Cuttack

India

Cuttack is a city in the state of Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) in India. Kali Temple in Cuttack

Cuttack is also referred to as the Millenium City of Odisha and the Silver City because of its history of 1000 years and because it is world famous for its silver filigree work. It is also referred to as the business capital of the state. It was the previous capital of Odisha until the state government shifted base to Bhubaneshwar in 1948. Now, it is a modern city but with lots of old traditions attached to it; Cuttack has a perfect combination of traditional and modern lifestyle.

Cuttack experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. The summer season is from March to June when the climate is hot and humid. The temperature around this season is 35 °C to 40 °C Thunderstorms are common at the height of the summer. The monsoon months are from July to October when the city receives most of its rainfall from the South West Monsoon.

Seeing places in Cuttack depends on the time of the year. Summers temperatures can reach as high as 49 degrees celsius. If you arrive in autumn (September to November) you can see this city showing its cultural tradition, at the time of most of the festivals. Easily the second largest celebration of Durga Puja with a huge following, Cuttack hosts about 1000-1500 Puja pandals every year. Each of them is quite unique and distinct in shape and size. It is quite crowded during this time and chances are that you may not be allowed to travel in your vehicle through most of the parts of the city; if you have time and you are fit enough, just settle for walking throughout the city.

Cuttack was established more than 1000 years ago as a military establishment. You can still see the remnants in the old city. There is a fort which is still being excavated by the ASI. Cuttack is said to have survived a dangerous past due to the presence of Maa Cuttack Chandi and Maa Gada Chandi who guard the cities from the evil eyes and the mighty Mahanadi. Its perhaps only the second lowest city in the world after Amsterdam which is below sea level. Cuttack is protected from the mighty Mahandi and Kathjodi by the Baimundi Mark which acts as an embankment to the city.

Cuttack is famous for its world famous silver filigree work. If you visit don't miss the mouth watering plate of "Dahi-Vada, Aludam ghuguni, seu". You will also get best of Mutton, Cham and Chicken Chops at Professor Para. If you happen want to have a lonely evening and fresh air .. Just hop in to Bidanasi River Embankment or have a drive/ride on the Baimundi Marg... you won't be disappointed.

Cuttack is known as a place of Bawan Bazar Tepan Gali(Meaning:'52 Markets, 53 Lanes'). This place might give you the impression of an old place with very small and dirty lanes, but thats how you define a lotus.

Take a stroll on the banks of River Kathajodi and enjoy the sunset. This is a magnificent site. If you are visiting Cuttack sometime in mid-October or November don't forget to enjoy the Dusshera and Balijatra (the biggest trade fair held in the eastern region).

  • Filigree work in silver and ivory.
  • Textiles - the famous Cuttacki or Katki saris.
  • Filigree Work - Ashok Jewellers Nayasadak Cuttack. 091-0671-2619203, 091 9861370725

Bara, piaji, dahibara and aludum are favorites of the Cuttack people Mouthwatering, Roadside 'Dahibara(Dahiwada), Aaludum, ghuguni and seu'. (Its little spicy) Pav Bhaji near Gauri shankar park. Hot tea and coffee near cantonment road.

Bidanasi--raghu dahibara

Manglabag---Pratap dahibara

These are readily available.