FACTS
& FIGURES
Population : 5,00,915
Altitude : 14.62 m above sea level
Languages : Oriya, Hindi, and English
Best time to visit : October to March
STD Code : 0671
LOCATION
Cuttack is located in the eastern Indian state
of Orissa around 30 km off Bhubaneswar. The place extends
from latitude 20°28¢ in the North to longitude
85°54¢ in the East. The city is well connected
to other parts of Orissa and the country by the means
of rail and road network.
CLIMATE
The climate of Cuttack is pleasant round
the year with temperatures ranging between a minimum
of 22.2°C in the winter to a maximum of 33.4°C
in the summers. Annual average rainfall is around 144.39
cm. It is advisable to avoid the rainy season in the
months of July to August.
THE PAST
The former capital of Orissa and the
oldest city in the region, Cuttack today is a bustling
commercial center. Situated on the delta formed by the
Mahanadi and Kathjuri rivers, Cuttack assumed significance
due to its strategic location. The warlike Keshari Dynasty
founded a Kataka or "military camp," here
in AD 989. The place was a major river crossing for
the busy north-south land route as well as a nexus for
the canals that connect the Orissa interior with the
sea. The island proved an ideal platform from which
to dominate the region's economy. In the 11th century,
the Kesharis were again responsible for building the
impressive granite embankment on the south bank of the
island. Barabati Fort was added on the north bank in
the 14th century. Two hundred years later, Orissa's
last independent Hindu ruler, Mukunda Harichandan, built
a much grander, nine-story palace on the same site.
The Raja never had much of a chance to enjoy it however,
as only eight years after his succession the Mughals
and, soon after, the Afghans of Bengal, annexed the
city.
Marathas took over Cuttack in the 18th century, and
during this time, it expanded further. Lucrative trade
with the British on the coast financed the construction
of new temples and, thanks to a particularly liberal
administration, of mosques for the city's sizeable Muslim
minority. When the British finally merged the region's
twenty-six princedoms, Cuttack was a logical choice
as state capital, but for some geographical and climatic
problems, the capital was transferred to Bhubaneswar
after some time.
SITES TO VISIT
Cuttack is famous for its stone revetment
on the riverbanks, a great engineering marvel of the
11th century AD and a remarkable example of ancient
technological skill or Orissa.
The medieval Barabati Fort, with its moat and gate
and the earthen mound of the nine-storied palace, is
situated on the bank of the river Mahanadi.
A sacred shrine both for the Hindus and Muslims, Quadam-i-Rasool,
has a compound wall and towers at each corner. Inside
the shrine are three mosques with beautiful domes and
a Nawabat Khana (music gallery). It is an object of
veneration for Hindus and Muslims alike.
Chandi is the presiding deity of the city and the shrine
dedicated to her is on the itinerary of all those visiting
Cuttack.
A new attraction to the city of Cuttack is the sprawling
modern cricket stadium near Barabati Fort. The stadium
holds many test and one-day international cricket matches
nowadays.
SITES NEARBY
Banki is situated around 92 km away
from Cuttack. The place has the shrine of eight-armed
Goddess Charchika on the bank of river Mahanadi.
Nandan Kanan Biological Park, on the way to Bhubaneswar,
is the place with the highest population of white tigers
in the country.
Chatia, 30 km, has several shrines and the remains of
an ancient fort.
Around 35 km away from Cuttack is Dhavaleswar, a scenic
spot as well as a famous Shaivite center. It is a small
island on the river Mahanadi and accommodation is available
for the tourists.
Some other places to visit around Cuttack are Naraja
(15 km), Niali (47 km), and Madhab.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The most famous festival celebrated
in Cuttack is Durga Puja. Due to its nearness to West
Bengal and a large population of Bengali people residing
here, Durga Puja in Cuttack is no less interesting than
that of Calcutta. SHOPPING
Cuttack is the major shopping center of Orissa and
a visitor to the city will not return back empty-handed.
Busy lanes and streets of Cuttack sell handicrafts and
textiles, both in silk and cotton from the Cuttack region.
However, Cuttack is best known for its excellent silver
filigree work, which is fashioned into exquisite jewelry,
utensils, and decorative items.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport from Cuttack is Bhubaneswar,
which is around 29 km away. Flights to other important
cities in India can be taken from here.
By Rail
Cuttack is an important station on the Calcutta-Chennai
main railway line and connected to Calcutta, Chennai,
Delhi, and Mumbai through regular trains.
By Road
National Highway No. 5 passes through Cuttack
and makes it the most accessible city of Orissa. The
city is connected through regular bus services from
Bhubaneswar, Puri, and other important cities of the
state.
The distances from some major cities to Cuttack are:
Calcutta, 416 km; Delhi, 1720 km; Gaya, 749 km; Mumbai,
1482 km; and Varanasi, 940 km.
Local Transport
For local transport, taxis and cycle
rickshaws are available.
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