Where history, heritage, and handlooms come alive- Often overshadowed by its twin city Bhubaneswar, Cuttack is one of India’s most underrated cultural gems. Known as the Millennium City and the Silver City of India, Cuttack is a place where the past hasn’t faded into the background—it’s very much alive in its lanes, festivals, and timeless crafts Now we exploring Things To Do and See in Cuttack.
Built in 989 AD by King Nrupa Keshari, Cuttack served as the capital of Odisha for centuries. Today, it remains a bustling city where medieval forts coexist with vibrant bazaars, where ancient rituals are still practiced with precision, and where every corner tells a story.
Whether you’re a culture buff, foodie, history lover, or someone simply looking for an offbeat travel experience, Cuttack rewards curiosity. Here are the top 10 things to do and see in Cuttack, complete with practical tips and travel insights.
1. Barabati Fort – A Glimpse into Odisha’s Royal Past
Where moss-covered ruins whisper centuries of history
Once the seat of the Ganga dynasty’s power, the Barabati Fort is Cuttack’s most iconic historical site. Though much of it lies in ruins, its impressive 11th-century stone gateway, thick laterite walls, and old moat still evoke the grandeur of its past.
Don’t miss:
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The quiet Barabati Stadium nearby, now a hub for cricket
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A walk along the old moat, especially in the early morning mist
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The open-air amphitheater for occasional cultural programs
Practical Info:
Location: 2 km from the city center
Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset for photos
Entry: Free
2. Netaji Birthplace Museum – Tracing the Legacy of a Revolutionary
Walk through the childhood home of Subhas Chandra Bose
Cuttack takes immense pride in being the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. His ancestral home has been turned into a museum, showcasing his life through photographs, letters, and personal belongings.
Highlights:
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A rare collection of Netaji’s handwritten notes
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Insight into his early education and nationalist ideology
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The aura of stepping into a space where history was made
Practical Info:
Location: Oriya Bazar
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry: Free
Top Itineraries for a Puri Odisha Trip:
- 6-Day Odisha Buddhist Tour – Complete Itinerary
- 9-Day Odisha Wildlife Tour – Best Travel Plan
- 10-Day Odisha Adventure Trip – Full Itinerary
- 4-Day Odisha Diamond Triangle Tour Plan
- 4-Day Odisha Tour – Itinerary & Highlights
3. Cuttack Chandi Temple – Divine Energy and Local Faith
Where the goddess watches over the city
The Cuttack Chandi Temple is the spiritual heart of the city. Dedicated to Goddess Chandi, the fierce and compassionate form of Durga, this temple draws thousands, especially during the Durga Puja festival.
The temple is modest in size but rich in atmosphere—the scent of incense, the rhythmic chanting, and the devotion of local worshippers create a powerful presence.
Travel Tip:
Visit during Durga Puja or Kali Puja when the temple and the city explode in celebration.
Practical Info:
Location: Near Biju Patnaik Chowk
Open from early morning till late evening
Entry: Free, respectful dress recommended
4. Dhabaleswar Island & Temple – A Sacred Escape on the River
Where devotion meets serenity, surrounded by water
Located on an island in the Mahanadi River, the Dhabaleswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a spiritual getaway from the city buzz.
To reach the temple, you can take a boat ride or walk across the suspension bridge, which adds a touch of thrill and charm. The surrounding scenery—lush green banks, calm waters, and chirping birds—makes the journey as beautiful as the destination.
Best Time to Visit:
During Kartik Purnima (usually in November), when the temple lights up with lamps and festivities.
Practical Info:
Location: 37 km from Cuttack
How to get there: Private cab or bus to the riverbank, then boat/walk
Entry: Free; nominal fee for boat rides
5. The Silver Filigree Craft – A Legacy in Every Curve
Witness the delicate art that earned Cuttack the title “Silver City”
Nowhere else in India is silver filigree as fine, intricate, and exquisite as in Cuttack. Known locally as Tarakasi, this 500-year-old art form uses pure silver drawn into threads and woven into delicate designs—often jewelry, ornaments, and even full-sized showpieces like elephants and palanquins.
What to Do:
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Visit artisan workshops in Mangalabag or Nayasarak
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Watch the meticulous process of melting, threading, and shaping
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Pick up a souvenir—no two pieces are ever alike
Travel Tip:
Ask to see durga and chandi idols made entirely of filigree—these are masterpieces!
6. Durga Puja in Cuttack – A Festival Unlike Any Other
Where devotion meets artistry in silver and light
Durga Puja in Cuttack is unlike anywhere else in India. Here, the goddess is adorned not just with fabric—but with handcrafted silver backdrops known as “Chandi Medha.”
For ten days, the city transforms into a carnival of devotion and craftsmanship. Streets are lit with elaborate pandals, and music fills the air till the early hours of the morning.
Must-See Pandals:
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Chandni Chowk
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College Square
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Balu Bazar
Travel Tip:
Book accommodations early; this is the city’s peak season.
7. Maritime Museum – Cuttack’s Forgotten Naval History
Discover Odisha’s ancient seafaring past
The Odisha State Maritime Museum, located in the old Jobra workshop, is a fascinating dive into the region’s shipbuilding history. Did you know that Odisha once had extensive trade with Southeast Asia via the sea?
Inside You’ll Find:
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Restored British-era marine engines and workshops
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Detailed exhibits on Boita Bandana, Odisha’s ancient maritime festival
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A working boat replica and interactive ship models for kids
Practical Info:
Location: Jobra Road
Open: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Mondays
Entry: ₹10 (₹5 for students)
8. Baliyatra Fair – Where Myth, Trade & Nostalgia Converge
Asia’s largest open-air trade fair rooted in ancient tradition
Held every year on the banks of the Mahanadi River in November, Baliyatra celebrates the day ancient Odia traders (Sadhabas) set sail for distant lands. Today, it’s a vibrant fairground with everything from food stalls and handicrafts to cultural performances and Ferris wheels.
Don’t Miss:
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Paper boats with lamps floated in memory of sailors
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Regional food delicacies like dahibara aloodum
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Local handicrafts and live performances
Travel Tip:
This is a true local experience—expect crowds, color, and chaos in the best way.
9. Stone Revetment of Cuttack – An Engineering Marvel
A silent guardian of the city’s past
Built in the 11th century to protect Cuttack from the flooding Mahanadi, the stone embankments are a marvel of ancient engineering. Still holding strong, they represent both utility and resilience.
Though not touristy in the traditional sense, standing on these stones gives you a sense of the city’s eternal bond with its river.
Travel Tip:
Go during sunrise or sunset—local joggers and fishermen make the scene atmospheric.
10. Street Food Trail – Taste the Soul of Cuttack
A burst of spice, tang, and tradition in every bite
No visit to Cuttack is complete without indulging in its iconic street food. It’s flavorful, affordable, and deeply connected to local culture.
Must-Try Dishes:
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Dahibara Aloodum – Cuttack’s signature snack, best eaten from a roadside vendor
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Chhena Poda – Caramelized cheese dessert
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Samosa with Ghugni – A spicy chickpea curry
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Rasgulla – Claiming origin pride before Bengal
Best Areas for Food:
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Buxi Bazar
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Choudhury Bazar
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Badambadi
Pro Tip: Go on a walking food tour in the evening—bring an appetite and loose pants!
Final Thoughts: Let Cuttack Surprise You
Cuttack doesn’t show off. It doesn’t need to. Its charm lies in its layered history, community-driven traditions, and the art and soul of its people. Whether you’re walking through narrow lanes echoing with temple bells or watching an artisan bend silver into lace, Cuttack reveals itself slowly—and beautifully.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s authentic, deeply rooted in culture, and welcomes curiosity with open arms, then this millennium-old city might just steal your heart.
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