Cuttack

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	How to Reach

	Where to Stay

	Local Sightseeing

	Excursions

	Cuisines & Restaurants

	Other Activities

Cuttack, the former capital and one of the oldest cities of Odisha is the administrative headquarters of the district. The town is situated at the apex of the delta formed by the rivers Mahanadi in the North and Kathajodi in the South. It serves as a convenient base for touring the various places of interest in the district.

The shrine of the Goddess Chandi, one of the 12 Mangala Shrines of Odisha, is a living legend of the city.

While the Barabati Fort stands witness to the past history, the modern Barabati Stadium is a preferred venue for sporting events like Cricket and Football.

Stone Revetment of Cuttack: The Kathajodi river bank of Cuttack is protected by stone revetment, a great engineering marvel of the 11th century A.D. and a remarkable example of ancient technological skill of Odisha.

Cuttack was referred to as `Abhinaba Varanasi Kataka once upon a time. This illustrious town is replete with places of architectural and historical interest, being home to both forts and temples alike.

Cuttack offers good and wide variety of Shopping.php options to tourists . Its unique filigree silver ware, horn and brass work and textiles of woven silk and cotton make this town a shoppers paradise .
There is also so much to see and savor in this former capital of Odisha, that a stopover at Cuttack is necessary in your Odisha travel itinerary.

Best time to visit Cuttack – Round the year

Where to Stay -(Cuttack STD code-0671) -

Hotel's Name & Address	Hotel's Name & Address
Panthanivas,OTDC, Buxi Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.2306867/[email protected]	Hotel Akabari Continental, Dolamundai, Cuttack-1 Ph.2423269/2423251/2423254, FAX:2423254, Email: [email protected]
Hotel Dwarika , Bajrakabati Road, Cuttack-1, Ph.2421345/2422220, Fax-0671-2424332, [email protected]	Hotel Niladri, Mangalabag, Cuttack-1, Ph.2414221/2414331
Hotel Suryakiran, Cantonment Road, Cuttack, Ph.234078/2307162, FAX-2301818	Hotel Ashoka,Ice Factory Road,College Square, Cuttack-3 Ph.2647509/2647412, Fax-2647403, E.Mail: [email protected]
Hotel Bombay Inn, Ice Factory Road,. Cuttack-3 Ph.2649009 to 18, FAX-2648888, Email: ctk [email protected] wwwhotelbombayinn.com	Hotel Blue Lagoon, Near Sunshine field Square, Ring Road, Cuttack-2, Ph.- 2431884/2432107, Web:-wwwhotelthebluelagoon.com
Hotel Lords, Haripur Road, Cuttack-1, Ph.2422050	Hotel Monalisa, Badambadi, Cuttack, Ph.2621109
Hotel Sagar, Dolamundai, Cuttack-1, Ph.- 2421148/2422838	Hotel Bishal, Badambadi,Cuttack, Ph.- 2310993/2310752
Hotel Vaishali, Dolamundai, Cuttack, Ph.- 2428308/2432707	Hotel Ambika, Pilgrim Road, College Square, Cuttack-3, Ph.- 2610137/2624117/2614434
Hotel Roxy, Badambadi, Cuttack, Ph.- 2310722	Hotel Sagarshree, HaripurRoad, Dolamundai, Cuttack. Ph. 2430251/2433132/2429037, wwwsagarshree.com
Hotel Manorama Plaza, Mahatab Road, Cuttack-12, Ph. 2331681, FAX-2329139	Roxy Resorts, Badambadi, Cuttack-9, Ph.- 2310110/2315763
Cuttack Hotel, College Square, Cuttack-3, Ph.- 2610766	Bombay Hotel, Ice Factory Road, Cuttack-3, Ph.- 2649009 to 18
Hotel Vijoy, College Square, Cuttack-3, Ph.- 2647557/2648560	Hotel Veena, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2619326
Hotel Basanti, Mahatab Road, Cuttack, Ph.- 2310613/ 2329461	Hotel Shri Jagannath, Mahatab Road, Cuttack, Ph.- 2310804/ 2327805/2327806
Hotel Silver City, Badambadi,Cuttack, Ph.- 2335320/2335317	Hotel Adarsh, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2619898
Hotel Maitry, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2619667/2629180	Hotel New Jashmine, Sikharpur, Cuttack Ph.2441762/2441633
Hotel Puspanjali, Malgodown, Cuttack, Ph.- 2611195/2629456	Bikram Lodge, Thoria Sahi, Cuttack, Ph.- 2621118
Konark Lodge, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2617680	Utkal Lodge, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack
Aurobinda Lodge, College Square, Cuttack, Ph.- 2648352	Devlok Lodge, Madhupatna, Cuttack, Ph.- 2344524
Indrapuri Lodge, Machhua Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2620890	Hotel Mangala, Badambadi, Cuttack
Kathajodi Lodge, Govt. Press Chhak, Cuttack, Ph.- 2343168	Sri Ram Lodge, Badambadi, Cuttack
Hotel Mayur, Gandarpur,Cuttack, Ph.- 2441406/ 2440128	Hotel Gayatri, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2616440/ 2620589
Shreeram Guest House, Nandi Sahi, Chowdhury Bazar, Cuttack-1, Ph.- 2618213, 2618217	Hotel Mahendra, Dolamundai, Cuttack-1, Ph.- 2432146
Kalinga Guest House, Near Municipality Office, Cuttack, Ph.- 2616788	Hotel Anand, Ranihat, Canal Road, Cuttack, Ph.- 23093296
Dharmasala, Banka Bazar, Cuttack	Dharmasala, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack, Ph.- 2618861
Hotel Nilam, Dolamundai, Cuttack, Ph.- 2433553	Bijaya Lodge, Kathagola Sahi,Pahandi Road,Cuttack, Ph.2305666
Hadibandhu Lodging, Medical Road, Mangalabag, CuttackPh.2302977	Ramachandra Lodge, Mangalabag,Cuttack Ph.2614238
Shree Jagannath Lodge Guest House ,Pithapur, Cuttack	Santosh Bhawan, Banka Bazar, Cuttack-1 Ph.2618888
Hotel Swagat, Buxi Bazar, Cuttack-1 Ph.2431963	Circuit House Machhua Bazar, Cuttack-1 Ph.2305043
Mini Lodge, Haripur Road Cuttack-1 Ph.2430421	Sankar Lodge Barbati Market Square Cuttack-12 Ph.3206706
Hotel Swaraj & Lodge Jail Road, Cuttack	Indrabhawan Lodging House Kathagara Sahi, Cuttack Ph.2616732
Soubhagya Lodge Bepari Sahi, Buxi Bazar Cuttack-1 Ph.2616516	Ashriwad Guest House Rani Hat , Medical Road, Cuttack-1
Paradise Bhawan Badambadi Cuttack-12 Ph.6535412	International Lodging Ring Road Mangalabag, Cuttack-1 Ph.2302199
Shree Binayak Lodge Mangalbag Cuttack-1 Ph. 2305373	Hotel Shi Nilaya Bajrakabati Road Cuttack Ph.2411201
Meera Guest House Near Bagha Mangal Temple MangalaBag Cuttack. Ph. 2419959	Hind Lodge Ranihat Cuttack Ph.2413682
Chandan Lodge, Haripur Road,Cuttack	Ramakrishna Lodge, Keuta Sahi, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack
Mohan Mandap Lodge, Thoria Sahi, CuttackPh.3200555	Coolmoon Guest House, High Court Sqr. CuttackPh.6941231
Utkal Lodge, Kathagada Sahi, Choudhury Bazar,Cuttack	Kathajodi Lodge, Govt.Press Chhak, Cuttack Ph.2343168
Sheba Lodge, Buxi Bazar,Cuttack	Madras Hotel, Nimchouri,Cuttack Ph.2609324
Sri Hanuman mani Guest House, Bara Pathar,Buxi Bazar,Cuttack	Manghaala Lodge,Badambadi,Cuttack

Local Sightseeing

Cuttack, the former capital of Orissa is also home to numerous historic edifices where you will find a treasure of knowledge and patriotic inspiration. Take a guided tour and do visit the below mentioned monuments

Temple of Cuttack Chandi

The temple of Cuttack Chandi, a land mark in the heart of the city, is one of the 12 Mangala Shrines of Orissa, held in high regard by the locals as well as the visitors.

Barabati Fort

The remains of Barabati Fort with its moat and gate and the excavated palace complex and base of the Ganga period temple lie on the bank of the river Mahanadi as the silent witness of the vicissitudes of Orissan history. This historical fort has been the capital of ancient and medieval Orissa and famous Ganga kings like Anangabhima Dev, Narasimha Dev, Kapilendra Deva, Purushottama Deva and Prataparudra Deva who ruled their vast empire from this place. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Barabati Stadium

Opposite the Barabati Fort is the Barabati Stadium, one of the prefered venues for sporting events like Cricket and Football. Close by is the Jawaharalal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Qadam-I-Rasool

Cuttack town enjoyed for a long time the honor of being the seat of Political authority of the Muslims in Orissa. During the period, numerous Muslim monuments were built at Cuttack. The Qadam-I-Rasool is a monument of beauty built by Shujaddin Khan. At four corners of its high compound wall are four small yet strong towers constructed out of chiselled stone. It is adorned with four flat domes and pucca pavements from all directions of the graveyard to the main octagonal building with magnificent dome in the centre. It contains the footprint of the Prophet engraved in a circular stone. The dome outside is adorned with a golden pinnacle.

Shahi Mosque

The Shahi Mosque is situated inside the Barabati Fort. In structure, it is similar to the Ujale Khan Mosque at Mohammadia Bazar. All these Mosques are adorned with beautiful domes on hexagonal base. Stones and tiles are used in construction of the Mosque. It seems that during the British rule of Orissa it was used as a Magazine as it is apparent from the two Mehrabs on the flanks that are closed with bricks.

Netaji Birth Place Museum

Cuttack is the birth place of Netajee Subhas Chandra Bose whose name fills every Indian with pride and emotions of patriotism. Everyone acknowledges that he was a great leader, who changed the course of history of India.In the struggle of India's Independence against the British, his Contribution has been unique. He sacrificed his everything to get independence and even today is a source of inspiration to the Indian people. This Museum is a befitting tribute in the memory of one of India's greatest patriots.

Excursions -

Explore the magnificent and verdant surroundings of Cuttack where divinity and mystery blend in an unmatched way to leave you spellbound

* Distance from Cuttack

Simhanath (96 km)* -
Situated on an island in the Mahanadi River, about 10 kms. from Badamba in Cuttack District, the Simhanath temple (c. 9th century) is interesting for its images of Shaiva, Shakta, and Vaishnava cults of Hinduism. The jagmohana (porch) appears to be influenced by the Vaital temple in Bhubaneswar.
The Simhanath temple combines older features with new and energetic experiments. This can be seen in the elongation of the Paga images which crown the niches, and the third terrace to the roof of the jagmohana.

Chhatia (30 km)* -
Popularly known as Chhatiabata, Chhatia is a sacred place of pilgrimage. The shrine of Lord Jagannath at Chhatia is a modern piece of Orissan temple architecture. Nearby one can find the archaeological remains of Amaravati-Kataka, one of the five important forts of Chodaganga Deva. Amaravati with the backdrop of the hill "Dhania" presents an attractive sight.

Naraj (15 km)* -
A picturesque scenic spot, Naraj was a famous seat for Buddhist culture and learning. The scenic view of the river Mahanadi at the origin of its branch Kathajodi is simply bewitching.

Chandikhol (40 km)* -
Chandikhol in the lap of thickly wooded hills and by the side of a perennial stream is an ideal picnic spot. The Ashram of Baba Bhairavananda is an added attraction of the place.
Adjacent to Chandikhol, Mahavinayak enshrines the five god heads in one Lingam. It is a place of worship for Lord Ganapati.

Dhabaleswar (35 km via Chaudwar)* -
A small island in the Mahanadi, the temple of Dhabaleswar is situated on a hillock. Besides this, sculptures of 10 / 11th century A.D. are also found in the temple premises.A hanging bridge on the river at village Mancheswar has just been built to walk into the island.
The island can also be negotiated by boat from Chahata Jetty at Cuttack. Conducted / Charter Cruise is available at Mata Matha Jetty at Cuttack.

Jhankad (64 km)*
Jhankad is famous for the Shrine of Goddess Sarala and as one of the twelve Mangala Peethas of Orissa. Tradition relates that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, engraved the deity by his arrow. It is also believed that Poet Sarala Das, the Adi Kabi of Oriya literature and writer of Oriya Mahabharat was a devotee of the Goddess and ascribed his power of writing to her.

Niali-Madhava (47 km)* -
Niali is famous for the shrine of Sovaneswar. There is an archaeological sculpture shed here.
8 km from Niali is Madhava, a small village where is enshrined the lovely image of Madhava. It is also a beautiful picnic spot. The famous Madhava temple(13th century) is located on the eastern bank of the Prachi River. The area between Niali and Madhava appears to have been the principal centre of the Madhava cult in Orissa, made famous in Sri Jayadeva's Gita Govinda. The temple is also sometimes referred to as "Durgamadhava" because of the presence of a small Durga image next to Madhava within the sanctum. This joint worship of Durga and Madhava is unique to Orissan Vaishnavism, and is yet another testament of the great Orissan process of synthesis. Madhava is a temple in active worship, and, in fact, draws a large number of pilgrims from all over Orissa.

Ansupa Lake (70 km)* -
Ansupa, the small but picturesque lake holds a prominent position in the tourist map of Orissa and offers an asylum to the migratory birds in winter. The play of the shadow of Saranda Mountain and surrounding bamboo and mango groves on the rippling waters of Ansupa make it a real thing of beauty. One can have a boat journey or go for fishing in the lake.
Ansupa is 70 km from Cuttack and 20 km from Raja-Athagarh station.

Kendrapara (65 km)* -
Known as "Tulasi Kshetra", Kendrapara is famous for Lord " Baladevajiu Temple". A grand chariot festival is held here annually, which draws a mammoth crowd.

Jajpur (92 km)* -
Otherwise known as Vaitarani Tirtha, Jajpur with Goddess Viraja (Durga) as its presiding deity is one of the sacred places of pilgrimage in Orissa. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India where the navel of Sati is said to have fallen. The place has its unique importance in India as Navigaya Kshetra where pinda is offered for the satisfaction of the ancestors. The shrine of Sweta Varaha (the white boar incarnation of Vishnu) along with hundreds of other shrines here made Jajpur a Tirtha par excellence. The "Dasasvamedha Ghat", the flight of steps leading to the Vaitarani where the ten horse sacrifice was performed is a great sanctified spot for the Hindus. The annual Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Goddess Viraja during Dussehra is an additional attraction.

Paradeep (94 km)* -
Paradeep, a major sea port of eastern India for trade activities with a fine sea beach and a marine drive is an enjoyable tourist resort attracting large number of visitors from far and wide. The new aquarium is an additional attraction.

Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri (55 km - 70 km)* -
These three hills constitute a remarkable Buddhist complex. Hieun-T'sang, the Chinese pilgrim found it to be the seat of a flourishing Buddhist University called "Puspagiri". Extensive ruins of brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals and esoteric Buddhist images testifying its ancient glory have been unearthed. Ratnagiri is the gem of this complex. The magnificently carved door jambs of the Vihar and superbly finished Buddha images form perhaps the greatest concentration of Buddhist sculpture of the post-Gupta period.There is a very good Museum of ASI at Ratnagiri. Ratnagiri is 70 km, Lalitgiri is 63 km and Udayagiri is 63 km from Cuttack. These three places constitute the Buddhist Triangle of the region, popularly known as Diamond Triangle of Orissa. In close proximity lie a few more sites, the most prominent among which is the recently excavated site at Langudi. .

Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary -–(180 kms)
Satkosia gorge is a unique feature in geomorphology in India. Here Mahanadi has cut right across the Eastern Ghats and has formed a magnificent gorge. Located in the districts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh, Satkosia gorge sanctuary (795.52 sq.km.) with sylvan beauty and excellent natural features is an attractive destination for scientist and nature lovers. The major attraction of the area is 22 km. long gorge (known as Satkosia gorge) on the river Mahanadi which divides the area into a two distinct parts accessible respectively from Angul and Nayagarh or Boudh. The area supports moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forests and moist peninsular sal forests and is stronghold of tiger,leopard,elephant,gaur,sambar,spotted deer,mouse deer,nilgai,choushingha,sloth bear,wild dog etc., varieties of resident and migratory birds reptilian species(gharial,mugger crocodile,fresh water turtle, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes etc.). Major attraction of the sanctuary is the gorge, river Mahanadi,the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada,hill slopes, various tracking routes and boating.Forest Department operates an Eco-camp at Tikarpada in winter. The panoramic view of the Satkosia gorge along with the forests is scenic..
Adjacent to Satkosia gorge and located in the Nayagarh district,the Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary is having similar and contiguous habitat features as the Satkosia gorge sanctuary.

Amageikuda (68 km)*-
An island in the river Mahanadi near Athagarh (8 kms) Amagei Kuda is famous for its ancient temple of Goddess Amagei. The island is a popular picnic spot. Bus services are available up to Athagarh.

Banki (92 km)* -
The holy shrine of Charchika is located on a hill on the bank of the river Mahanadi at Banki. The presiding deity, an eight armed image of Chamunda sitting over a prostrated body is worshipped according to Tantric rites. Jhamu Yatra in April is an additional attraction.

Bhattarika (108 km)* -
One of the Shakti Shrines of Orissa, Bhattarika is famous for goddess Bhattarika. Located on the bank of the river Mahanadi, the panoramic and scenic view of the place is enchanting throughout the year. It is 45 Km from Athagarh.

Kakudiapada(55 Km)* -
Popularly known as Sidbhadevi Pitha, the twin images of lord Siva and Parvati are worshipped in a temple at Kakudiapada. Locally the Jugal Murti is known as Siddhadvi Thakurani. The Ketakiswar Temple also is situated on the western side of Siddhadevi temple. Barunei yatra is the main festival observed here which continues for seven days.

Nemala (42 km)* -
Famous for the Achutananda Pitha, Nemala is located on the bank of river Chitrotpala, 12 km from Salepur. As per popular belief Achyutananda Das, one of the leading Panchasakhas of Orissa chose this palce as his Samadhi Pitha by the direction of Lord Jagannath. He completed his Astha yoga here and took Nirbikalpa Samadhi. Gopitnath, the presiding deity of Achyutananda is also worshipped here. The place is full of Banyain tree. The Trisakha Nimba Tree standing here alive is an added attraction of this place. Bus services are available to reach the place.

Paramahansa (15 Km)* -
Situated on the outskirts of Cuttack City, Paramahansa, is a place of pilgrimage. The place is named after its presiding deity Paramahansanath. The unique feature of the place is that the lingam is seen without Shakti and the level of water always remains beneath the lingam in a hole locally called Ananta Garva. But on the holy occasions the water overflows on the sanctum from the Anata Gasrva.

Chhapachikana (50 KM)* -
It is famous for Goddess Harachandi temple 50 KM from Cuttack .Nearest Bus stop is Asureswar Chhak.Rgular bus services are available up to Asureswar Chhak. The diversion of 5 KM negotiable by Auto Rickswaw or by own Vehicle.

Other Activities -

Fairs and Festivals of Cuttack

Durgapuja/Dussehara (September-October)
Durga Puja symbolises the commemoration of good over evil. Clay images of Goddess Durga are made and worshipped in gorgeously decorated pandals for four to five days. On the day succeeding "Vijaya Dasami", the last day of Dussehra, the images are taken in a spectacular procession for immersion in the rivers. Cuttack is the best place to witness the festival although almost all major cities of the state celebrate it with equal fervour. Some of the Pendals and Images at Cuttack are adorned with silver decorations at Cuttack which is a unique feature here.
In the Sakti shrines, the festival is observed for 9 to 16 days. In Jajpur, the representative deity of Goddess Viraja is taken in a colourfully decorated chariot pulled by devotees round the temple.

Baliyatra (November-December)
To commemorate the glorious past of maritime trade of Orissa with the islands of Bali, Java, Sumatra etc., people float paper boats with sacred lamps placed on them in the rivers & ponds on the full moon day of Kartik. A big fair called "Bali Yatra" is held on Mahanadi riverbank at Cuttack for one week It is a fair of the local craft & cuisine.

Shopping.php in Cuttack

For Shopping.php and souvenirs, Cuttack is one of the best places in Orissa. The famous silver filigree works with intricate interwoven wires, horn and brass products, tie and dye textiles of Maniabandha and Nuapatna are some of the local handicraft items. Check out the Utkalika Emporium in Durgha Bazar. In addition to this, there are many private shops spread out across Cuttack, where you can find a wide range of ethnic Oriya artifact, handloom, jewelry etc.

Mahanadi Cruise

Boats of different capacities are available at Mata Matha Jetty for cuising in the Mahanadi river. The boats are available for conducted cruise to Dhabaleswar, Nandikeshwari and other Islands as well as for charter cruise, conference, parties, events etc.