Charming city of Cuttack
Cuttack, a city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is almost an island due to its location at the head of the Mahanadi River delta and surrounded by the great river and its tributary, the Kathjuri River.
Nearly 25 km away from the state’s capital Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, takes pride in having been the state capital for centuries past. It was only after 1956 that the capital of the state was shifted to Bhubaneswar and since then Cuttack has donned the mantle of being the commercial hub of the state.
A place of archaeological wonders, enthralling beaches and ancient temples, Cuttack spread across a geographical area of 192.5 sq km has never shied away from attracting the travellers. Well known for its silver filigree works, horn works, pattachitra paintings, terra cotta, wood carving, art leather and other handicrafts, it is correct to call it a shoppers’ paradise of the Odiya handicraft items.
Here we mention a bunch of popular destinations in Cuttack.
Odisha Maritime Museum
Credits: Ashish Rathor
The Odisha maritime museum in Cuttack provides enormous information about the ancient voyages and navigation technology. The museum, which has been set up at Jorba workshop, has many exhibitions alongside its auxiliary segments.
With a beautiful infrastructure, wide-open green space and a well-maintained aquarium, the museum illustrates the history of navigation through objects, charts, photographs and models. The museum also includes a 4D show for children as well as adults. Visitors can also enjoy a walk alongside Mahanadi nearby.
Cuttack Chandi Temple
Idol in the Chandi Temple
Considered as the oldest temple in Cuttack, the Chanditemple rests scenically on the banks of the River Mahanadi. With an idol of goddess Chandi who is considered the living goddess by the people of Cuttack, this tiny temple from the Cuttack district is a major tourist distraction.
The idol adorning the temple is said to have emerged from the land while digging when the goddess herself came to dream of Hansa Panda, since then the people of the land have worshipped the goddess as a living one. This ancient temple with a beautiful entrance and architecture has become a symbol of Odiya culture and traditions. The most favourable time to visit this temple is during the Dugra and Kali pooja festivals.
Paradeep Beach
Credits: Pramod Dhal
About 94 km from Cuttack, the Paradeep beach is located at the conflux of Mahanadi and Bay of Bengal. Tourists choose to experience the blue waters at the time of sunrise and sunset. Perfect for sunbathing, the beach boasts of a clear water-bed, lush greenery and beautiful stones laid on the sides of the beach.
Barabati Fort
Barabati
Built by the Ganga dynasty in the 11th century, the Barabati Fort was re-built in the 14th century. The moat, gate and earthen mound of the nine-storied palace remind the tourists of the rich past of Cuttack.
Sitting next to the modern Barabati Stadium, the fort has also has an intricately carved gateway and a 20-yard wide ditch common to most forts. Modern excavations and other researches by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) show the evidence of a palace made of khondalite stone. In recent times, a number of idols of deities and dancing women have been excavated from this historical site which has helped in further advancing the fort’s touristic appeal.
Bhitarkanika National Park
An exploration of the diversity of flora and fauna in Cuttack is not worth missing. Sprawling over an area of 672 sq km, Bhitarkanikaopens the tourists to experiencing wildlife in surreal settings.
A beautiful bird at the National Park
One of the only few national parks in India that allow boat rides to tour the park, Bhitarkanika is renowned for its variety of crocodiles. Once, Bhitarkanika was home to the world’s largest crocodile as well. Thick mangrove forests also attract modern tourists towards their natural authenticity.
