Cuttack The Silver City of India

Cuttack, the former capital and one of the oldest cities of Orissa is the administrative headquarters of the district. The town is situated at the apex of the delta formed by the rivers Mahanadi in the North and Kathajodi in the South. It serves as a convenient base for touring the various places of interest in the district.

Spreading from east to west, a narrow strip of land is what comprises Cuttack. With two topographical divisions, namely, the hilly terrain on the west and Mahanadi delta plains in the east, this densely populated city is highly fertile. Owing its fertility to the water bodies functioning as tributaries of Mahanadi river system, Cuttack is a major producer of rice.

Around 30 kms from the capital city of Odisha (Orissa), Cuttack is best known for its internationally acclaimed art--the silver filigree work. Thin silver wires fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils and decorative items will simply take your breath away along with a heavy toll on your wallet.

The legendary skills of Cuttack artists can be seen on the stone embankments also on Kathjori River dating back to 11th century AD. To add more charm to the architectural skills of the people of Cuttack, stand the ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi. Home to several sports events and cultural programmes today, the fort evokes brave memories of the bygone days. There is a very famous Hindu Temple coined Katak Chandi that rests at a strolling distance from the fort area.

Major Attractions in Cuttack:

Madhusmruti
Madhusmruti, the 'Karma Bhumi' or residence of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, is located at Cuttack. Madhusudan Das lived in this place from 1892 to 1934, till his death. Presently the building is used as the administrative block of the S.B. Women's College.The building has two floors with a portico on the eastern side.

Swarajya Ashram The Freedom Fighters Centre
The Swarajya Ashram is located on the Kathajodi river front. It is an old building and it has historical significance and importance for its association with the Freedom Movement in Orissa and the Congress party and well known leaders of Orissa in the Freedom Movement. The original building is found at the centre, built in two storied during the colonial period.

Barabati Fort
The ruins of Barabati Fort with its moat and gate and the excavated palace complex and base of the Ganga period temple lie on the bank of the river Mahanadi as the silent witness of the vicissitudes of Orissan history.

Qadam-i-Rasool
Cuttack town enjoyed for a pretty long time the honour of being the seat of Political authority of the Muslims in Orissa. During the period numerous Muslim monuments have built at Cuttack. The Qadam-I-Rasool is a monument of beauty built by Shujaddin Khan.

Shahi Mosque
The Shahi Mosque is situated inside the Barabati Fort. In structure it is similar to the Ujale Khan Mosque at Mohammadia Bazar. All these Mosque are adorned with beautiful domes on hexagonal base. Stones and tiles are used in construction of the Mosque.

Ravenshaw College
A small school established in 1841 was raised to the status of a college with Intermediate classes, affiliated to Calcutta University. In 1875, largely through the efforts of Mr. T.E. Ravenshaw, the then Commissioner of Orissa, it became a full fledged first grade college.

Nethaji Birth Place Museum
The name of Netajee Subhash Chandra Bose fills every Indian with pride and with emotions of patriotism. Everyone acknowledges that he was a great leader, who changed the course of history of India.
Temple of Cuttack Chandi
Being the shrine of the presiding deity of the city, the temple of Cuttack Chandi is normally visited by every Hindu visitor.

The best time to visit Cuttack: September to March