Things To Do
in Cuttack
Cuttack is a historic city located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its ancient temples and traditional silver filigree work. The city is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River and is known for its vibrant festivals, including the famous Cuttack Durga Puja.
Cuttack is also an important commercial and trading hub in the region, with bustling markets and a thriving textile industry.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.75
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Barabati Fort. Explore the surrounding park for some scenic views.
Enjoy a traditional Odia lunch at a local eatery. Post lunch, visit the Cuttack Chandi Temple for a spiritual experience.
Witness the vibrant local markets filled with silver filigree items. Grab a snack from a roadside vendor to soak in the evening ambiance.
Begin your day by visiting the iconic Dhabaleswar Temple, located on an island. Enjoy the stunning views of the Mahanadi River.
Have a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant serving local specialties. After that, head to the Sati Chura Temple to experience its tranquil surroundings.
Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank. Enjoy the sunset and relish some local street food.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Strategically located as a hub connecting major cities in Odisha
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
- Vibrant local cuisine, especially famous for sweets and seafood
- Good educational institutions and colleges
- Pleasant weather, especially during winters
- Access to natural beauty with rivers and nearby beaches
- Infrastructure development is still catching up with larger cities
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Healthcare facilities might not be as advanced as in tier-1 cities
- Public transport options are not very extensive
- Occasional flooding during monsoon season due to heavy rains
- Pollution levels may rise due to increasing urbanization
Best Activities in Cuttack
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the museum showcasing the life and contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader in India's struggle for independence.
Enjoy a peaceful walk and admire the natural beauty while observing deer in their natural habitat.
Visit this scenic temple located on the banks of River Mahanadi, offering a picturesque environment for spiritual reflection and relaxation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cuttack with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cuttack
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic fort with panoramic views of the city and Mahanadi River.
Scenic location with historic significance and photo opportunities.
Stunning campus with architectural beauty and scenic spots.
Offers a picturesque view of the Mahanadi River and surrounding area.
Food in Cuttack
Cuttack Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food dish consisting of lentil dumplings soaked in spiced yoghurt and served with spicy potato curry.
Must-Try!
A delicious fish curry made with mixed vegetables and spices, a staple dish in Cuttack.
A delectable dessert made from paneer, sugar, and cardamom, baked to perfection.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cuttack better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market renowned for its variety of street food offerings, including Dahi Bara Aloo Dum, Chaat, and mouthwatering sweets like Rasabali and Chhena Poda.
A vibrant street food hub where one can relish local favorites like Bara Ghuguni, Cuttack Chaat, and authentic Odia snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Cuttack, it is customary to greet people with 'Namaskar' or 'Namaste' with folded hands as a sign of respect.
Respecting elders is an important cultural norm in Cuttack. It is customary to touch the feet of elders as a gesture of respect.
When dining with locals in Cuttack, it is polite to eat with your right hand and to accept food or drinks with your right hand as well.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cuttack with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cuttack
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not common in Cuttack, India. However, in some upscale restaurants or hotels, a 5-10% tip may be given for exceptional service, but it is not expected.
In Cuttack, India, cash is still widely used for transactions, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. However, major credit and debit cards are accepted in larger stores and some restaurants. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and in more traditional settings.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cuttack.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Cuttack is during the winter season when the weather is cool and pleasant. You can expect clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
During the summer, Cuttack experiences hot and humid weather. Visitors can expect high temperatures and occasional thunderstorms, so it's advisable to carry light and breathable clothing. This period is not the most favorable for outdoor activities, but it's a good time to explore indoor attractions.
The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to Cuttack. Visitors can expect wet and muddy conditions, so it's essential to be prepared with rain gear. While outdoor activities may be limited during this time, the lush greenery and cultural festivals make it an interesting period to experience the local culture.
Cuttack at Night
Hiking in Cuttack
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known as the 'Kashmir of Odisha', Daringbadi offers scenic views, lush greenery, and several hiking trails through the beautiful forests.
A range of hills located in the Balasore district, ideal for hiking with its natural beauty and panoramic views.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it features diverse flora and fauna along with numerous trekking trails through its dense forests.
Though primarily known for its mangroves, Bhitarkanika offers nature trails for hiking amidst a unique ecosystem.
Hiking trails in and around Sambalpur provide opportunities to explore hillocks with breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cuttack through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cuttack by plane.
The primary airport serving Bhubaneswar, Odisha, approximately 30 km from Cuttack.
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, about 450 km from Cuttack, it serves as a major international gateway.
Situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, around 600 km from Cuttack, it offers both domestic and international flights.
Located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, approximately 600 km from Cuttack, serving mainly domestic routes with limited international services.
Situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, about 400 km from Cuttack, it serves both domestic and limited international traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Cuttack, speaking Odia, and representing the cultural and linguistic heritage of the region.
People from the neighboring state of Bihar, often comprising significant numbers in urban areas due to migration for work.
A demographic group comprising people from the Telugu-speaking states, contributing to the cultural diversity of Cuttack.
This group includes individuals from Punjab, often involved in trade and business within the city.
Bengali-speaking people who have settled in Cuttack, adding to the multicultural fabric of the city.
Various smaller communities, including Marwaris, Gujaratis, and others, who contribute to the economy and culture of Cuttack.
The Soul of Cuttack
Discover the essence of Cuttack through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Cuttack, with a passionate following and a historic cricket stadium, Barabati Stadium, hosting numerous domestic and international matches.
Field hockey has a rich history in Cuttack, producing several national-level players and witnessing various championships and tournaments.
Football enjoys considerable popularity in Cuttack, with local clubs actively participating in regional leagues and tournaments.
Badminton is gaining popularity in Cuttack, with many players participating in local and state-level competitions.
Athletics sees a good level of participation in schools and colleges in Cuttack, promoting various track and field events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cuttack.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries offer a wide array of vegetarian options, including the popular Aloo Potala Rasa, Palak Paneer, and Dalma.
While vegan options may be limited in traditional dishes, certain restaurants and cafes in Cuttack offer vegan-friendly selections like Vegetable Pakoras, Roti, and fresh fruit juices.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can indulge in dishes such as Chhena Poda, Fish Curry, and various rice-based preparations that are naturally gluten-free.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cuttack with these cultural adventures.
