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             CUTTACK TRAVEL GUIDE

Cuttack is one of the oldest cities in India and the Business Capital of Orissa. It is
situated in a tongue of land formed by the Mahanadi River and its main branch the
Kathajodi River  Its actual pronunciation is 'Katak'.

Cuttack is also the headquarters of Cuttack District. It lies near Bhubaneswar, Puri
and Konark. It is more than a thousand years old, and was the capital of Orissa for
almost nine centuries, before Bhubaneswar was made the capital city. With its world
famous unique filigree works in silver, ivory and brass works and textiles of woven
silk and cotton, Cuttack is perhaps the grandest showroom of Orissa.

Early history of Cuttack is associated with the Keshari dynasty. As stated by the
distinguished historian A. Stirling, present-day Cuttack was established as a military
cantonment by king Nrupa Keshari of Keshari dynasty in 989 A.D. Stirling based his
opinion on Madalapanji, a chronicle of lord Jagannath temple of Puri. The reign of
Markata Keshari was distinguished for the stone embank built to protect the new
capital from flood in 1002 A.D.

Historical evidence suggests Cuttack becoming capital of a Kingdom founded by
Anangabhimadeva of Ganga dynasty in 1211 A.D. After the end of Ganga rule, Orissa
passed to the hands of the Gajapati Kings (1435-1541 A.D.) of Solar dynasty under
whom Cuttack continued to be the capital of Orissa. After the death of Mukunda deva,
the last Hindu king of Orissa, Cuttack first came under Muslim rules and later under
Mughals.

By 1750, Cuttack came under Maratha rules and it grew fast as a business center
being the convenient point of contact between the Marathas of Nagpur and the
English Merchants of Bengal. It was occupied by the British in 1803 and later
became the capital of Orissa division in 1816. From 1948 onwards, when the capital
was shifted to Bhubaneswar, the city remained the administrative headquarters of
Orissa.

Remnants of an old fort called Barabati still exist in the heart of Cuttack with the moat
around the fort. Nearby is a modern stadium called the Barabati Stadium, host to
many national and international matches. Recent growth of the city has resulted in
expansion across the river Kathjori and a newer township towards the head of the
delta formed between the distributary Kathjori river and the Mahanadi. Cuttack is
referred to as a city with Babaan Bazaar,Teppan Galee i.e. a city having 52 markets
and 53 streets.

Here is situated a Holy Historical Sikh Shrine "'The Gurdwara Daatan Sahib'". It is
here that the first Sikh Guru, Shree Guru Nanak Dev halted on his way to Puri.It is
believed that a Tree planted by him after using it as a Tooth Cleaner still flourishes
here, Hence the name Daatan Sahib.


PLACE TO VISIT

Seeing places in Cuttack depends on the time of the year you are visiting this place.
Summers are a sure NO NO as temperatures can reach 49 degrees celsius. If you
arrive in Autumn (Sept to November) you can see this city showing its cultural
tradition. It's 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 dissapointed.

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



HOW TO REACH

By air - Bhubaneswar, the nearest airport is around 30 km away.

By train - Cuttack is situated on the East Coast line from Kolkata to Chennai. For
timings etc. check with Indian Railways