Cuttack (କଟକ) is a historic city in eastern Odisha, set on a strip of land between the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers about 22 to 28 km from Bhubaneswar. Cuttack was the capital of Odisha until 1948 and is known as the "Silver City" for its silver filigree and the "Millennium City" for its thousand-year history.
Why visit Cuttack?
Cuttack shows a side of Odisha that the newer capital does not: narrow old-city lanes, river ghats, a fort site linked to medieval dynasties, and a strong tradition of crafts and festivals. The name derives from kataka, meaning a military camp or seat of government. Odisha Tourism dates the city to 989 CE under King Nrupa Keshari; after the medieval Hindu kingdoms, Cuttack came under Mughal rule after 1568, Maratha rule in about 1750 and British rule in 1803. Cuttack is also the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. For background, see Odisha history in brief and the Cuttack district page.
Top things to see and do in Cuttack
Barabati Fort
The ruins of Barabati Fort stand on the bank of the Mahanadi. Sources differ on its origins: Odisha Tourism's Barabati Fort page credits Maharaja Markata Keshari of the Somavanshi dynasty with founding it in 987 CE, while other accounts link the city's foundation to Nrupa Keshari in 989 CE. Eastern Ganga rulers and later King Mukunda Deva expanded it. The fort once held a nine-storey palace; today visitors see the eastern gateway, stone ramparts and excavated remains. Barabati Stadium, a major cricket venue, is next door. Read more about the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Netaji Birth Place Museum
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born in Cuttack in 1897, and his family home is now a museum displaying personal belongings, photographs and documents. Odisha Tourism lists it about 2 km from Barabati Fort.
Odisha State Maritime Museum
Opened in 2013, this museum tells the story of Odia seafaring, shipbuilding and trade. It complements our page on Odisha's maritime history.
Temples and shrines
- Cuttack Chandi Temple: dedicated to Goddess Chandi and central to Cuttack's Durga Puja celebrations.
- Dhabaleswar Temple: a Shiva temple on an island in the Mahanadi, reached by a suspension bridge.
- Qadam-e-Rasool: a historic Muslim shrine, visited by people of several faiths.
Silver filigree shopping
Cuttack's tarakasi (silver filigree) is made by twisting fine silver wire into intricate patterns for jewellery, ornaments and showpieces. Incredible India points to Chaudhury Bazaar, and Odisha Tourism to the Nayasadak area, for workshops and shops. Learn more on our silver filigree page.
When is the best time to visit Cuttack?
October to March is the most comfortable season, and it includes Cuttack's two biggest festivals. Durga Puja (September or October) is celebrated with elaborate pandals, some decorated with silver filigree. Bali Jatra begins on Kartika Purnima (late October or November) and runs for about a week at Gadagadia Ghat on the Mahanadi near Barabati Fort; it commemorates the voyages of Odia mariners, the sadhabas, to Bali, Java and Sri Lanka and has grown into a very large open-air fair. From April to June Cuttack is hot, and the June to September monsoon is wet. Festival dates follow the Odia lunar calendar; see the Odiapedia festival calendar for exact dates.
How to reach Cuttack
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Air | Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar; Odisha Tourism puts it about 35 km from Barabati Fort |
| Rail | Cuttack railway station (CTC) is on the main east-coast line; Odisha Tourism places it about 5 km from Barabati Fort |
| Road | National Highway 16 connects Cuttack with Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Brahmapur; city buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws run between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar |
See how to reach Odisha for details on buses and rail across the state.
What to eat in Cuttack
Cuttack is famous for street food. The signature dish is dahibara aloodum: lentil fritters soaked in spiced yoghurt water, served with a spicy potato curry and toppings. During Bali Jatra, look for thunka puri, a puffed puri sold at the fair. Sweet shops sell chhena poda, rasagola and chhena jhilli. Odia home-style meals with dalma are widely available too.
Etiquette and practical tips
- Dress modestly at temples; remove shoes where asked and follow photography rules.
- Festivals are crowded. During Durga Puja and Bali Jatra, roads around the pandals and the fair ground are packed; use public transport and keep valuables secure.
- Buy filigree from established shops and ask about silver purity and hallmarking.
- Respect river ghats as places of worship and bathing; do not litter in the Mahanadi.
Nearby places to visit
- Bhubaneswar: the temple city and state capital; see our Bhubaneswar guide.
- Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri: the Buddhist sites of the Diamond Triangle, roughly 60 to 100 km away.
- Bhitarkanika National Park: the mangrove park in Kendrapara district; see Bhitarkanika.
Plan your visit
A full day covers Barabati Fort, the Netaji museum, the Maritime Museum and a filigree workshop, with an evening for street food. Many travellers stay in Bhubaneswar and visit Cuttack as a day trip. To build Cuttack into a custom Odisha itinerary, send a request at /travel/plan.