Cuttack is also referred to as the millennium city of Odisha. The city is more than a thousand years old. It is also called the Silver City because it is world-famous for its silver filigree work. Also, it is referred to as the business capital of the state. It was the previous capital of Odisha until the capital was shifted to Bhubaneshwar. Now, it is a modern city but with lots of old traditions attached to it. Cuttack has a perfect combination of traditional and modern lifestyle.
Seeing places in Cuttack depends on the time of the year you are visiting this place. Summers are hot as temperatures can reach 49 degrees celsius. If you arrive in Autumn (Sept to November) you can see this city showing its cultural tradition. It’s the time of most of the festivals. Easily the second largest celebration of Durga Puja with a huge following, Cuttack hosts about 1000-1500 Puja pandals every year. Each of them is unique and distinct in shape and size. It is quite crowded during this time and chances are that you may not be allowed to travel in your vehicle through most of the parts of the city. If you have time and you are fit enough, just settle for walking throughout the city.
Cuttack was established more than 1000 years ago as a military establishment. You can still see the remnants in the old city. There is a fort which is still being excavated by the ASI. Cuttack is said to have survived a dangerous past due to the presence of Maa Cuttack Chandi and Maa Gada Chandi who guard the cities against the evil eyes and the mighty Mahanadi. It’s perhaps only the second-lowest city in the world after Amsterdam which is below sea level. Cuttack is protected from the mighty Mahanadi and Kathjodi by the Baimundi Mark which acts as an embankment to the city.
Cuttack is famous for its world-famous silver filigree work. If you visit don’t miss the mouth-watering plate of “Dahi-Vada, Aludam ghuguni, seu”. You will also get the best of Mutton, Cham, and Chicken Chops at Professor Para. If you happen to want to have a lonely evening and fresh air .. Just hop into Bidanasi River Embankment or have a drive/ride on the Baimundi Marg… you won’t be disappointed.
Cuttack is known as a place of Bawan Bazar Tepan Gali(Meaning:’52 Markets, 53 Lanes’). This place might give you the impression of an old place with very small and dirty lanes, but that’s how you define a lotus.
Take a stroll on the banks of River Kathajodi and enjoy the sunset. This is a magnificent sight. If you are visiting Cuttack sometimes in the Mid of October or November do not forget to enjoy the Dusshera and Balijatra (the biggest trade fair held in the eastern region).
Visit there:
By air – Bhubaneswar, the nearest airport is around 30 km away.
CUTTACK has a defense airport in the Charbatia area.
By train – Cuttack is situated on the East Coastline from Kolkata to Chennai. For timings etc. check with Indian Railways.
