoy the sight seeing most during this season.
How to go ?
Cuttack is accessible by road, rail, and air.
By Air – Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Cuttack. An adequate number of daily flights Indian airlines as well as some other private operators, connect the city with Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
By Rail/Train – Lying on the Kolkata-Chennai main line, the local railway station at Cuttack observes a plethora of fast trains operating from here that connect the city with some other prominent cities within and outside Odisha (Orissa) thus making the journey to Cuttack via train, a much convenient and reasonable option.
By Road – A smooth network of National Highways connect Cuttack with the rest of India. Regular buses and taxis ply to and fro Cuttack for all the major cities of India.
Where to stay ?
Cuttack being one of the most popular tourist destination there is no scarcity in accommodation facilities. There are many hotels at Cuttack. Some options are:
Hotel Akbari Continental: +91-0671-2423251/69/73, 2423254
Hotel Dwarika Resorts Pvt. Ltd: +91-0671 2422220, 2421345
Hotel Sagar Shree: +91-0671 2430251, 2433132
Hotel Blue Lagoon: +91-0671 2431884
Hotel Surya Kiran: +91-0671 2304078
Hotel Lords: +91-0671 2422050
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
