CUTTACK
Location : 29-km from Bhubaneswar, On National Highway-5,
Orissa
Previously Known As : Its Presiding Deity Bhawanishankar
Main Attraction : Barabati Fort, Paramhansnath Temple &
Qadam-I-Rasool
One of Orissa's oldest cities (Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka of
medieval times), Cuttack is a bustling
commercial centre, situated on the delta formed by the
Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers.
The legendary engineering skills of the ancient Oriyans are not only
featured in their wonderful temples but also can be seen in the 11th
century AD stone embankments on the Kathjori river.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Barabati Fort
The
ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi, evoke memories of
bygone days, while the fort's location is home to a modern stadium, which
rings with the sounds of sports events and cultural programmes today. The
venerated shrine of Katak Chandi, the presiding deity of the city, is
situated at a strolling distance from the fort area.
Qadam-I-Rasool
The Qadam-i-Rasool has the unusual element of being venerated by both
Muslims and Hindus. The shrine has a high compound wall and towers at each
corner. There are three mosques within, which are located elegant domes
and a Nawabat Khana (music gallery) built in the 18th century AD. The
central dome structure has the footprints of Prophet Mohammad imprinted on
a circular stone.
Paramhansnath Temple
Visit the Paramahansanth Temple of Shiva on a holy day. The temple on the
outskirts of the town is famous for its water hole ('Ananta Garva'), which
floods the sanctum sanctorum on holy occasions.
EXCURSIONS
Banki
Banki, 52-km from Cuttack, has the shrine of Goddess Charchika on the
bank of the Mahanadi. The eight-armed deity of Chamunda is worshipped here
according to tantric rites.
Bhattarika
Situated on the riverbank is Bhattarika, 108-km from Cuttack. It is a
beautiful picnic spot with the shrine of Goddess Bhattarika.
Chandikhol
Chandikhol is a perfect picnic spot with its thickly wooded hills and
sylvan spring that flows perennially through its green glades. It lies
about 40-km north of Cuttack. At Mahavinayak, 5-km away, there is a shrine
of the five godheads on one lingam. Ganpati is much revered here.
Chhatia
The picturesque Chhatia, 30-km from Cuttack, has several shrines and the
remains of an ancient fort.
Ansupa Lake
With the Saranda Mountain in the west and river Mahanadi in the south,
the Ansupa Lake is a haven for migratory birds in winter. The lake offers
facilities for boating and fishing and is 70-km from Cuttack.
Naraja
Naraja, another scenic spot on the bank of the Mahanadi, boasts of many
Buddhist images. It is 15-km from Cuttack.
Niali Village
Niali village, 47-km from Cuttack, is known for its Shrines and
Archaeological Sculpture Shed. Madhab, a nearby village is an enchanting
picnic spot on the bank of the river Prachi, also famous for the shrine of
Radha-Madhab.
Ashokjhar
Set amidst the green forests of Mahagiri Hills, Ashokajhar beckons the
adventurers. It is 90-km from Cuttack, but the motorable road ends at
Sukinda. One may trek the remaining 10-km or hire an auto rickshaw.
Dhavaleswar
A small but beautiful island in Mahanadi, Dhavaleswar enchants all with
the spell of the river. The Shiva temple, perched on a hillock, is
approachable by flights of stemp, one from the north and other one from
the south. As a religious centre, Dhavaleswar throngs with religious
activities throughout the year. It is 37-km by road from Cuttack and 4-km
through water.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The nearest airport is situated at
Bhubaneswar
.
Rail:
One can catch direct trains from Bhubaneswar,
Puri ,
Calcutta ,
Delhi ,
Hyderabad and
Chennai.
Road:
Cuttack is 29-km from Bhubaneswar by road The
National Highway No. 5 passes through the city.
WHERE TO STAY
OTDC's Panthanivas, Buxi Bazar, Cuttack
OTHERS HOTELS:
Hotel Lords
Hotel Ashoka
Hotel Akbari
Hotel Sagar
Hotel Ananda
Hotel Monalisa
Hotel Niladri
Hotel Veena
Hotel Ambika
Bombay Hotel
Hotel Adarsha
Hotel Roxy
Hotel Dwarika
Cuttack Hotel
Hotel Shri Jagannath
SHOPPING
Cuttack also offers excellent shopping facilities. Handicrafts and
textiles, both in silk and cotton brought from the Cuttack region and
elsewhere in Orissa are available in the state emporia. But Cuttack is
best known for its excellent silver
filigree work, which is fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils
and decorative items.
FOR MORE TRAVEL INFORMATION
Tourist Office, Arunodaya Market Building, Link Road, Cuttack,
Phone: 612225
Gram: ORISSATOUR
Tourist Counter, Cuttack Railway Station,
Phone: 6105507
Nearby Cities
Banki: 52-km
Bhattarika: 08-km
Chandikhol: 43-km
Chhatia: 30-km
Anusupa Lake: 70-km
Naraja: 15-km
Niali Village: 47-km
Ashokajhar; 90-km
Dhabaleswar: 35-km
Bhubaneswar
: 29-km
