Odisha, India
Cuttack
Odisha’s Silver City of rivers, heritage and legendary street food.
Best time to visitOctober to March; November for Bali Jatra
Ideal duration2 days
Nearest airportBiju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar — about 30 km
Budget₹6,000–₹10,000 per person for 3 days
Typecity
Cuttack is Odisha’s historic Silver City, set between the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers. Centuries of maritime trade, royal history and living craft traditions shape a city known for Barabati Fort, Cuttack Chandi Temple and delicate Tarakasi silver filigree.
Explore atmospheric old neighbourhoods and riverfronts, learn about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Odisha’s maritime past, and follow the crowds to stalls serving the city’s signature Dahibara Aloodum. Visit during Durga Puja for elaborate pandals or during Bali Jatra for one of Odisha’s most celebrated fairs.
Experiences
- Taste Dahibara Aloodum: Follow local crowds to a street-food stall for Cuttack’s signature combination of soft dahi bara and spicy aloo dum.
- Shop for silver filigree: Browse workshops and jewellery stores to see the delicate Tarakasi craft that gives Cuttack its Silver City nickname.
- Walk the riverfront: Enjoy an early-morning or sunset walk along the Mahanadi and Kathajodi riverbanks for broad views and local life.
- Experience Cuttack Durga Puja: If visiting in autumn, explore elaborate pandals and the city’s celebrated silver and gold festival backdrops.
Attractions
- Barabati Fort: Explore the ruins of a 14th-century riverside fort closely tied to Cuttack’s royal and military history.
- Cuttack Chandi Temple: Visit the city’s revered presiding-deity temple, especially atmospheric during the annual Durga Puja season.
- Netaji Birth Place Museum: See photographs, letters and personal objects at the restored ancestral home where Subhas Chandra Bose was born.
- Odisha Maritime Museum: Discover Odisha’s river and maritime heritage inside a restored colonial-era workshop beside the Mahanadi.
- Dhabaleswar Temple: Take a scenic trip to this Shiva temple on an island in the Mahanadi, reached by a pedestrian bridge.
Local food
- Dahibara Aloodum: Lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt and topped with spicy potato curry, ghuguni and fresh garnishes.
- Raghu Dahibara: A much-loved local take on Cuttack’s signature snack, typically enjoyed fresh from a street-side vendor.
- Thunka Puri: A large, soft festive puri traditionally served with fragrant chhena tarkari during Bali Jatra.
- Chhena Poda: Odisha’s caramelised baked cottage-cheese dessert, rich, smoky and widely available at local sweet shops.
- Cuttack Mixture: A crunchy savoury blend of sev, lentils, nuts and spices that makes an easy snack or edible souvenir.
Videos from Cuttack