Cuttack

Cuttack (କଟକ, Kaṭaka) is the second largest city in Odisha and was the state's former capital for centuries. Known as the "Silver City" for its renowned silver filigree work, Cuttack offers a blend of old-world traditions and modern life. The city sits just above sea level—reportedly the second-lowest city in the world after Amsterdam—protected by the Baimundi Mark embankment along the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers.

Established over 1,000 years ago as a military settlement by Marakata Keshari of the Somvanshi dynasty, Cuttack became a major trading hub at the crossroads of two major routes: a land route connecting North India to South India, and a water route linking Odisha to Southeast Asia. The city is said to have been protected by Maa Kataka Chandi and Maa Gada Chandi, the presiding deities of Cuttack.

The climate chart shows Cuttack has mild winters (January: 14-29°C) and hot summers (May: 25-37°C) with heavy monsoon from June to September (over 300mm rainfall in July-August). The best time to visit is October-November when Dusshera and Balijatra—the biggest trade fair in the eastern region—take place. October through March offers the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

Cuttack Junction railway station sits on the Kolkata–Chennai line, approximately 5.5 hours from Kolkata and around 20 hours from Chennai. The Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminus (CNBT) is a hi-tech terminal connecting Cuttack to destinations across Odisha and neighboring states including West Bengal. Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport is approximately 25 km away for air travel.

Hired cars, auto rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are readily available throughout Cuttack. City and town buses cover parts of the city along routes including College Square – OMP – Link Road – Badambari Bus Stop – Ring Road – High Court – Deulasahi – Bidanasi – CDA. Cycle rickshaw rides to nearby locations like Neeladri Lodge cost around ₹30.

Cuttack offers budget accommodation across neighborhoods. College Square and Choudhury Bazar areas have mid-range options like Hotel Gayatri (₹60-450), Hotel Maitry (₹275-700), and Hotel Shri Jagannath (₹120-750). Dolamundai has budget spots like Hotel Sagar (₹50-200) and Hotel Sagarshree (₹450-1050). For the cheapest options, try Indrapuri Lodge in Machhua Bazar (₹35-105) or Konark Lodge in Choudhury Bazar (₹25-80). Hotel Neeladri in Mangalabag (₹250-700) has a good attached restaurant serving South and North Indian food.

Cuttack's street food is legendary: don't miss dahi vada, Aludam ghuguni, and seu sold from carts near Gauri Shankar park. Professor Para is known for the best mutton, cham, and chicken chops. Other favorites include Bidanasi's Raghu dahibara and Manglabag's Pratap dahibara. Hot tea and coffee are available along Cantonment Road. The city is known as a place of 'Bawan Bazar Tepan Gali' (52 Markets, 53 Lanes) with countless food options in narrow lanes.

The 13th-century Barabati Fort (free entry, sunrise-sunset) was built by Eastern Ganga emperor Anangabhimadeva III; only the eastern gate and moat survive today, with interiors converted to an event space. The Museum of Justice inside Barabati Fort (₹20 adults, ₹10 children; 11AM-6PM, closed Monday) displays legal antiques in a former chief justice's residence. Netaji Birth Place Museum (₹10 Indians, ₹200 foreigners; 10AM-5PM, closed Monday) showcases 12 galleries on Subhas Chandra Bose's life. The Odisha State Maritime Museum (10AM-4:30PM, closed Monday) exhibits maritime history in an 1866 boat workshop. Take an evening stroll on the Kathajodi riverbank embankment or Baimundi Marg for fresh air and sunset views.

Bhubaneswar, the current capital of Odisha, is a short distance away and makes an obvious first onward destination. Konark is famous for the Sun Temple and is reachable by road. Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple and beaches, lies to the south. Paradip is a port city to the east with coastal attractions.