The town is almost an island surrounded by the river Mahanadi and its tributary, the kathjuri. Cuttack is an important strategic site for a ...
The town is almost an island surrounded by the river Mahanadi and its tributary, the kathjuri. Cuttack is an important strategic site for a network of canals in the region connecting the Odisha's interior with the sea. Cuttack founded by Nrupa Keshari (920-935) was the capital of the medieval Odisha and was the administrative centre until the of the colonial rule. It was the state's capital until 1956, when eventually constant floods and over crowding forced it to move to Bhubaneswar. Cuttack is still regarded as the commercial as well as the cultural capital of Odisha.
The western end of the town is clustered with narrow streets and crowed bazaars, famous for silver filigree work and beautiful handicrafts like carved horn ware, Ikat silk and paintings. The holiest if holy, Kataka Chandi is the presiding deity of the city and its temple- a sacred site visited by thousands of devotees daily.
The annual fair, Bali Yatra, to commemorate the glorious maritime past of its traders, in November draws crowds from all over, also see pg 43 Cuttack is a major transport hub and can be used as a base for trips to Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri- remains of a remarkable Buddhist monastery, about 70 km away. A full day trip to Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri by tourist cab or car should cost Rs. 800-Rs. 1000.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Barabati Fort
Overlooking the Mahanadi River, the sparse ruins of a 13th century Barabati Fort lie on the northwest of the city. The impressive gateway and moat of the fort is all that remains of this blue granite citadel which once had a nine storeyed palace. A centre of power for many rulers of Odisha, it was in Martha's possession till conquered by the British in 1803. The excavations at the site have unearthed large fragments of a temple and some silver coins with Shan Jahan emblems.
Closed to the Fort is the massive Barabati Stadium. An important landmark on the city of Cuttack, the floodlit stadium holds major sporting (mainly international and national cricket matches) and cultural events.
Qadam-i-Rasul (Kadam Rasul)
A cluster of green domes in the city centre, sacred to both Hindus and Muslims marks the 18th century Kadam Rasul Mosque. The shrines contain relics of the Prophet Mohammed and the Propher's footprint is carved on a circular stone. Nearby is Balu Bazaar famous sor its silver smiths and the filigree work.
Other attractions include the first and the foremost, Ravenshaw College, an impressive imperial building, the Church of St. Michael and the Angles (CNI) pilgrimage spot of Dhabaleshvar, a Shiva shrine reached by a ferry from Chahata Ghat are worth a visit.
EXCURSIONS
Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and Ratnagiri
About 70 km northeast of Cuttack, the remains of the three ancient Buddhist monasteries are scenically situated, also see pg 24
PARADIP
94 km from Cuttack, at the mouth of the Mahanadi River, Paradip is one of the major ports of India and and the deepest in the country. Some 2500 years ago the maritime traders of Odisha regularly set sail for Indonesia and mainland Southeast Asia from here. At present it is the main outlet and inlet of the sea borne trade of the eastern part of India.
It is also an important centre for marine fishing and has an integrated fishery harbour. A mangrove forest spread over 45 acres of creek-side waste land has various species of mangrove. The Port Estate is a sprawling green area and the township has the necessary infrastructure and other amenities. The tourist sights include Muhana Point, the confluence of Mahanadi and the Bay of Bengal, the white sands of the Light House beach and the Smruti Udyan- a memorial to the victims of the super cyclone of 1999. Regular buses arrive from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
North of Paradip,the swamps are known for their estuarine crocodiles, water monitors, cobras and famed Olive Ridley turtles, which arrive every year to lay eggs on a 10 km stretch of Gahirmatha Beach, also see pg 35 Buses leave from Cuttack to Rajnagar (about 4 hr journey) and Chandbali, the two entry points to the sanctuary. The nearest rail head id Bhadrak, on the Kolkata and Chennai line. Bhadrak-Chandbali is 50 km by road. Rajnagar and Chandbali are connected by road.
EXCURSIONS
Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and Ratnagiri
About 70 km northeast of Cuttack, the remains of the three ancient Buddhist monasteries are scenically situated, also see pg 24
PARADIP
94 km from Cuttack, at the mouth of the Mahanadi River, Paradip is one of the major ports of India and and the deepest in the country. Some 2500 years ago the maritime traders of Odisha regularly set sail for Indonesia and mainland Southeast Asia from here. At present it is the main outlet and inlet of the sea borne trade of the eastern part of India.
It is also an important centre for marine fishing and has an integrated fishery harbour. A mangrove forest spread over 45 acres of creek-side waste land has various species of mangrove. The Port Estate is a sprawling green area and the township has the necessary infrastructure and other amenities. The tourist sights include Muhana Point, the confluence of Mahanadi and the Bay of Bengal, the white sands of the Light House beach and the Smruti Udyan- a memorial to the victims of the super cyclone of 1999. Regular buses arrive from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
North of Paradip,the swamps are known for their estuarine crocodiles, water monitors, cobras and famed Olive Ridley turtles, which arrive every year to lay eggs on a 10 km stretch of Gahirmatha Beach, also see pg 35 Buses leave from Cuttack to Rajnagar (about 4 hr journey) and Chandbali, the two entry points to the sanctuary. The nearest rail head id Bhadrak, on the Kolkata and Chennai line. Bhadrak-Chandbali is 50 km by road. Rajnagar and Chandbali are connected by road.
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