· IN

Cuttack

Cuttack, Odisha, India

Journey to the Millennium City: Cuttack, Odisha Step back in time in Cuttack, Odisha, affectionately nicknamed the "Millennium City" and the "Silver City." This ancient city, nestled on a delta formed by the Mahanadi an…

#historic city#silver city#cultural hub#Barabati Fort#Odisha tourism

1/3

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Cuttack.

Top Hotels in Cuttack

Top Flights to Cuttack

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Cuttack.

Tours

Visit Barabati Fort

Explore the historic Barabati Fort, known for its 14th-century architecture and grand gateways.

Explore Netaji Birthplace Museum

Visit the museum dedicated to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, exploring his life and achievements.

Visit Maritime Museum Cuttack

Discover the maritime history and artifacts at the Cuttack Maritime Museum.

Shopping

Shopping at Cuttack's Silver Filigree Market

Explore the famous Silver Filigree Market, known for intricate silver jewelry and artifacts.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Cuttack.

Currency

₹ | INR | Indian Rupee

Population

Information not available.

Languages

Odia, Odia, Hindi, English

Average weather

Cuttack

Jan

28°14°

Feb

31°17°

Mar

35°21°

Apr

37°25°

May

38°27°

Jun

34°26°

Jul

31°25°

Aug

31°25°

Sep

31°25°

Oct

31°23°

Nov

29°18°

Dec

27°14°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Cuttack.

What people love

Cuttack, located in the state of Odisha, India, is a city with a rich history and culture. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Cuttack:

Historical significance: Cuttack is one of the oldest cities in Odisha and has a long history dating back to the 10th century. It is home to several historical sites such as Barabati Fort, Odisha Maritime Museum, and Chandi Temple.
Silver filigree work: Cuttack is famous for its intricate silver filigree work, known as "Tarakasi." Visitors can explore the local markets to purchase beautiful silver jewelry, utensils, and decorative items crafted using this traditional art form.
Cuisine: Cuttack offers a variety of delicious Odia cuisine, including local delicacies like Dahibara Aloodum, Chhena Poda, and Cuttack Chaat. Food lovers will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant food scene.
Cuttack Chandi Temple: The famous Cuttack Chandi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Chandi. The temple attracts devotees and tourists alike with its intricate architecture and religious significance.
Shopping: Cuttack is known for its vibrant markets and shopping opportunities. Visitors can shop for traditional Odia textiles, handloom sarees, and handicrafts at places like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Market and College Square.
Festivals: Cuttack hosts various festivals throughout the year, including Durga Puja, Bali Yatra, and Kali Puja. These festivals offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of the city.

Overall, traveling to Cuttack offers a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, and shopping experiences that are sure to captivate visitors.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Cuttack, Odisha, India, include:

Weather: Cuttack can experience extreme weather conditions, with hot and humid summers and heavy monsoon rains. Travelers may find it uncomfortable to explore the city during these times.
Traffic congestion: Cuttack is a bustling city with heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Navigating the crowded streets can be challenging for visitors.
Pollution: Like many urban areas in India, Cuttack may have issues with air and water pollution. Travelers with respiratory issues or sensitivities may find the pollution levels uncomfortable.
Language barrier: While many locals in Cuttack may speak Hindi or English, the primary language spoken in the region is Odia. Travelers who do not speak the language may face challenges in communication.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Cuttack is not as popular a tourist destination as some other cities in India, so the tourist infrastructure may be less developed. This could mean fewer amenities and services catering to travelers.
Safety concerns: While Cuttack is generally a safe city, travelers should still exercise caution, especially when exploring unfamiliar areas or traveling alone at night.

Please note that these are general considerations and individual experiences may vary. It is always a good idea to research further and consult with local authorities or travel advisories before planning a trip to Cuttack.

Cuttack, located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, has a rich and varied history dating back over a thousand years. It is one of the oldest cities in India and has been a significant cultural and political center throughout its history.

Ancient and Medieval History

Foundation and Early History: Cuttack was established in the year 989 CE by King Nrupa Keshari of the Somavanshi dynasty. The name "Cuttack" means fort, and the city was strategically located at the apex of the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers, which provided natural defense and trade opportunities.
Kalinga Period: The region was part of the ancient Kalinga kingdom, which was notable for its maritime trade relations and cultural advancements. Cuttack served as a significant center during this period.

Ganga and Gajapati Rule

Eastern Ganga Dynasty: In the 12th century, the Eastern Ganga dynasty made Cuttack their capital. This period marked significant growth in culture, art, and architecture.
Anangabhima Deva III: During the reign of Anangabhima Deva III, Cuttack saw the construction of the Barabati Fort, which remains a significant historical landmark. The fort served as a military stronghold and administrative center.
Gajapati Period: The Gajapati rulers further embellished the city and made it a hub of cultural and religious activities.

Mughal and Maratha Period

Mughal Rule: In the 16th century, Cuttack came under Mughal rule. The city became an important Mughal provincial capital, known for its administrative importance.
Maratha Control: In the 18th century, the Marathas took control of Odisha, including Cuttack. They fortified the Barabati Fort and enhanced the city’s defenses.

British Era

British Conquest: The British East India Company took over Cuttack in 1803. During British rule, Cuttack became the administrative headquarters of the Orissa Division, part of the Bengal Presidency.
Development Under British Rule: The city saw infrastructural development, including the construction of roads, railways, and educational institutions. The Ravenshaw College (now Ravenshaw University), established in 1868, is one of the oldest educational institutions in India.

Post-Independence Era

Modern Developments: After India gained independence in 1947, Cuttack remained the capital of Odisha until 1948, when Bhubaneswar was made the new capital. However, Cuttack continued to be an important cultural and commercial hub.
Natural Disasters: The city has faced significant challenges from natural disasters, particularly floods, due to its geographical location. Efforts have been made to improve infrastructure and manage water resources to protect against such events.

Significant Landmarks

Barabati Fort: The ruins of this 14th-century fort are a testament to the city's historical significance.
Netaji Birthplace Museum: This museum is dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader in India's independence movement, who was born in Cuttack.
Katak Chandi Temple: A revered temple dedicated to the goddess Chandi, reflecting the city’s rich religious heritage.

Modern Cuttack

Today, Cuttack is known for its vibrant culture, including the famous Bali Jatra festival, which celebrates the city’s maritime history. It is also an industrial and trade center, known for its silver filigree work and textile industry.

Cuttack's history is a tapestry of various cultural influences, making it a unique city with a rich legacy.