Cuttack, the erstwhile princely capital of Orissa lies on the banks of the Mahanadi, Devi and Kathajuri Rivers. Cuttack’s main attractions are it’s 14th century fort Barabati; the 18th century shrine sacred to both Hindus and Muslims called Kadam Rasul with the imprint of Prophet Mohammad’s foot and shops that sell silk and cotton textiles, horn and brass ware and Tarakasi, Orissa’s famous silver filigree.
The city is only a few hours driving time from Bhubaneshwar and worth visiting for a couple of days.
How to Reach Cuttack?
By Air : The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneshwar, which is 28 km away. A number of daily flights Indian airlines as well as some other private operators, connect the city with Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
By Rail : Lying on the Kolkata-Chennai main line, the local railway station at Cuttack observes a plethora of fast trains operating from here that connect the city with some other prominent cities within and outside Orissa thus making the journey to Cuttack via train, a much convenient and reasonable option.
By Road : It lies on the national highway no. 5, connecting Kolkata and Chennai. Regular buses and taxis ply to and from Cuttack.
Best Time to Visit Cuttack
The best time to visit Cuttack is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature during this time hovers around 15 °C thus making it comfortable enough to explore the outdoors.
Summer months from March to May are extremely hot in Cuttack when the temperature goes up to 40 °C. Summer season is followed by monsoon that stretches from June to August and the city receives heavy rainfall with temperatures hovering around 33°C.
Things to do in Cuttack
Within Cuttack there may not be too many things to do but venture out a bit and explore the nearby Bithar Kanika Sanctuary where the Olive Ridley turtles flock during the nesting season. There are migratory birds that fly in too and bird watcher’s should have field day here.
Visit the Buddhist excavation at Ratnagiri and then shop for filigree items and the local saris that Orissa is so famous for!
Places Near Cuttack
Cuttack has many places to see in the nearby vicinity.
Chhatia – 30 kms is a place for pilgrimage. The shrine of Lord Jaganath is in the temple here.
Chandhikol – 40 kms is an ideal picnic spot by the banks of a stream. Baba Bhairavananda’s ashram is also allocated there and is an added attraction.
Ansupa (70 km) is a small lake that attracts migratory birds in winter. And if bird watching is not your cup of tea, enjoy fishing or a boat ride at Ansupa.
Paradeep (94 Km) is a major seaport with a pristine beach and very popular with tourists.
Hotels in Cuttack – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Cuttack ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.