Cuttack, India
Region: Odisha
Geographic Coordinates: 20.523600, 85.788100
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Monsoon and tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year in Cuttack, India.
Population: 606007
Language: Oriya
Cuttack is a city situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, Known as the Silver City for its historical significance in silver filigree work. The city has an estimated population of 650, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 192 square kilometers. The history of Cuttack dates back to the 9th century when it was founded by King Nrupa Keshari. Throughout its existence, Cuttack has been ruled by various dynasties including the Mughals, Marathas, And British. This rich history can be seen through numerous monuments and buildings that are scattered throughout the city.
One such monument is Barabati Fort which was built in the 14th century by King Mukunda Deva. The fort served as a military base for many years and now stands as a popular tourist attraction with its impressive architecture and scenic views. Another notable landmark in Cuttack is Netaji Birthplace Museum which pays tribute to one of India’s most revered freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The museum houses various artifacts related to Bose’s life including photographs, Letters, And personal belongings.
The city also boasts several religious sites such as Dhabaleswar Temple which sits on an island in Mahanadi River dedicated to Lord Shiva attracting thousands of devotees each year during festivals like Shivaratri. Cuttack is also famous for its cuisine which includes dishes like Dahibara Aloodum (lentil dumplings served with potato curry) and Chhena Poda (a sweet made from cottage cheese). These dishes can be found at local street food stalls or restaurants throughout the city.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Cuttack is home to several educational institutions including Ravenshaw University established in 1868 making it one of India’s oldest universities. Overall, Cuttack offers visitors a glimpse into India’s rich history, Culture, Monuments, Religious sites, Cuisine and educational institutions making it an interesting and informative destination for travelers.
Important Landmarks
- Barabati Fort
- Netaji Birthplace Museum
- Odisha State Maritime Museum
- Chandi Temple
- Dhabaleswar Temple
- Ansupa Lake
- Mahanadi Barrage and River Embankment Project
- Paramahansa Nath Temple
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Sri Sri Harisankar Devasthana
Primary Industries
- Textile Industry: Cuttack is renowned for its textile industry, which encompasses the production of cotton sarees, dress materials, and other textiles.
- Handicrafts Industry: The city is also famous for its handicrafts industry that creates items like silver filigree work, horn works, brass and bell metal works.
- Agriculture: Agriculture plays a crucial role in Cuttack district with rice being the main crop grown in the region.
- Steel Industry: There are several steel plants located near Cuttack that manufacture steel products like TMT bars and structural steel.
- Chemical Industry: Many chemical industries operate within Cuttack that produce products such as paints & varnishes , adhesives & sealants etc
- Food Processing Industry: The food processing industry has been growing rapidly in recent years with companies producing packaged foods such as biscuits , snacks etc
- Retail Sector : With an expanding middle class population there has been growth in retail sector with opening up of malls , supermarkets etc
Noteable History
- Cuttack, the former capital of the Kalinga Empire, was conquered by Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC.
- The city has a rich history of maritime trade and commerce dating back to ancient times.
- Cuttack played an important role in the Indian independence movement with notable freedom fighters like Madhusudan Das and Biju Patnaik hailing from the city.
- The famous Odisha State Museum is located in Cuttack and showcases a wide variety of historical artifacts and cultural exhibits.
- The Barabati Fort is a prominent landmark in Cuttack that has witnessed several historical battles over centuries.
- Notable personalities associated with Cuttack include former Prime Minister H.D Deve Gowda, cricketer Debasis Mohanty, poet Radhanath Ray, and actress Archita Sahu among others.
- The city is also known for its unique cuisine which includes delicacies like Dahibara Aloodum, Chhena Poda, and Rasagolla that have gained popularity across India over time.
Museums and Things To See
- Netaji Birthplace Museum
- Odisha State Maritime Museum
- Barabati Fort and Stadium
- Chandi Temple
- Ansupa Lake
- Dhabaleswar Temple
- Qadam-e-Rasool Mosque
- Cuttack Chandi Mandir
- Mahanadi Barrage
- Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
Sports Teams
- The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) is responsible for governing cricket in the state of Odisha and is located in Cuttack. The Barabati Stadium, also located in Cuttack, is a popular venue for cricket matches in India.
- The Indian Railways Sports Association (IRSA) has a strong presence in Cuttack and has achieved success across various sports such as football, hockey, volleyball, and athletics.
- The Orissa Police Athletic Association (OPAA) represents police personnel from the state of Odisha and has been active in organizing sporting events across Cuttack while producing notable athletes.
- The East Coast Railway Sports Association (ECRSA), another prominent sports organization based out of Cuttack, represents railway employees from India’s eastern coast. They have fielded successful teams across various sports like hockey, football, cricket and badminton.
- Established to promote volleyball among youth players, the Orissa State Volleyball Association (OSVA) has organized several local tournaments throughout Cuttack over time.
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology’s Sports Club (KIIT), based out of Bhubaneswar, regularly organizes sporting events across various disciplines such as basketball and badminton that attract participants from all over India including those residing in Cuttack.
Cultural Events
- Durga Puja is the most popular and grand festival celebrated in Cuttack with great enthusiasm and zeal.
- Bali Jatra is an annual trade fair held on the banks of Mahanadi River for 8-9 days in November.
- Kali Puja is a festival dedicated to Goddess Kali, celebrated during Diwali.
- Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik with lighting lamps and diyas, taking holy dips in rivers, etc.
- Raja Parba is a three-day-long festival that celebrates womanhood and fertility.
- Chhau Dance Festival showcases this dance form from Odisha during various cultural events throughout the year.
- Cuttack Mahotsav is a three-day-long cultural event organized by the government to showcase local art, craft, music, and dance forms.
- Akshaya Tritiya Fair showcases various products such as handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, etc., from different parts of India annually at Barabati Fort Grounds.
- Basant Utsav marks the onset of spring season in Cuttack city; it’s celebrated during springtime when nature blooms with colors and fragrance.
Cuisine
- Dahibara Aloodum is a popular street food in Cuttack, consisting of fried lentil dumplings served with spiced potato curry and yogurt.
- Chhena Poda is a traditional dessert made of cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom that is baked until caramelized.
- Barabati Restaurant is a famous restaurant serving a range of local seafood dishes such as prawn curry, crab masala, and fish fry.
- Kanika Hotel is one of the oldest restaurants in Cuttack known for its authentic Odia cuisine including dalma (lentil stew), chhena tarkari (cottage cheese curry), and mutton biryani.
- Chapan Bhog is a popular sweet shop offering a variety of sweets including rasgulla, chhena gaja, and khaja.
- Kalia Poda is another famous local dessert made from caramelized milk powder mixed with sugar syrup and flavored with cardamom or saffron.
- Biryani Mahal is famous for its delicious biryani made with fragrant rice cooked with spices and meat or vegetables.
- Dahi Bara Ghar is another famous street food joint serving delicious dahi bara aloo dum along with other snacks like samosas and kachoris.
- Pahala Rasagola Centre is known for its soft spongy rasgullas made from chhena soaked in sugary syrup that melts in your mouth!
- Silver City Restaurant & Bar Lounge offers continental cuisine along with Indian delicacies like chicken tikka masala, butter chicken etc.
- Mahanadi Barrage is a popular spot for picnics and fishing.
- Biju Patnaik Park is a well-maintained park with various activities such as jogging track, children’s play area, and boating.
- Netaji Birthplace Museum is a historical site that also has a garden and playground for children.
- Barabati Stadium is an iconic sports stadium where cricket matches are held.
- Dhabaleswar Island located on the Mahanadi River known for its scenic beauty and religious significance.
- Cuttack Chandi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi that attracts many devotees.
- Deer Park Cuttack is a wildlife sanctuary with various deer species, birds, and other animals.
- Odisha State Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history of Odisha through interactive exhibits and displays.
- Ansupa Lake offers boating facilities to visitors in serene surroundings surrounded by lush greenery.
- Sati Chaura Ghat Park located on the banks of the Mahanadi River offers stunning views of the river along with recreational activities like boating, picnicking etcetera.