Cuttack is the former capital of the Indian state of Orissa, Cuttack is also called ‘The Millennium City’ and ‘Silver City’ of India. The name Cuttack means a Fort and confer to the ancient citadel of Barabati, around which, the town of Cuttack is established.
The city looks multicoloured and splashy during the festivals of Diwali and Dussehra and is flourishing as a new industrial hub. Let’s highlight the best places to visit in Cuttack.
Table of Content
5 Places to Visit in Cuttack
- Barabati Fort
- Kataka Chandi Temple
- Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kadam Rasool Mosque
- Netaji Birth Place Museum
Barabati Fort
Barabati Fort is known for its architectural marvel that is well known for its massive architecture. Barabati Fort is a 989 AD fort constructed by Marakata Keshari of the Somavamshi (Keshari) dynasty in Cuttack, Odisha. The Fort is situated about 8kms away from the main city of Cuttack, which is at the apex of the delta which has been established by the Mahanadi River. The disintegration of the fort remains with its barrier, gate, and the earthen accumulation of the nine-storied palace, which elicits the memories of past days.
This fort is a splendid portrayal of the South Indian style of architecture. Ironically, there’s a small Hindu temple and a mosque constructed in the fort vicinity. The temple is built with stone-made Shivalinga and the symbol of ‘Om’ sculpture in front of the upper wall of Shivalinga. Barabati Fort is one of the top places to visit in Cuttack. The gardens of Barabati Fort are considered an ideal spot for photography
- Best Time to Visit: October to January
- Ideal Time to Explore: 1- 2 hrs
- Major Attractions: Shahi Mosque, Mazar, Hindu Temples, South Indian style of architecture.
- Things to do: Venue for various sports, events, cultural programs
Kataka Chandi Temple
Here, supreme Goddess Kata Chandi is worshipped and she is regarded as the presiding god of the Silver City. Durga Puja festival is celebrated in the temple with great enthusiasm and the Goddess is worshipped in the various epitome of Goddess Durga. In Cuttack, people strongly believe Maa Katak Chandi as ‘The Living Goddess’
However there is no evidence about the history of the temple, the story highlights the late Hansa Panda, who was the yogi of the Kanika Raja of Cuttack, he used to feed cattle and sheep in the land. One day Panda was feeling fatigued and took a rest over there. On the same night, the diety. Katakeswari Chandi appeared in his dream and sought him to take her out of the land. He narrated the entire incident to the Kanika king who ordered his workers to plow the place. Afterward, 40 bullock carts of red sindoor and an idol appeared.
Since then the idol is being worshipped as supreme Goddess Katak Chandi. The Cuttack Chandi Temple is one of the amazing places to visit in Cuttack, alluring more than 20 lakh devotees a year.
- Best Time to Visit: Dussehra (October)
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM TO 6:00 PM
- Major Attraction: Durga Puja is celebrated in the temple for 16 days and it’s famous for its annual Durga puja
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is a huge area of 672 Kms situated in the Kendrapara district of Orissa. It is considered the 2nd largest Mangrove ecosystem of India. As its proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes the soil of the area enhanced with salts. It is the breeding place of the crocodiles which are the major attractions of the sanctuary. Another famous tourist place to visit near Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is Gahirmatha Beach which is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
The wildlife sanctuary has 215 species of birds the prime one is the eight diversity of kingfishers and the migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. There are varieties of reptiles, mammals, and vertebrates in the sanctuary which includes the venomous Cobras and Indian Pythons, the endangered water monitor lizards, Chitals, Jungle cat, Wild Pigs, Otter, Rhesus Monkeys, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and the Fishing Cat in the sanctuary. Frequently noticed avians present in the sanctuary are Asian Open Bill, Cormorants, Darters, Black Ibis, Egrets, open billed storks, sandpipers, sea eagles, whistling teals, kites, and seagulls.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Opening Time: 9:00AM TO 7:00PM
- Major Attraction: Salt Water Crocodile, Water Monitor Lizard, Garhimata National Park, Shiva Temple, Kanika King Palace
Kadam Rasool Mosque
Qadam-E-Rasool is a splendidly constructed mosque in Cuttack, Odisha. located on the Jail Road of Odisha. The foremost spotlight of the mosque is the footprints of prophet Qadam-E-Rasool which is kept protected to date in a metal basin in the mosque’s central hall. The marvelous establishment of this place extracted the masterpiece architecture of Indo-Islamic and is considered amongst the most famous cemeteries in Odisha that has graves of many eminent Nazis. Famous places to visit in Cuttack also include three mosques along with a Nawabat Khana (music gallery).
The architectural design of the mosque includes a spectacular wall that comprises towers at each of the four corners. The splendid architecture of Qadam-E-Rasool comprises a large minaret in the center that also includes the crescent and a star. Along with that, the exterior design of the mosque is decorated with a golden top.. It’s being said that a visit to Qadam-E-Rasool would indeed be a wonderful experience that will get a mark in your memories for a long.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Major Attraction: 3 Mosques, Music gallery(Nawabat Khana)
Netaji Birth Place Museum
Netaji Birth Place Museum is an inherited home of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. His emancipation efforts against the British forces are incised permanently in the history pages of India. The place was proclaimed a museum in the year 2007. The rooms of the house have been constructed into galleries that portrayed all types of photographs of Netaji and his family and his life memories associated, at different stages.
There is a library section in the Netaji Birthplace Museum, which has important documents, 22 original letters written by Netaji, and 500 books that narrate tourists about Netaji’s life. The museum celebrates the birthday of Netaji every year with various cultural activities and blood donations. For tourist attractions, this museum also includes some sophisticated toilets. Indeed, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Cuttack.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Opening hours: 10:00 Am to 5:00 PM
- Ideal Time to Explore: 2 hrs
- Things to do: Cultural activities and blood donation camp
Cuttack is also famous for having the biggest port and beaches in India. Paradeep beach situated at the junction of Mahanandi and Bay of Bengal is one the famous places to visit in Cuttack which brag clear water bed, greenery, and stones which are set along the side of the river.
FAQ
What is special in Cuttack?
Durga Puja is celebrated in the temple for 16 days and it’s famous for its annual Durga puja. Cuttack is the born place of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Cuttack is also considered as ‘The Millennium City’ and ‘Silver City’ of India.
What is the famous food of Cuttack?
Rice is the staple food of Cuttack. Other sumptuous foods include Dahi Vada, Ghuguni, Chaat, Alu Dum, Bhindi Bhaja, Aalu Palak, Jeera Pakhala, Saag, Prawn Malai Curry, Crab Kalia, Fish curry.