Located in Odisha, between the rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi, lies the city of Cuttack. Tourists may learn a lot about the history and culture of the ancient Ganga Dynasty by exploring the many sites located in this city. Many people from different parts of the nation go to see the many temples. This city’s stunning architecture and scenery make it a must-see.
List of the Top 10 Tourist Destinations To Visit In Cuttack:
1. Cuttack Chandi Temple
Each year, tens of thousands of worshippers go to the Cuttack Chandi Temple, the city’s oldest and most well-known Temple. Located on the Mahanadi River, the locals of Cuttack worship Goddess Chandi, a manifestation of Durga.
The greatest time to visit this Temple to seek the grace of Goddess Chandi, the Living Goddess, is during the Durga Puja Festival when its doors stay open till midnight.
Best Time To Visit:
The hours of operation for the Temple are as follows: 6 am-12 pm, 2 pm-6 pm. Durga Puja and Kali Puja are two major yearly celebrations held at the Temple.
Things to Do: Offer prayers to Goddess Chandi, admire the temple’s intricate architecture, and participate in local festivals like Durga Puja for an immersive experience.
How to Reach: Located in the heart of Cuttack, it’s easily accessible by local rickshaws and taxis from Cuttack Railway Station, around 3 km away.
Nearby Attractions: Barabati Fort, Odisha Maritime Museum, and Netaji Birth Place Museum.
2. Barabati Fort: Explore The Historical Reminiscents
Located between the Mahanadi and the Kathjori rivers, the Barabati Fort is one of the most visited landmarks in Cuttack. One of the finest examples of mediaeval architecture in Odisha was constructed by the Ganga Dynasty in the 14th century.
Come here to take in the enormity of this ancient structure if you’re looking for things to do in Cuttack. The 20-yard-wide ditch within the fort and the intricately carved entranceway are also historical relics.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime
Things to Do: Explore the ancient fort ruins, capture views of the Mahanadi River, and visit the nearby Barabati Stadium for a blend of history and modern sports.
How to Reach: Around 4 km from Cuttack Railway Station, you can reach the fort via auto-rickshaws or local buses.
Nearby Attractions: Cuttack Chandi Temple, Odisha Maritime Museum, and Mahanadi Barrage.
3. Odisha Maritime Museum
Visitors to Cuttack should make time to check out the Odisha Maritime Museum. Odisha’s rich history and unique customs are highlighted. There are historical accomplishments, relics, and ships to be discovered. Multiple rooms in this stunning museum include topics as diverse as the museum’s introduction, maritime history, boat-building processes, maritime ceremonies, navigational systems, and Odisha’s historical landmarks.
It’s fascinating to learn about the history and culture of the Odisha area and much more enjoyable to take in the museum’s artful recreation of those eras.
Best Time To Visit:
Children, teenagers, and middle-aged people all find it fascinating to learn more about ships, submarines, and marine life. A person may indicate their presence at the museum on any given day of the year since there is no peak season for attendance.
Things to Do: Discover Odisha’s maritime heritage, view historical artifacts, and engage with interactive exhibits about ancient trade routes and boat-building techniques.
How to Reach: Located about 4 km from the railway station, you can reach here by auto-rickshaw or local taxis.
Nearby Attractions: Barabati Fort, Netaji Birth Place Museum, and Deer Park.
4. Kataka Chandi Temple
The Hindu goddess Chandika is honoured in the Kataka Chandi Temple, commonly known as the Cuttack Temple. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, the Temple is a stunning monument to the Gajpati dynasty’s artistic achievements.
Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Dussehra are wonderful times to visit the Temple. The goddess’s idol, discovered by a priest from the Gajpati Kingdom, is housed in a temple run by Brahmins from the Utkala caste.
Best Time To Visit:
Summers in the city are often quite warm, while winters are typically mild. There are plenty of tourists in the city year-round, but winter is when most people choose to come. When to Visit: Kataka Chandi Temple is most beautiful in the winter.
Things to Do: Offer prayers, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and learn about local traditions dedicated to Goddess Chandi.
How to Reach: It is located in Cuttack city, accessible by local transport from any part of the city.
Nearby Attractions: Barabati Fort, Odisha Maritime Museum, and Sapanpur.
5. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most visited places around Cuttack, covering an area of 672 square kilometres.
Famous residents of the Sanctuary include the endangered and huge saltwater crocodile, White crocodile, Indian Python, Water Monitor Lizards, Black Ibis, The spectacled Cobra, Olive Ridley turtles, Chital, and many more species of reptiles and birds. Once again, winter is the ideal time to go.
Best Time To Visit: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Things to Do: Go birdwatching, explore mangrove forests, spot saltwater crocodiles, and enjoy boat rides along the scenic river.
How to Reach: Approximately 120 km from Cuttack; you can reach by road to Khola or Gupti entry points, followed by a boat ride.
Nearby Attractions: Dangamal Nature Camp, Gahirmatha Beach, and Bhitarkanika National Park.
6. Deer Park
It may be found in Cuttack, in the neighbourhood of Madhusudhan Nagar. It’s a great spot to take the kids, plus it’s a photographer’s and wildlife lover’s paradise.
Together, they may take in the scenery while observing a herd of deer. Visitors may enjoy a relaxing stroll while watching the stunning deer play. They may take stunning photographs there and generally have a great time.
Best Time To Visit:
The schedule is based on the hours of daylight. The business is open from 0500 to 2000 in the summer and from 0530 to 1900 in winter.
Things to Do: Spot various species of deer in a natural setting, take a relaxing stroll, and enjoy a picnic amidst greenery.
How to Reach: About 3 km from central Cuttack, accessible by local transport.
Nearby Attractions: Odisha Maritime Museum, Netaji Birth Place Museum, and Barabati Fort.
7. Netaji Birth Place Museum
Renovated and reopened as a museum in 2007, the former ancestral house of the famous independence hero Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is now a historical site.
The Boses’ and Netaji’s personal belongings, including pictures, artefacts, and furniture, are on display in the galleries that were once their home.
Best Time To Visit:
October through February are the best time to visit Odisha when the weather is mild.
Things to Do: Learn about the life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, view his personal artifacts, and explore exhibits that celebrate India’s freedom struggle.
How to Reach: Located on Oriya Bazaar Road, around 4 km from the railway station, reachable by local rickshaw or taxi.
Nearby Attractions: Barabati Fort, Odisha Maritime Museum, and Deer Park.
8. Sapanpur
The little town of Sapanpur draws tourists with its picturesque landscape, a cluster of rolling hills surrounded by lush farmland. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Mahima Gosain established an Ashram on a hill outside the village. Many people go to the Ashram because of its positive impact on their spiritual lives.
Best Time: October to March
Things to Do: Enjoy village tourism, explore local temples, and take in the scenic countryside.
How to Reach: About 20 km from Cuttack, you can reach Sapanpur by hiring a taxi or by private vehicle.
Nearby Attractions: Simhanath Temple, Choudwar, and Kataka Chandi Temple.
9. Simhanath
The little town of Sapanpur is well-known for its scenic landscape, which has several rolling hills among lush farmland. During the middle of the nineteenth century, Mahima Gosain established an Ashram on a hill outside the settlement. The spiritual benefits of the Ashram are well recognised.
Best Time: October to March
Things to Do: Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, admire the temple architecture, and enjoy the peaceful environment by the Mahanadi River.
How to Reach: Situated on an island on the Mahanadi, it is about 10 km from Cuttack. Reachable by road and then a short boat ride.
Nearby Attractions: Sapanpur, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Choudwar.
10. Choudwar
Choudwar is not only the commercial hub of Odisha but also a significant historical location. During their rule, the Keshari dynasty of Odisha built eight significant Shiva pithas in what was once the capital of the Somkali Keshar Kings. A number of beautiful locations in the region contribute to its overall attractiveness.
Best Season: October to March
Things to Do: Discover old temples and ruins, learn about its history as an ancient capital, and explore local culture.
How to Reach: Approximately 11 km from Cuttack; accessible by local buses or a taxi ride.
Nearby Attractions: Simhanath, Sapanpur, and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conclusion
Cuttack may be found in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is situated on a peninsula between two rivers: the Mahanadi north and the Kathajodi south.
To learn more about Odisha, please visit:
- 20 Famous Odisha Destinations to Visit
- Top 10 Most Popular Beaches in Odisha
- Odisha’s Top 10 Famous Waterfalls
- List Of Ancient Temples to Visit In Odisha
- Odisha’s Famous Honeymoon Destinations
- Top 6 Buddhist Heritage Sites In Odisha
- 7 Hill Stations to Visit in Odisha You May Not Know
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the top tourist places to visit in Cuttack?
Major attractions include Barabati Fort, Netaji Birthplace Museum, Dhabaleswar Temple, and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. Why is Barabati Fort famous?
Barabati Fort is an ancient fort with a rich history and offers beautiful views of the Mahanadi River.
3. Where can I learn about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Cuttack?
Visit the Netaji Birthplace Museum, where you can see artifacts and belongings of Netaji and learn about his life.
4. Is there a popular wildlife sanctuary near Cuttack?
Yes, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is nearby, famous for saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, and diverse wildlife.
5. What is special about Dhabaleswar Temple?
Dhabaleswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on an island in the Mahanadi River, known for its peaceful surroundings.
6. Can I enjoy river views in Cuttack?
Yes, places like Mahanadi Barrage and Dhabaleswar Temple offer scenic river views.
7. What are some popular shopping spots in Cuttack?
Balu Bazaar and Choudhury Bazaar are famous for handloom items, silver filigree jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.
8. Are there any adventure activities in Cuttack?
You can enjoy boating at Dhabaleswar and birdwatching at Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
9. When is the best time to visit Cuttack?
The ideal time is from October to March when the weather is cooler and suitable for sightseeing.
10. Is there any famous festival celebrated in Cuttack?
Yes, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur in Cuttack, known for its beautiful silver and gold decorations.
11. How far is Bhitarkanika from Cuttack?
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is around 90 km from Cuttack and can be reached by road.
12. Where can I see traditional Odia art in Cuttack?
Visit Odisha State Maritime Museum to explore maritime history, art, and traditional Odia craftsmanship.
13. Are there any parks in Cuttack for families?
Deer Park and Jobra Park are popular spots for families to relax and enjoy.
14. What can I buy as souvenirs in Cuttack?
Cuttack is known for silver filigree jewelry and handloom items, which make for great souvenirs.
15. Is Cuttack a good place to visit for history lovers?
Yes, with its ancient forts, museums, and temples, Cuttack offers a lot for those interested in history and culture.
