Things To Do
in Cuttack

Cuttack, India, known as the 'Silver City,' is located in the eastern part of the country in the state of Odisha. It is famous for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and historical significance, particularly as a former capital of Odisha. The city is renowned for its intricate silver filigree work and is a hub for traditional crafts.

Cuttack also offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient traditions, making it an intriguing destination for both history enthusiasts and contemporary travelers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Cuttack
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Barabati Fort, an ancient fortification offering panoramic views of the city. After exploring the fort, head to the nearby Barabati Stadium, a famous cricket venue.

afternoon
:

Visit the Cuttack Chandi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chandi, and experience the spiritual atmosphere. Enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant and then explore the local silver filigree workshops.

evening
:

Stroll along the Mahanadi Riverfront, enjoying the sunset views. End your day with dinner at a local eatery, sampling traditional Odia cuisine.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Begin with a visit to the Netaji Birth Place Museum, which showcases the life of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose. Then, head to the Odisha State Maritime Museum to learn about Odisha's maritime history.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a local café and then visit the famous Cuttack Baliyatra, a traditional fair held annually. If it's not festival time, visit the local craft market to buy souvenirs.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city and take part in a cultural dance performance if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a local restaurant$2 - $5
🚌Local bus fare$0.20
🏨Budget hotel room$10 - $20
Coffee at a café$1 - $2
🛒Groceries for a week$15 - $30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
  • Delicious and unique local cuisine.
  • Friendly and hospitable locals.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Traffic congestion in certain areas.
  • Summer heat can be intense.
  • "ନମସ୍କାର" - Hello
  • "ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ" - Thank you
  • "କେମିତି ଅଛନ୍ତି?" - How are you?
  • "ମୁଁ ଏହା ଭଲ ପାଏ" - I like this.
  • "କୃପୟା" - Please

Places to Visit in Cuttack

Visit one of these nice places.

Barabati Fort

A historic fort providing stunning views of the city and opportunities for great landscape photography.

Mahanadi Riverfront

Perfect for capturing sunset views and the vibrant life along the riverside.

Cuttack Chandi Temple

An architectural marvel with intricate designs, ideal for cultural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Cuttack

Cuttack's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary flavors, offering a variety of local dishes that reflect the region's rich heritage.

Cuttack Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Dalma

A flavorful lentil-based dish cooked with vegetables and spices, often served with rice.

Must-Try!

Pakhala

A fermented rice dish served with fried fish and salad, particularly popular in the summer.

Chhena Poda

A baked cheese dessert made from fresh chhena (cottage cheese) and flavored with cardamom.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Buxi Bazar

A bustling market known for its street food stalls serving local snacks like Dahi Bara and Aloo Tikki.

Mangalabag

Famous for its sweet shops and local delicacies, perfect for trying sweets like Rasgulla.

Climate Guide

Weather

Cuttack experiences a tropical climate with three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers are hot and humid, typically lasting from March to June, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall. Winters, from December to February, are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respecting local customs

Always greet with a namaste and remove shoes before entering homes and temples.

Dress modestly

Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites.

Being polite

Use polite language and greetings; showing respect is valued in the culture.

Safety Guide

Safety

Cuttack is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and guarding personal belongings. It's advisable to stay informed about local customs and areas to avoid.

Tipping in Cuttack

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated, typically around 10% in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but digital payments are increasingly common with apps like Paytm.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter (December - February)

Cool and pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Summer (March - June)

Hot and humid with temperatures rising above 40°C; stay hydrated and prefer indoor activities.

Monsoon (June - September)

Heavy rainfall can occur; travel may be disrupted, but the landscape becomes lush and beautiful.

Autumn (October - November)

Mild temperatures and clear skies make it an excellent time for travel and outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Cuttack at Night

Cuttack's nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities. Most nightlife revolves around casual dining and small cafes. Some local bars and lounges offer live music and themed nights, particularly on weekends. Outdoor gatherings at riverfronts also provide a social atmosphere for locals and tourists alike, although late-night activities are limited.

Hiking in Cuttack

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Daringbadi

Located about 90 km from Cuttack, Daringbadi is often referred to as the 'Kashmir of Odisha,' offering scenic hills and trekking trails.

Chandragiri

A hill station near Cuttack, known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails through dense forests.

Airports

How to reach Cuttack by plane.

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPNI)

Located approximately 30 km from Cuttack, this airport serves domestic and limited international flights, providing good connectivity.

Getting Around

Walkability

Cuttack is moderately walkable, especially in the central areas where many attractions are located close to each other. Sidewalks are present but can be uneven or crowded. It's advisable to explore on foot during cooler parts of the day.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Odia Community

The majority population, known for their rich cultural traditions and festivals.

Migrants from other states

A growing demographic that contributes to the city's diversity, bringing different cultures and practices.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is the most popular sport in Cuttack, with local matches drawing huge crowds.

Field Hockey

Field hockey has a significant following, with the city producing several national-level players.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Cuttack can be congested, especially during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common modes of transport, along with buses. Public transportation is available but may not always be reliable; therefore, using rideshare apps or taxis is recommended for convenience.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Cuttack.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Plenty of vegetarian dishes are available, making it suitable for vegetarians.

Gluten-Free

Options may be limited, but rice-based dishes are widely available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Cuttack range from government hospitals to private clinics. Major hospitals include SCB Medical College and Hospital, which offers comprehensive services. Private clinics are also available for minor ailments. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers healthcare costs.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

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