The word Cuttack translates to military cantonment in Sanskrit which can be proved from the forts, museums, and old monuments in the city. The existence of superior Barabati Fort is the perfect example of its freedom struggles. Cuttack was the capital of Odisha for over a thousand years and now is regarded as "The Millennium City". The location of the city is impressive being present on a strip of land between Kathajodi River and Mahanadi River. The Durga Puja in Cuttack is a sight to behold and worth watching. There are so many trading and business centers around the city and hence it's known as "The Commercial Capital of Odisha". Cuttack is world famous for its marvelous Silver Filigree Work. Due to the proximity to the capital, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are often called "The Twin Cities". The belief system of the people of Cuttack is very high and they enjoy festivities and welcome tourists with broader hearts. A walk along the old narrow lanes of Cuttack and watching sunset by Mahanadi surely marks a point in your list. 

The Traditions of Cuttack! 

1. Festivals: 

The religious and spiritual faith of the Cuttack people are very high. They observe a large number of festivals and fairs throughout the year. During the festivities they wear new clothes, visit places, worship gods, make delicious offerings and stay high spirited. Everyone should at least once in a lifetime see the Durga Puja in Cuttack. The Medhas made of Gold and Silver, uncountable pandals of Devi Durga, the Mantra Chattings will surely make you believe in destiny and God. Boita Bandana festival is celebrated in Kartik Purnima when small model boats are flown in rivers. It marks the beginning of Bali Jatra, the largest trade fair in India and 2nd largest in Asia. Bada Osha is a unique festival in Dhabaleswar Temple where Gaja Pitha is made. Ratha Yatra, Raja, Holi, Diwali, Kali Puja are some other festivals that the Cuttackians celebrate. 

2. Cuisine:

Cuttack offers a variety of food collections that includes local dishes, fast foods, fantastic restaurants, cafes, Indian, Chinese, Italian, etc. Cuttack is doubtlessly famous as "The Street Food Capital of Odisha". Dahibara Aludam is the famous local recipe which you should definitely try when in Cuttack. Chandni Chowk, Bidanasi, Buxi Bazar are some of the places popular for Street foods. Biriyani, Tandoor, Sheer Khurma are popular among the Muslims. Chhena Poda, Salepur Rasgulla are mouthwatering desserts that will make your day complete. 

3. Education & Health:

In terms of quality education and facilities for students, Cuttack is one of the top cities of India and you can find a large number of science, arts, management, fashion, engineering institutions blooming inside the city. Technical institutes like IMIT, BOSE, ITT, IITM, IPSAR are very popular among students seeking admission. Biju Patnaik Institute of Film and Television and Madhusudan Law College are the pride of the city. The National Law University Odisha is located in the city and is found to be one of the best institutes in legal studies. Ravenshaw University is one of the oldest institutes of India and the academics is very competitive here. Shri Ram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and National Rice Research Institute are the major places of study here. 

A large number of people from Odisha and neighbouring states come to Cuttack for better treatment and facilities. Cuttack is regarded as the healthcare hub of the state. SCBMC is so far the best hospital and medical college in Odisha. AHRCC carries out high-end research and cures cancer which is one of its kind in Eastern India. RSIC, SVNIRTAR, SVPPIG or Shishu Bhawan are some of the best health care services in the city. 

4. Silver Filigree Work: 

Silver Filigree Work is one of the rarest intricate carvings on silver materials to make a variety of accessories out of it. Cuttack has marked its name on the world map because of the unique tradition. The shops at Nayasadak offer visitors numerous silver designs to choose from. Renowned as Chandi Tarakasi, the process requires patience, extraordinary vision to find the mistakes, skilled workers, creative artisans. The craft work is believed to be introduced when the Mughals came to India for ruling. 

How to reach the city

Cuttack is an important place and hence is well connected to other major cities of the country.

1. Airways: 

Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. It has an Air Base named Charbatia Air Base. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city through state and national highways. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Setu is an example of perfectionism that connects the city to capital. 

3. Railways: 

Cuttack Junction is the important railway station that connects hundreds of trains to the city. 

Places to visit 

1. Barabati Fort: 

Barabati Fort, constructed during the 16th century, is one of the often visited tourist places which has a major historical significance. Just 8 km from the city, the fort is on the River Mahanadi and offers a majestic view of the whole city.

2. Dhabaleswar Temple:

Dhabaleswar Temple is situated on a river island on Mahanadi, 37 km from the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of the place is the over bridge connecting the temple. Devotees also take boats or ferries to reach the place. 

3. Cuttack Chandi Temple:

Goddess Chandi is the presiding deity of the temple, situated on the banks of River Mahanadi. People gather in masses to observe Durga Puja and Kali Puja and she's believed to be "The Living Goddess". 

4. Paradeep Beach:

Paradeep Beach is one of the soothing and tranquil beaches of Odisha, situated 94 kms from Cuttack. The golden sands and ocean blue water will take you to another world which is actually an estuary of River Mahanadi. 

5. Stone Revetment:

Stone Revetment, situated on the banks of Kathajodi River is famous for its ancient engineering marvel in the 11th century. People throughout the country reach the place to see the architectural geniusness. 

6. Bhitarkanika National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary: 

Bhitarkanika is very popular among tourists, nature lovers, photographers as it's a wide abode of White Crocodiles, Olive Ridley Turtles, Black Ibis, Egrets and some of the rarest flora and fauna. Located 120 km from Cuttack it serves varieties of mangrove trees, rich biodiversity, rivers and creeks. 

7. Choudwar:

Choudwar is famous among tourists and locals, situated on the banks of River Mahanadi and Birupa. This represents major historical importance where 8 prominent Shiva Pithas were established by the Keshari Dynasty. 

8. Ansupa Lake:

Ansupa Lake is a small horseshoe shaped freshwater lake situated near Athagarh. The lake invites various species of migratory birds and boating & fishing services are provided here. 

9. Satkosia: 

Satkosia is a famous tourist place rich with wildlife, epic valley views. It is mainly known as the gorge, carved by the River Mahanadi. 

10. Naraj:

Naraj is regarded as one of the best picnic spots in the city, overlooking the waters of River Mahanadi and wide land of sands. The place is also famous for Buddhist culture branched from River Kathajodi. 

11. Netaji Museum:

Netaji Museum, located at Oriya Bazar, is the birthplace of the freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The place has many memories from his childhood and has a major national importance. 

12. Odisha State Maritime Museum:

The museum is one of the must visit places of Cuttack that represents an insight of ancient Odisha's great maritime history. The museum is located near Jobra Bridge which makes it a perfect place for friends and families for having an afternoon escape.

13. Lalitgiri: 

Lalitgiri is the oldest Budhhist site of the region, situated 60 km from the city. The large number of stupas, Buddha images, and monasteries testify the influence of Buddhism in Odisha. 

14. Niali Madhab: 

Situated on the banks of River Prachi, Niali Madhab is a sacred place, famous for the shrine of Radha Madhav. Devotees around the corner of the state reach here to worship God and to be blessed. 

15. Deojhar Waterfall:

The Deojhar Waterfall is popular for the natural and scenic beauty hence many tourists flock here for weekends. It is located at Talapunji Village and locally called as "Diandhar Waterfall". 

16. Banki Charchika Temple: 

One of the 8 shrines of Odisha, the temple is the sanctum of Goddess Charchika who is believed to be the living deity. It is situated on Ruchika Hillock on the banks of River Renuka. 

Best time to visit 

Cuttack falls under a tropical dry and wet climate. The city is a cyclone prone region due to the proximity of Bay of Bengal. 

1. Summer- March to June- 35°C to 40°C (very hot and humid)

2. Rainy- July to October- 24°C to 30°C (heavy rainfall)

3. Winter- November to February- 10°C to 20°C (pleasant weather)

The word Cuttack translates to military cantonment in Sanskrit which can be proved from the forts, museums, and old monuments in the city. The existence of superior Barabati Fort is the perfect example of its freedom struggles. Cuttack was the capital of Odisha for over a thousand years and now is regarded as "The Millennium City". The location of the city is impressive being present on a strip of land between Kathajodi River and Mahanadi River. The Durga Puja in Cuttack is a sight to behold and worth watching. There are so many trading and business centers around the city and hence it's known as "The Commercial Capital of Odisha". Cuttack is world famous for its marvelous Silver Filigree Work. Due to the proximity to the capital, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are often called "The Twin Cities". The belief system of the people of Cuttack is very high and they enjoy festivities and welcome tourists with broader hearts. A walk along the old narrow lanes of Cuttack and watching sunset by Mahanadi surely marks a point in your list. 

The Traditions of Cuttack! 

1. Festivals: 

The religious and spiritual faith of the Cuttack people are very high. They observe a large number of festivals and fairs throughout the year. During the festivities they wear new clothes, visit places, worship gods, make delicious offerings and stay high spirited. Everyone should at least once in a lifetime see the Durga Puja in Cuttack. The Medhas made of Gold and Silver, uncountable pandals of Devi Durga, the Mantra Chattings will surely make you believe in destiny and God. Boita Bandana festival is celebrated in Kartik Purnima when small model boats are flown in rivers. It marks the beginning of Bali Jatra, the largest trade fair in India and 2nd largest in Asia. Bada Osha is a unique festival in Dhabaleswar Temple where Gaja Pitha is made. Ratha Yatra, Raja, Holi, Diwali, Kali Puja are some other festivals that the Cuttackians celebrate. 

2. Cuisine:

Cuttack offers a variety of food collections that includes local dishes, fast foods, fantastic restaurants, cafes, Indian, Chinese, Italian, etc. Cuttack is doubtlessly famous as "The Street Food Capital of Odisha". Dahibara Aludam is the famous local recipe which you should definitely try when in Cuttack. Chandni Chowk, Bidanasi, Buxi Bazar are some of the places popular for Street foods. Biriyani, Tandoor, Sheer Khurma are popular among the Muslims. Chhena Poda, Salepur Rasgulla are mouthwatering desserts that will make your day complete. 

3. Education & Health:

In terms of quality education and facilities for students, Cuttack is one of the top cities of India and you can find a large number of science, arts, management, fashion, engineering institutions blooming inside the city. Technical institutes like IMIT, BOSE, ITT, IITM, IPSAR are very popular among students seeking admission. Biju Patnaik Institute of Film and Television and Madhusudan Law College are the pride of the city. The National Law University Odisha is located in the city and is found to be one of the best institutes in legal studies. Ravenshaw University is one of the oldest institutes of India and the academics is very competitive here. Shri Ram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and National Rice Research Institute are the major places of study here. 

A large number of people from Odisha and neighbouring states come to Cuttack for better treatment and facilities. Cuttack is regarded as the healthcare hub of the state. SCBMC is so far the best hospital and medical college in Odisha. AHRCC carries out high-end research and cures cancer which is one of its kind in Eastern India. RSIC, SVNIRTAR, SVPPIG or Shishu Bhawan are some of the best health care services in the city. 

4. Silver Filigree Work: 

Silver Filigree Work is one of the rarest intricate carvings on silver materials to make a variety of accessories out of it. Cuttack has marked its name on the world map because of the unique tradition. The shops at Nayasadak offer visitors numerous silver designs to choose from. Renowned as Chandi Tarakasi, the process requires patience, extraordinary vision to find the mistakes, skilled workers, creative artisans. The craft work is believed to be introduced when the Mughals came to India for ruling. 

How to reach the city

Cuttack is an important place and hence is well connected to other major cities of the country.

1. Airways: 

Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. It has an Air Base named Charbatia Air Base. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city through state and national highways. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Setu is an example of perfectionism that connects the city to capital. 

3. Railways: 

Cuttack Junction is the important railway station that connects hundreds of trains to the city. 

Places to visit 

1. Barabati Fort: 

Barabati Fort, constructed during the 16th century, is one of the often visited tourist places which has a major historical significance. Just 8 km from the city, the fort is on the River Mahanadi and offers a majestic view of the whole city.

2. Dhabaleswar Temple:

Dhabaleswar Temple is situated on a river island on Mahanadi, 37 km from the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of the place is the over bridge connecting the temple. Devotees also take boats or ferries to reach the place. 

3. Cuttack Chandi Temple:

Goddess Chandi is the presiding deity of the temple, situated on the banks of River Mahanadi. People gather in masses to observe Durga Puja and Kali Puja and she's believed to be "The Living Goddess". 

4. Paradeep Beach:

Paradeep Beach is one of the soothing and tranquil beaches of Odisha, situated 94 kms from Cuttack. The golden sands and ocean blue water will take you to another world which is actually an estuary of River Mahanadi. 

5. Stone Revetment:

Stone Revetment, situated on the banks of Kathajodi River is famous for its ancient engineering marvel in the 11th century. People throughout the country reach the place to see the architectural geniusness. 

6. Bhitarkanika National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary: 

Bhitarkanika is very popular among tourists, nature lovers, photographers as it's a wide abode of White Crocodiles, Olive Ridley Turtles, Black Ibis, Egrets and some of the rarest flora and fauna. Located 120 km from Cuttack it serves varieties of mangrove trees, rich biodiversity, rivers and creeks. 

7. Choudwar:

Choudwar is famous among tourists and locals, situated on the banks of River Mahanadi and Birupa. This represents major historical importance where 8 prominent Shiva Pithas were established by the Keshari Dynasty. 

8. Ansupa Lake:

Ansupa Lake is a small horseshoe shaped freshwater lake situated near Athagarh. The lake invites various species of migratory birds and boating & fishing services are provided here. 

9. Satkosia: 

Satkosia is a famous tourist place rich with wildlife, epic valley views. It is mainly known as the gorge, carved by the River Mahanadi. 

10. Naraj:

Naraj is regarded as one of the best picnic spots in the city, overlooking the waters of River Mahanadi and wide land of sands. The place is also famous for Buddhist culture branched from River Kathajodi. 

11. Netaji Museum:

Netaji Museum, located at Oriya Bazar, is the birthplace of the freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The place has many memories from his childhood and has a major national importance. 

12. Odisha State Maritime Museum:

The museum is one of the must visit places of Cuttack that represents an insight of ancient Odisha's great maritime history. The museum is located near Jobra Bridge which makes it a perfect place for friends and families for having an afternoon escape.

13. Lalitgiri: 

Lalitgiri is the oldest Budhhist site of the region, situated 60 km from the city. The large number of stupas, Buddha images, and monasteries testify the influence of Buddhism in Odisha. 

14. Niali Madhab: 

Situated on the banks of River Prachi, Niali Madhab is a sacred place, famous for the shrine of Radha Madhav. Devotees around the corner of the state reach here to worship God and to be blessed. 

15. Deojhar Waterfall:

The Deojhar Waterfall is popular for the natural and scenic beauty hence many tourists flock here for weekends. It is located at Talapunji Village and locally called as "Diandhar Waterfall". 

16. Banki Charchika Temple: 

One of the 8 shrines of Odisha, the temple is the sanctum of Goddess Charchika who is believed to be the living deity. It is situated on Ruchika Hillock on the banks of River Renuka. 

Best time to visit 

Cuttack falls under a tropical dry and wet climate. The city is a cyclone prone region due to the proximity of Bay of Bengal. 

1. Summer- March to June- 35°C to 40°C (very hot and humid)

2. Rainy- July to October- 24°C to 30°C (heavy rainfall)

3. Winter- November to February- 10°C to 20°C (pleasant weather)