cuttack

Location: 29-km from Bhubaneswar, On National Highway-5, and Orissa
Previously known As: Its Presiding Deity Bhawanishankar
Main Attraction: Barabati Fort, Paramhansnath Temple & Qadam-I-Rasool
Best Time To Visit: October to June
One of Orissa's oldest cities (Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka of medieval times), Cuttack is a bustling commercial center, situated on the delta formed by the Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers.

The legendary engineering skills of the ancient Oriyans are not only featured in their wonderful temples but also can be seen in the 11th century AD stone embankments on the Kathjori River.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Barabati Fort: The ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi, evoke memories of bygone days, while the fort's location is home to a modern stadium, which rings with the sounds of sports events and cultural programs today. The venerated shrine of Katak Chandi, the presiding deity of the city, is situated at a strolling distance from the fort area.

Qadam-I-Rasool: The Qadam-i-Rasool has the unusual element of being venerated by both Muslims and Hindus. The shrine has a high compound wall and towers at each corner. There are three mosques within, which are located elegant domes and a Nawabat Khana (music gallery) built in the 18th century AD. The central dome structure has the footprints of Prophet Mohammad imprinted on a circular stone.

Paramhansnath Temple: Visit the Paramahansanth Temple of Shiva on a holy day. The temple on the outskirts of the town is famous for its water hole ('Ananta Garva'), which floods the sanctum sanctorum on holy occasions.

Banki: Banki, 52-km from Cuttack, has the shrine of Goddess Charchika on the bank of the Mahanadi. The eight-armed deity of Chamunda is worshipped here according to tantric rites.

Bhattarika: Situated on the riverbank is Bhattarika, 108-km from Cuttack. It is a beautiful picnic spot with the shrine of Goddess Bhattarika.

Chandikhol: Chandikhol is a perfect picnic spot with its thickly wooded hills and sylvan spring that flows perennially through its green glades. It lies about 40-km north of Cuttack. At Mahavinayak, 5-km away, there is a shrine of the five godheads on one lingam. Ganpati is much revered here.

Chhatia: The picturesque Chhatia, 30-km from Cuttack, has several shrines and the remains of an ancient fort.

Ansupa Lake: With the Saranda Mountain in the west and river Mahanadi in the south, the Ansupa Lake is a haven for migratory birds in winter. The lake offers facilities for boating and fishing and is 70-km from Cuttack.

Naraja: Naraja, another scenic spot on the bank of the Mahanadi, boasts of many Buddhist images. It is 15-km from Cuttack.

Niali Village: Niali village, 47-km from Cuttack, is known for its Shrines and Archaeological Sculpture Shed. Madhab, a nearby village is an enchanting picnic spot on the bank of the river Prachi, also famous for the shrine of Radha-Madhab.

Ashokjhar: Set amidst the green forests of Mahagiri Hills, Ashokajhar beckons the adventurers. It is 90-km from Cuttack, but the motorable road ends at Sukinda. One may trek the remaining 10-km or hire an auto rickshaw.

Dhavaleswar: A small but beautiful island in Mahanadi, Dhavaleswar enchants all with the spell of the river. The Shiva temple, perched on a hillock, is approachable by flights of stemp, one from the north and other one from the south. As a religious center, Dhavaleswar throngs with religious activities throughout the year. It is 37-km by road from Cuttack and 4-km through water.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is situated at Bhubaneswar.

Rail: One can catch direct trains from Bhubaneswar, Puri, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Road: Cuttack is 29-km from Bhubaneswar by road The National Highway No. 5 passes through the city.

Nearby Cities

Banki: 52-km
Bhattarika: 08-km
Chandikhol: 43-km
Chhatia: 30-km
Anusupa Lake: 70-km
Naraja: 15-km