Cuttack -Tourism

Cuttack was the capital of Orissa before the new capital of Bhubaneshwar was built. Cuttack is situated at the head of the delta formed by the Mahanadi river and surrounded by the Mahanadi river and its tributary Kathahuri. Cuttack is one of the oldest cities of Orissa and known as Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka in medieval times. This city was founded by the Nripati Kesari who ruled from 920-935 AD and remained the administrative centre until the end of the British Raj. Today, Cuttack is a bustling commercial centre and oocupies an important strategic position in relation to the network of canals in the region. 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. This embankment was built in the 11th century by the Kesari ruler to protect the town from flooding by the Kathajuri river.

Tourist Attractions in Cuttack - The main tourist attraction in Cuttack are the Simhanath and Madhava Temple, Barabati fort and Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri caves. 

Barabati Fort- The great Barabati Fort was built in the 14th century by blue granite. Now, this fort is in ruins and only the gateway, moat and a mosque inside the fort remains. The fort was built by one of the Ganga rulers in the 14th century and was in the hands of Marhatta when it was taken by the British in 1803. The stone rivetment which protects it from seasonal floods was built in the 16th century. The venerated shrine of Katak Chandi is situated at a strolling distance from the fort area.

Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri- Earlier, Ratnagiri in the Birupa river valley was an important centure of Mahayana Buddhism, but during the 8th and 9th centuries it became the seat of Vajrayana art and philosophy or Tantric Buddhism. Ratnagiri has the most extensive ruins of the 8th and 9th centuries. Various excavations have been done here which have unearthed sculptures, monasteries, temples and stupas belonging to the 8th and 9th centuries. A recent excavation had led to the finding of inscriptions belonging to the Kusahan period in the 2nd century A.D. From the main stupa of Ratnagiri, one can see a limitless panorama of greenery, with the Brahmani River gently flowing these hills. The University of

Pushpagiri- Pushpagiri also flourished here and the famous Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visied the place in 639 AD and described it as one of the Orissa's Buddhist centres of learning. Lalitgiri is known for the discovery of an ancient stupa containing relics preserved in caskets of stone. Its antiquity and silver and gold contents have led to speculation that these are relics of the Buddha. 

Simhanath Temple- Simhanath Temple is situated on an island on the banks of the Mahanadi river. The temple reflects the influence of old and new experiments, and offers interesting images of the Shaiva, Shakti and Vaisnhava cults of Hinduism.

Madhava Temple- The Madhava Temple was built in the 13th century, and located on the banks of the Prachi river. Madhava, the four-armed Vishnu, is the main deity in this temple, with a small image of Durga. This temple is another example of the synthesis and unique to Orissan religious process. This temple is a place of active worship and draws thousands of devotees.

Shopping in Cuttack- Cuttack also offers excellent shopping facilities. Cuttack is known for its excellent silver filigree work which is fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils and decorative items. Handicrafts and textiles, both in silk and cotton can also be purchased from Cuttack.

How to Reach There

By Air- The nearest airport is located in Bhubaneshwar, about 29 kms from Cuttack.

By Rail- Cuttack is situated on the south eastern railways and is direct connected to Bhubaneshwar, Puri, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.

By Road- Cuttack is connected to Puri, Bhubaneshwar and Konark by good roads.