Cuttack Tourism
State : Orrisa
Location : At the apex of the delta of Mahanadi and Kathjuri
Languages spoken : Oriya, Hindi and English
Tourist Attractions : Barabati fort, Cuttack Chandi Temple,
Applique Works
Clothing : Light cotton in summers and heavy woolen in
winter
Best Time to Visit : November to April
One of Orrisa's veteran cities and its
commercial capital, Cuttack lies 30 km north of Bhubaneswar. Situated
at the alluring conjuncture of river Mahanadi and its adjuvant, the
Kathjuri, Cuttack was established by Nripati Keshari in the 10th
century.
¤ Major Attractions
Stone Revetment of Cuttack
The stone revetment on the banks of Kathjuri river, an example of
marvellous Oriya architecture, dates back to 11th century. Constructed
by the Keshari kings, the revetment protects the city from seasonal
floods.
Barabati Fort
On the banks of river Mahanadi, the Barabati fort, with its
exquisitely carved gateway, moat and the earthen mound of the
nine-storeyed palace, still flaunts the glory of the Ganga dynasty.
The fort was built in around 11th century and was reconstructed in
14th century. The interiors of the fort have been modified in to
stadiums, but the ancient savour can still be felt. The Stadium with
its grand structure rests on an area of twenty five acres and can
offer sitting capacity to more than 30,000 persons. Constructed in the
year 1954, this delightful green stadium regularly hosts a lot of
sports events and cultural functions.
Cuttuck Chandi Temple
Dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the Cuttuck Chandi
temple attracts tourists from every pocket of the country. The temple
still bears the architectural resonance with its splendidly carved
interiors and gateways.
Quadam-i-Rasool
A sacred shrine made by a Hindu king for the Muslim community in the
18th century, this synagogue attracts equatable respects from both the
sects. With a tower at each corner, the shrine is beautifully
structured with 3 mosques and a Nahawat Khana (music gallery)
inside.The central mosque even contains a stone with the footprints of
Prophet Mohammed.
Dhawaleshwar
On the shores of river Mahanadi, around 37 km from Cuttack is
Dhawaleshwar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this divine temple with its
angelic green surroundings elevates one's soul to a spiritually higher
dimension.
Shopping Delight
Being the commercial capital of Orrisa, Cuttack is the market
junction of varied items, brought from every corner of the state.
Apart from being decorative, these artefacts also render daily uses.
The markets are usually flanked by applique works from Pipli,
exquisite fabric designs and stone works from Puri, lovely horn and
brass products and splendid tie and dye textiles from Manibandh and
Sambalpur.
¤ Nearby Excursions
Ansupa (70 km)
Ansupa is famous among visitors because of its picturesque
landscapes. On the lap of Saranda mountain and fringed by mango and
bamboo groves, this pictorial lake is a home to migratory birds. In
this ornithologist's paradise, you can hire a boat and enjoy the
resonance of water of this emerald green lake, blended perfectly with
the cool breeze, while keeping an eye open for some rare avian
species. Fishing is another privilege, that delights the tourists.
Jajpur (92 km)
Also known as Vaithrani Tirtha, Jajpur is the abode of Goddess
Viraja, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. A Hindu pilgrimage site,
Jajpur is flanked by hundreds of tourists during Pitripaksha (in
October), to offer a Pinda (food for spirits) for eternal salvation of
their ancestors. The place is dotted with numerous shrines including
that of Shweta varaha (the white boar incarnation of Vishnu) and
Goddess Parvati.
Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri (55 km - 70 km)
A renowned Buddhist pilgrimage, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri,
form the Diamond Triangle of Orrisa. The aura of Buddhism still rings
the bells at these places with the rock-cut caves, excavated
monasteries, viharas, chaityas and sacred relics in terracotta
chambers. Hieun Tsang, the famous Chinese globe-trotter of 7th
century, was amazed to see the Pushpagiri University and even wrote of
a magnificent stupa on hill top which emitted a brilliant light
because of its sacredness. Ratnagiri is 70 km, Lalitgiri is 55 km and
Udayagiri is 60 km from Cuttack.
¤ How to Reach
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar, which is
30 km away. Cuttack is a major junction and is well linked with other
major destinations of the country. Regular trains from New Delhi,
Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Orissa connect with Cuttack. Private and
state-owned buses ply frequently to all nearby excursions and major
towns of the state.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Cuttack
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