CUTTACK TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TEMPLES IN CUTTACK
City
About Cuttack
#100 of 4 Places to visit in Orissa
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days
Nearest City to Cuttack: Cuttack, Bhubaneswar (27 Kms)
Best Time to Visit Cuttack: October to February
Peak Season: November to January
At a distance of 27 km from Bhubaneshwar, 82 km from Konark, 83 km from Puri, 173 km from Balasore, 266 km from Sambalpur, 305 km from Rourkela, 315 km from Kharagpur, 533 km from Raipur, 424 km from KOlkata, and 484 km from Ranchi, Cuttack, officially Kataka, is a commercial city in the state of Orissa (Odisha). It is the headquarters of the Cuttack district, and among the must-include places in Orissa tour packages.
Often referred to as the cultural capital of Odisha, Cuttack is the former capital and the second largest city in Odisha. The name 'Cuttack' is derived from the word 'Kataka,' which means 'The Fort' in the local language which refers to the ancient Barabati Fort, around which the city initially developed. Cuttack is often referred to as one of the twin cities along with Bhubaneswar due to their close proximity. Besides, the city is famous world over for its famous silver filigree work that one can shop as part of Cuttack tour packages.
Known to be one of the oldest cities in India, Cuttack has a rich and eventful history. The erstwhile capital of the state is more than a thousand years old and often referred as the Millennium city. The city was founded by King Nrupa Kesari in 989 AD as a military cantonment. After the death of the last Gajapati ruler Mukunda Deva I in 1568 AD, Cuttack fell into the hands of the Mughals, followed by the Maratha's in 1750 AD and finally the British in 1803 AD. It served as the capital of Orissa under British rule until it was shifted to Bhubaneswar in 1956. However, Cuttack remains an important commercial center in the state, showcasing and trading the local handicrafts.
Cuttack offers a wide range of tourist attractions, including ancient monuments, landmarks of the freedom struggle, and the mesmerizing silver filigree works. Some of the top places to visit in Cuttack include Cuttack Chandi Temple, Deer Park, Barabati Fort, Stone Revetment, Netaji Museum, State Botanical Garden, Dhabaleshwar Island, Paradeep Beach, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Odisha Maritime Museum. Visitors can also indulge in shopping for souvenirs at Nayasadak, where a variety of silver filigree works are available.
About 31 km from Cuttack, Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport, and is well connected by flights with major international destinations like Sri Lanka, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Europe and domestic destinations including Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Cuttack is well connected by train with with other major destinations in the country including Bhubaneshwar, Puri, Vishakhapatnam, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Howrah, Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, Rourkela, Patna, Ahmedabad, Mysore, Tatanagar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Vijayawada, Dhauli, Kanyakumari, Surat, and Pondicherry. Cuttack is well connected by bus with Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Rourkela, Hyderabad, Sambalpur, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Durgapur, Kolkata, and Raipur.
The city of Cuttack is always buzzing with cultural activities and plays host to a variety of festivals throughout the year. Cuttack is famous for its Durga Puja which is one of the most important festivals of Odisha. Another notable festival is Bali Yatra, which is celebrated on a grand scale and is recognized as the second largest trade fair in Asia. During this fair, traders from Southeast Asian countries come to Cuttack to purchase goods and sell them in the city. Additionally, Kartikeshwar Puja and Dusserah are widely celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the city.
The best time to visit Cuttack is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid visiting the city during the summer months, as the scorching heat can make traveling uncomfortable. From July to September, Cuttack experiences moderate rainfall, providing an opportunity to explore the city during this season as well.
None