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Cuttack Sightseeing

AttractionArea/Distance
Katak Chandi TemplePositioned in the vicinity of the Mahanadi Riverbanks
Gada Chandi TempleDeposited inside the famous Barabati Fort
Bhattarika Temple Stationed at the Sasanga Village of the Cuttack District about 87 kilometers to the west of Cuttack
Singanatha TempleSituated upon a rocky island of the Mahanadi River
Dhabaleswar TempleLocated just 37 kilometers away from downtown Cuttack
Barabati FortSituated right next to the famous Barabati Stadium and placed about 8 kilometers away from the heart of the city
Gurdwara Daatan Sahib
Qadam-E-RasoolLocated close to the old quarters
Juma MasjidLocated in Balu Bazar
Shahi Mosque Situated within the limits of the historical Barabati Fort
Netaji Birth Place MuseumLocated at Oriya Bazaar in Cuttack
Freedom Fighter's MemorialLocated at the Old Jail Complex in the close proximity to the Big Bazaar
Barabati StadiumLocated close to the Barabati Fort
Stone Revetment Constructed on the banks of the river Mahanadi
Deer ParkSited at the Madhusudhan Nagar in the neighborhood of the celebrated Barabati Stadium
Bhitarkanika National ParkLocated in the Kendrapara District of the state of Orissa approximately 130 kilometers to the east of Cuttack
BhubaneshwarLocated just 26 kilometers to the southwest of the ‘Millennium City’ Cuttack
PuriLocated at the distance of about 97 kilometers to the south of Cuttack
Konark Located about 80 kilometers to the southeast of Cuttack


Katak Chandi Temple

Location: In the vicinity of the Mahanadi Riverbanks
The Katak (Cuttack) Chandi Temple of Cuttack positioned in the vicinity of the Mahanadi Riverbanks and dedicated to the Goddess Chandi; an incarnation of Goddess Durga is one of the most venerated religious establishments of the entire Odisha province. Worshipped as the patron deity (guardian deity) of the Cuttack City, Goddess Katak Chandi; also popularly reckoned as ‘Maa Katak Chandi’ is portrayed having four hands, each of them holding a weapon viz. Paasha (lasso), Ankusha (goad), Abhaya (fearlessness) and Varadan (boon). Other than its presiding deity Goddess Chandi, this celebrated temple of Cuttack also houses several smaller sanctums within its premises where other Hindu Gods and Goddesses are enshrined. The residents of Cuttack strongly believe that Maa Katak Chandi is a ‘Living Goddess’ and she shields the city from all evils. As the legend goes, the idol of the Goddess Katak Chandi was unearthed by a royal priest named ‘Hansa Panda’ from the same place where the temple stands today. Goddess Chandi Herself is said to have appeared in his dream and instructed him to bring Her out of the ground. It is further reported that during the excavation about forty bullock carts of red sindoor had emanated before the idol of Maa Katak Chandi emerged. Goddess Katak Chandi, also exalted as Bhuvaneshwari (the Goddess of the Universe) receives hundreds of devotees every single day. The Katak Chandi Temple of Cuttack is particularly renowned for its annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja Festivals celebrated here with tremendous pomp and grandeur.

Gada Chandi Temple

Location: Deposited inside the famous Barabati Fort
The Gada Chandi Temple of Cuttack deposited inside the famous Barabati Fort is one of the oldest existing temples of the Cuttack province that is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandika; an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This ancient tabernacle glorified for both its historical as well as religious magnitude enshrines an idol of Goddess Chandi in its sanctum which depicts the Mother Goddess holding a Gada i.e. a mace in her hand. It is supposed that Maa Gada Chandi wards off the evil with her Gada. Equally eulogized in the lines of Goddess Katak Chandi, Goddess Gada Chandi also protects the city from every harm and wrongdoing.

Bhattarika Temple

Location: Stationed at the Sasanga Village of the Cuttack District about 87 kilometers to the west of Cuttack
The Bhattarika Temple stationed at the Sasanga Village of the Cuttack District about 87 kilometers to the west of Cuttack is yet another well-known religious destination of Orissa that is dedicated to a Hindu Goddess Maa Bhattarika; one of the manifestations of Goddess Shakti or Goddess Durga. Installed at the footings of the lofty Ratnagiri Mountains on the banks of the River Mahanadi, this primeval shrine is believed to have been established sometimes between 16th century BC and 6th century BC. As cited in the Puranas (Hindu holy scriptures), when Lord Parashurama; the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the son of Maharshi Jamadagni and Goddess Renuka was defeated in a battle against Sahasrarjuna (Kartavirya Arjuna), he worshipped Goddess Durga at the very same site. Goddess Durga appeased by his penance appeared before him and blessed him with her divine powers. Eventually, Lord Parashurama killed Sahasrarjuna with the boon of Goddess Shakti. As Goddess Durga had materialized at this spot in her pure substance, the Bhattarika Temple of Cuttack is aggrandized as a ‘Shakti Pitha’ amongst the devotees. The Bhattarika Temple celebrates Pana Sankranti Festival in the month of Chaitra, Akshaya Tritiya Festival in the month of Vaishakh and Dussehra Festival in the month of Ashwin. The Bhattarika Temple set up against the imposing backdrop of the Ratnagiri Mountains and flanked by the scintillating watercourse of the Mahanadi River presents a harmonious unison with unadulterated nature. The melodious chirpings of the jungle birds and the chimerical vistas of sunset and sunrise render this place a magical charm garnished with a divine touch.

Singanatha Temple

Location: Upon a rocky island of the Mahanadi River
The Singanatha Temple of Cuttack situated upon a rocky island of the Mahanadi River and easily approachable from Gopinathpur Village of the Cuttack District is one of the oldest religious installations of Odisha that is dedicated to the God of destruction; Lord Shiva. This paradigm of sacrosanct tranquility achieved in the alliance with nature’s placid bloom is a popular pilgrim destination around Cuttack that beckons thousands of devotees of Lord Mahadeva all through the year. Aside from its immense religious and spiritual magnificence what allures the visitors to no limit is the architectural and artistic distinction of Singanatha Temple that finds no match in any of the contemporary architectonics. The Singanatha Temple embellished with stunning frameworks demonstrates a brilliant resemblance to ancient Indian Temples constructed during the bygone eras. Apart from the devout and enthusiastic tourists the students and researchers of ancient architecture also make it a point to visit the Singanatha Temple of Cuttack and get a glimpse of the architectural ingenuity achieved during the yesteryears. What adds to the popularity of this temple is its scenic location augmented by the graceful serenity of the ambience. Surrounded by the meandering waterway of the Mahanadi River and bequeathed with exceptional panoramic pulchritude a visit to the Singanatha Temple is unquestionably a banquet to the human eyes.

Dhabaleswar Temple

Location: Just 37 kilometers away from downtown Cuttack
The Dhabaleswar Temple dedicated to the Destroyer God; Lord Shiva is an ancient Hindu shrine that is located just 37 kilometers away from downtown Cuttack. Positioned atop the photographic Dhabaleswar Island of the river Mahanadi, this holy temple can also be reached from Cuttack through ferryboats. The exotic Dhabaleswar Island is connected to the mainland by a long pillar-less hanging bridge. The term ‘Dhabaleswar’ literally means ‘the Lord of the White’. The vicinity derives its epithet from the prevailing legend that a black calf was turned white by Lord Shiva to save a thief from the agitated crowd here. Existing for past several hundred years and exceedingly revered amongst the devotees for its extensive religious and mythological significance, the Dhabaleswar Temple serves as one of the most sought after religious destinations and one of the most frequented weekend getaways around Cuttack. The present day Dhabaleswar Temple constructed under the benefaction of King Bir Kishor; the sovereign of Khurda dates back to 1232 AD (approx.). The most conspicuous feature the Dhabaleswar Temple is distinguished for is its peerless stone carvings dating back to 10th and 11th century AD. To be found atop a tiny hillock on one of the islands of the Mahanadi River, the Dhabaleswar Temple can be reached after climbing a small flight of stairs. Endowed with spectacular sceneries and ethereal ambiance, the Dhabaleswar Temple receives a great influx of devotees particularly on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri Festival. Other festivals celebrated at this Shiva Temple include Dola Purnima, Pausha Purnima and Kartiki Purnima. A grand fair is held at the Dhabaleswar Temple on the occasion of the Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi of the Hindu month Kartik.

Barabati Fort

Location: Right next to the famous Barabati Stadium and placed about 8 kilometers away from the heart of the city
The Barabati Fort of Cuttack situated right next to the famous Barabati Stadium and placed about 8 kilometers away from the heart of the city is an ancient citadel that has stood witness to the eventful history of the Odisha Kingdom ever since its inception. As stated in the ‘Madalapanji’, the Barabati Fort was established in the year 989 AD as a military base camp and the city Cuttack gradually developed around this stronghold over the centuries. However, is it also suggested that King Anangabhimadeva constructed this fort in 1229 AD after he shifted his capital from Choudwar Kataka to Abhinaba Varanasi Kataka (the present day Cuttack). Later in 1560 AD, a Chalukya King Mukundadev Harichandan erected a lofty nine storied palace within the premises of the Barabati Fort. This historical garrison is today turned into ruins and lies on the right banks of the river Mahanadi in the western Cuttack. As per the surveys made by the archaeological department, the Barabati Fort originally covering an all encompassing area of 102 acres was designed in the rectangular shape and was fortified by a strong laterite & sandstone rampart. Some of the most worth mentioning vestiges of the Barabati Fort include an arched gateway, the earthen mound of the 9 storied palace, a tank, a moat and some decrepit sculptures. The celebrated temple of Goddess Katak Chandi is also sited in the proximity with the Barabati Fort itself.

Gurdwara Daatan Sahib

Location:
Gurdwara Daatan Sahib of Cuttack tremendously revered amongst the Sikh community of the city and recurrently visited both by the devotees and the tourists is a blessed site and a hallowed pilgrim destination where the cardinal Guru of Sikhism; Guru Nanak Ji had halted on His way to Puri. As the legend goes, Guru Nanak Ji used a tiny twig of a tree as ‘daatan’ (toothbrush) and later dropped it on the ground. The discarded sprig sprouted and a plantlet sprung out of it. The Gurdwara that was eventually raised at the very venue was christened as ‘Gurdwara Daatan Sahib’ in the honor of Guru Nanak and the miraculous daatan used by Him. The tree grown out of that consecrated daatan still proliferates in the vicinity of the Gurdwara Daatan Sahib. Boasting of its unsurpassed religious and historical magnitude, this sacred Gurdwara Shrine of Cuttack receives hordes of Sikh devotees everyday who come here and pay homage at the feet of the Guru Granth Sahib enshrined in its sanctum.

Qadam-E-Rasool

Location: Close to the old quarters
The term ‘Qadam-E-Rasool’ literally means the footprints of the messenger or apostle, i.e. the footprints of Prophet Muhammad. Located close to the old quarters and sprawling over an extensive area of 57 acres the Qadam-E-Rasool Mosque of Cuttack; exceptionally treasured for its matchless architectural credential presents a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim orders of structural designs. Constructed under the patronage of Shujaddin Khan, this personification of beauty and artistry is exceedingly venerated amongst the Muslim community of the region as it contains a spherical stone upon which the foot imprints of Prophet Muhammad are believed to be impressed. The Qadam-E-Rasool Mosque canopied with four flat cupolas and garlanded with concreted pavements from all sides is surrounded by an elevated compound wall. Festooned with four tiny yet strong towers at its four corners, this compound wall houses a graveyard within its precincts where several eminent personalities from the pages of history lay buried. The main octagonal shaped building topped by a magnanimous dome ornamented with a golden pinnacle holds the foot imprints of Prophet Mohammad. Apart from the aesthetically contrived domes and the three mosques, the Qadam-E-Rasool Mosque of Cuttack is also renowned for its balletic music gallery known as ‘Nawabat Khana’.

Juma Masjid

Location: In Balu Bazar
The Urdu term ‘Juma’ literally means; ‘big’ or ‘enormous’. The Juma Masjid of Cuttack located in Balu Bazar is the oldest, largest and the most resplendent mosque of the city that was established during the Mughal dominion in Odisha. The gargantuan Juma Mosque houses a number of lodging quarters within its periphery which were built for providing accommodation to visitors and students. In olden days a Madrasa used to be operated within the Juma Masjid which is now shifted outside the mosque premises. The neighboring area of the Juma Masjid is inhabited both by the Hindus and the Muslims who dwell peacefully in perfect communal concord setting a classic example for the disputers.

Shahi Mosque

Location: Within the limits of the historical Barabati Fort
The Shahi Mosque of Cuttack situated within the limits of the historical Barabati Fort is yet another important religious destination of Odisha that receives myriads of devotees and pilgrims from all over the map, all through the year. Resembling the Ujale Khan Mosque of Cuttack located at the Mohammadia Bazaar in its architectural approach, the Shahi Mosque based on a hexagonal platform and embellished with magnificent domes conceives a truly commanding spectacle. Completely fabricated out of stones and tiles, this Masjid of Cuttack designed with an artistic frame of mind and decorated with splendidly intricate patterns is distinguished far and wide for its mind boggling structure as well as its boundless religious appraisal. The Shahi Mosque of Cuttack was probably used as a storehouse during the British Colonization in India. The Mehrabs on the two sides which are now closed with bricks testify this perception very well.

Netaji Birth Place Museum

Location: At Oriya Bazaar in Cuttack
RNetaji Subhash Chandra Bose; one of the most eminent Indian Nationalist Leaders and freedom fighters was born at his ancestral house ‘Janakinath Bhawan’ located at Oriya Bazaar in Cuttack on 23rd January 1897. He spent his early days as a kid at Cuttack and went to the present day Stewart School till standard six. Then he shifted to the Ravenshaw Collegiate School and later went to Calcutta for higher studies. The Janakinath Bhawan; the birthplace of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose has now been converted to a museum known as Netaji Birth Place Museum. This ancient two storied L-shaped building contains four living rooms on each floor which are now converted to displaying galleries where different paraphernalia associated with Netaji are showcased. The photographs displayed in these galleries narrate the account of the different phases of Netaji’s life and the nationalist activities he undertook during his lifetime. Other noteworthy exhibits of the Netaji Birth Place Museum include old furniture, household equipments, books, documents, other objects used by Netaji, and so on. The most attention-grabbing exhibit of this museum is the 22 original letters written by Netaji himself to his parents and family members from various places such as Shillong, Alipore New Central Jail of Calcutta, Rangoon Jail in Myanmar, Mandalay Jail of Burma, Presidency Jail, Geneva, Milan in Italy, Berlin, and so on. Every year the Cuttack City celebrates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose when various art exhibitions, students’ competitions, blood donation camps, cultural programs, yagnya, etc are organized.

Freedom Fighter's Memorial

Location: At the Old Jail Complex in the close proximity to the Big Bazaar
The Freedom Fighter’s Memorial of Cuttack located at the Old Jail Complex in the close proximity to the Big Bazaar is dedicated to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose; one of the most distinguished Indian Independent Movement Activist and the leader of the Azad Hind Fauj during the World War II. This memorial depicting a black statue of Netaji was inaugurated by the hands of the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha Mr. Naveen Patnaik on 23rd January 2010 on the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s 113th Birth Anniversary.

Barabati Stadium

Location: Close to the Barabati Fort
The Barabati Stadium of Cuttack located close to the Barabati Fort is a cricket stadium that has been a host to several One Day Internationals (ODI) as well as Test Matches ever since its inception. Owned and managed by the Orissa Cricket Association and serving as the home ground to the Orissa Cricket Team, the Barabati Stadium established in the year 1958 bears the capacity of accommodating about 45,000 people at a time. Equipped with floodlights for both day and night games, the Barabati Stadium operates as an important venue for scores of national and international cricket matches. Even football matches are held at the Barabati Stadium and its hosts numerous cultural events of Orissa too. Spread over an extensive area of 25 acres, the Barabati Stadium of Cuttack creates a semblance of the Brabourne Stadium of Mumbai to a great extent.

Stone Revetment

Location: Constructed on the banks of the river Mahanadi
The Stone Revetment of Cuttack constructed on the banks of the river Mahanadi dates back to early 11th century (1002 AD) when the Kingdom of Odisha was governed by the Keshari Monarchs of the Somavansha Clan. Built under the patronage of King Markata Keshari, this Stone Revetment has been guarding Cuttack; the erstwhile capital of Odisha from the seasonal floods of the Mahanadi River and its tributaries for past thousand years. This specimen of ancient engineering proficiency & advancement, and a marvelous testimony of technical expertise as well as rational thinking prevailing amongst the 11th century Oriyans fascinates the beholders with its excellence and flawlessness.

Deer Park

Location: Sited at the Madhusudhan Nagar in the neighborhood of the celebrated Barabati Stadium
The Deer Park of Cuttack sited at the Madhusudhan Nagar in the neighborhood of the celebrated Barabati Stadium is one of the foremost picnic destinations and evening getaways of the Cuttack City that particularly beckons nature lovers and children to come and unwind amidst the composed natural environs in the midst of the humdrum of city life. Established at a dazzling spot majestically overlooking the splendid Mahanadi River; the Deer Park of Cuttack shelters around 60 deer within its protected premises. Nature at its full bloom and the gorgeous deer cheerfully wandering around, directly transport you to the ancient India when people used to reside in hermitages.

Bhitarkanika National Park

Location: In the Kendrapara District of the state of Orissa approximately 130 kilometers to the east of Cuttack
Bhitarkanika National Park located in the Kendrapara District of the state of Orissa approximately 130 kilometers to the east of Cuttack is a wildlife conservation area that has been created out of the core zone of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in the year 1998 and covering an all-inclusive area of 672 square kilometers, the Bhitarkanika National Park lies in the Bhitarkanika Mangroves; a mangrove wetland of Odisha to be found at the river delta of the Brahmani, Dhamra and Baitarani Rivers. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary constituted in the year 1975 happens to be the second largest mangrove ecosystem of the country. Shrouded under the emerald cloak of thespia, sundari, casuarinas, indigo bush and other grasses & trees, the Bhitarkanika National Park & Sanctuary provide a secured home to the endangered Saltwater Crocodile, White Crocodile, King Cobra, Indian Python, Darters, Black Ibis, and innumerable other species of flora and fauna. Nearly 700 saltwater crocodiles inhabit the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary. Other residents of this nature preserve include rhesus monkeys, water monitor lizard, wild pigs, chitals, olive ridley sea-turtles, kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, Asian open bill, etc.

Bhubaneshwar

Location: Just 26 kilometers to the southwest of the ‘Millennium City’ Cuttack
Bhubaneshwar; the ‘Temple City’ of the country and one of the angles of the religious Golden Triangle of India (the other two being Puri and Konark) is located just 26 kilometers to the southwest of the ‘Millennium City’ Cuttack. Furnishing as the state capital of Orissa and the center of all religious, cultural and economic activities of the region, Bhubaneshwar; the largest city of the Odisha Province is celebrated for its rich architectural and cultural endowment. The wide spectrum of over 600 temples revealing the typical Kalinga style of architecture sings the sagas of the artistic ingenuity achieved during the bygone eras. The term ‘Bhubaneshwar’ literally means, ‘the Lord of the Universe’. Boasting its elongated history of more than 2000 years, the contemporary Bhubaneshwar City was planned and designed by a prolific German architect; Otto Königsberger in the year 1946. Listed amongst the cleanest and greenest civics of the nation, Bhubaneshwar a booming IT and industrial hub is one of the fastest developing metropolitans of India receives heavy influx of tourists all through the year. Aggrandized as a prominent pilgrim destination amongst the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains; Bhubaneshwar is particularly acclaimed for its 10th century Lingaraja Temple, the Kandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, the Ashoka Edicts and a 2nd century BC Jain Monastery. Not only that, Bhubaneshwar also happens to be the very site where the great battle of Kalinga was fought and eventually the great Emperor Ashoka turned to Buddhism leaving the path of warfare.

Puri

Location: At the distance of about 97 kilometers to the south of Cuttack
The headquarters of the ‘Puri District’ and one of the oldest cities of the eastern Indian peninsula Puri; yet another angle of the Golden Triangle of Orissa is located at the distance of about 97 kilometers to the south of Cuttack. Also recognized by the name Jagannath Puri, Puri is a highly revered pilgrim destination of the Hindus and one of the holy Char Dhams of India. Puri is the sacred abode of Lord Jagannath (the Lord of the world) and it is stated that the pilgrimage to all the temples in India is not considered complete and fruitful until and unless you pay homage to the Lord Jagannath of Jagannath Puri. This is the only Vaishnavite shrine in India where Radha is also worshipped in a Krishna temple along with his other consorts. Puri, applauded for its geographical position and its beaches is settled at such a coastal location that spellbinding vistas of both rising and setting sun can be viewed from its oceanfront. Jagannath Puri has even contributed a word to the English language ‘Juggernaut’ which means destructive and sacrificial devotion. Other than the religious significance and captivating appeal or gorgeous beaches, the city is also remarkable for its rich historical and cultural heritage and architectural splendor. Puri has recently emerged as a developing industrial hub due to its chief industries such as rice milling, fish curing and handicrafts.

Konark

Location: About 80 kilometers to the southeast of Cuttack
Konark, located about 80 kilometers to the southeast of Cuttack is a modest township of the Puri District that has earned recognition on the international front for its celebrated Sun Temple dating back to 13th century AD. Also well-known as the ‘Black Pagoda’, this transcendental temple; a perfect specimen of artistic dexterity was constructed during the tenure of an Eastern Ganga King; Maharaja Narasimhadeva-I. Deemed as a World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple of Konark designed in the form of a huge chariot of Lord Surya is exclusively built in shiny black granite. The entire temple complex portraying a grand chariot suspended upon the twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheel and drawn by seven heavenly horses is extensively bedecked with elaborate stone carvings. Two mighty lions crushing two war elephants guard the entrance of the temple. As you cross the threshold, you would come across a ‘Nata Mandir’ where temple dancers perform various dance forms, particularly Odissi in the honor of the Sun God. Burnished with attractive floral and geometrical outlines, the Konark Sun Temple also depicts eye catching sculptures delineating human, divine and semi-divine figurines manifesting sensuous poses similar to Khajuraho. As the Sun Temple is partially in ruins today, innumerable sculptures retrieved from the temple are now exhibited in the Sun Temple Museum. Not only that, Konark also hosts the annual Konark Dance Festival in the month of December.