Cuttack district is one of the 30 districts of Odisha state in India. It is located in the coastal part of the state. Cuttack is known as the “Silver city” due to finest Filligree works,the best in the country. The city’s original name was Abhinab-Baranasi-Katak,situated between the Mahanadi and kathajodi rivers. The district is divided into three sub division: cuttack,athagarh, and banki. Cuttack is one of the oldest cities in eastern India, rich in heritage, spirituality, and craftsmanship. From majestic temples and colonial-era structures to scenic lakes and bustling markets, the city offers a perfect blend of the old and the new. In this article, we take you on a journey through the most famous places in Cuttack that every traveler and culture enthusiast must explore.
1. Dhabaleswar Temple:
Dhabaleswar Temple is dedicated to the worship of lord shiva. The name dhabaleswar (Dhabala or white+Eswar or GOD)is attributed to a miracle performed by lord shiva. Legend says lord shiva protected a theif who had surrendered with devotion.
Festival & Importance:
- Mahashivaratri is celebrated with a great magnificence.
- A big fair is held on the shukla paksha chaturdashi of the month Kartika called Bada-osha.
How to Reach the Temple:
| Mode of Transport | Route Details | Approx. Distance | Notes |
| By Road (Private Vehicle / Taxi) | From Cuttack City → NH-55 → Chowdwar → Mancheswar → Dhabaleswar parking area | ~25 km | Last 1 km must be walked or taken by local means (bridge or boat) |
| By Bus | Cuttack Bus Stand → Bus towards Chowdwar → Get down at Nuapatna / Mancheswar | ~27 km by road | Shared auto/taxi available from Chowdwar to temple vicinity |
| By Train | Nearest Station: Cuttack Railway Station → Take taxi or local bus to Chowdwar | ~27 km by road | No direct train to temple; road journey needed after Cuttack station |
| By Boat | From Mancheswar Ghat → Ferry service to temple island | Short boat ride | Scenic route; seasonal availability depending on water level |
| By Pedestrian Bridge | Use Hanging Footbridge over Mahanadi from Mancheswar side | ~1 km walk | Best option for pilgrims; peaceful and scenic walk |
You can take:
- Private car or bike(most convenient)
- Auto rickshaw or hired cab from cuttack city
Once you Reach near the island,there are two option to access the temple:Via hanging Footbridge(jhula pul),Via Boat(ferry).
2. Cuttack Chandi Temple:
Chandi Temple is a famous saktipitha of cuttack city. Maa Cuttack Chandi is worshiped as the main deity by the local devotees of Cuttack. This Anicent temple is known to get rid of evil spirits. Chandi pooja is the popular ritual of this temple.
Festival & Importance:
16 day festival of Maa Cuttack Chandi(Sodasha vesa). The festival starts from Ashwina Krishna Ashtami and ends on Vijaya Dashami(Dussehra). In these days Maa cuttack chandi is decorated in a unique divine form e.g; Bhadrakali Vesha,Trinath Vesha,Annapurna Vesha,Durga Vesha,Kali Vesha etc. These 16 days are the most sacred and vibrant period in the temple,with thousands of devotees visiting daily.
How to Reach the Temple:
| Mode of Transport | From | To reach temple | Approx.time&cost |
| Air | Biju pattnaik Airport | Taxi or cab to temple | 30-45min, ₹700-1200 |
| Train | Cuttack junction | Auto/taxi to temple | 10-15min, ₹100-120 |
| Bus | Badambadi bus stand or CNBT | Auto/bus to temple | Varies by route 20-30min |
Tips for Visitors:
- Generally open early morning to late evening with an afternoon break(exact schedule may vary-best to check locally).
- Modest attire; no footware inside. Photography may be restricted in the sanctum.
- Festival like durga puja and kali puja see large crowds-plans your visit accordingly.
3. Netaji Birth Place Museum:
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23,1897,in cuttack,Odisha. He was born in a house called Janakinath Bhawan,named after his father,Janakinath Bose,who was a prominent lawyer. This house nis located in Oriya Bazar,one of the oldest area of cuttack city. Today this historic house has been converted into a museum and is known as the Netaji Birthplace Meseum or Netaji Janmabhoomi smarak. The mesume preserves Netaji’s personal belongings, photographs, letters and rare documents related to his life and Indian freedom struggle. It stand as a symbol of pride and inspiration, attracting vistiors from across the country who come to learn about the life and legacy of Indian’s greatest freedom fighters.
Timing:
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday
- Time: 10:00AM-5:00PM
- Closed on: Monday and Government Holiday
- Entry fees: Usually minimal or free
How to Reach:
| Mode of Transport | Route Details | Approx. Distance | Notes |
| By Road (Private Vehicle / Taxi) | From anywhere in Cuttack city → Odia Bazar → Netaji Museum (Janakinath Bhawan) | Within city (~2-3 km from main junctions) | Easily accessible via local taxis or auto-rickshaws |
| By Bus | Nearest Bus Stop: Badambadi Bus Stand → Take auto/bus to Odia Bazar | ~2.5 km | Frequent city buses and shared autos available |
| By Train | Nearest Station: Cuttack Railway Station → Auto or taxi to Odia Bazar | ~3.5 km | Takes 10–15 minutes by road from station |
| By Walking (for nearby residents) | Walk from Odia Bazar or Mangalabag area | 500 m – 1 km | The museum is in a residential area, accessible on foot locally |
visiter Tips:
- Great for history lovers, students and patriots.
- Nearby you can also explore Barabati Fort, Cuttack Chandi Temple, and Odisha Maritime Museum.
4. Odisha state Maritime Museum:
The Odisha State Maritime Museum is located in Cuttack, Odisha, on the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is built at the site of a historic maritime workshop that was established during the British era, where ships and boats were once built and repaired. Today, this site has been transformed into a world-class museum that showcases Odisha’s rich maritime history and ancient trade connections with Southeast Asia. The museum has 13 galleries, which display ancient boat-building techniques, navigational instruments, maritime rituals, and Odisha’s overseas trade with countries like Bali, Java, and Sri Lanka. It also features models of traditional boats, ship anchors, cannons, and a huge aquarium.
How to Reach:
| Mode of Transport | Route Details | Approx. Distance | Notes |
| By Road (Private Vehicle / Taxi) | From anywhere in Cuttack → Mangalabag → Jobra → Maritime Museum | ~3–5 km from city center | Easily reachable by car, auto, or taxi within the city |
| By Bus | Nearest Bus Stop: Badambadi Bus Stand → Auto/bus to Jobra | ~4 km | City buses and shared autos available frequently |
| By Train | Nearest Station: Cuttack Railway Station → Auto/taxi to Jobra | ~3.5 km | Takes about 10–15 minutes by road |
| By Walking (for locals) | Walk from nearby areas like Mangalabag, Jobra | 500 m – 2 km | Good option for nearby residents |
Ticket price:
- For Indian Adult: ₹10 in INR
- For foreign visitors: ₹50 in INR
- Aquarium: ₹45
- 3D Show: ₹60 (+ ₹50 refundable security deposit for glasses)
Visitors Tips:
- Plan for about 2–3 hours to enjoy museum galleries, the boat shed, aquarium, and 3D theatre.
- Best to visit Tuesday–Friday, especially around 11 AM to avoid weekend crowds. · Bring cash, as some facilities may not accept cards.
5. Bhattarika Temple:
Bhattarika Temple is located on the bank of Mahanadi River,at Sasanga village in the tehsil Baramba,Cuttack district. It is dedicated to the hindu Goddess Maa Bhattarika worshipped as manifestiation of sakti. The worship of debi Bhattarika is also associated with folk character,as non-brahmins are also among her worshippers.
Festival:
The temple celebrates various festivals including pana sankranti(in april),Akshaya tritiya (in may) and dussereha (in octobar).
How to Reach:
Why visit & what to do:
- One of Odisha’s 12 sakti peethas,with mythic ties to parashurama and puranas.
- Scenic beauty: located by the lovely Mahanadi River, near Ratnagiri hills ideals for picnics,boat rides and photography during winter and spring months.
Visitor Tips:
- Best time to visit: Throughtout the year,with the winter-spring season being ideal for weather and natural beauty.
- Safety: The Riverbank area can be risky during monsoon/floods-beware of swift currents and avoid swimming.
- Facilities: There’s a basic OTDC Panthanivas (guest house) near the temple. Otherwise lodging is available in Badamba or Cuttack.
6. Peacock Valley:
is a relatively new tourist destination located near Naraj and is about 20 km distance from Cuttack City. There are more than 100 odd peacocks and peahens around here. This Peacock Valley was established by Pannu Behera, known as the Peacock Man of Odisha. Only 2 hours in the morning(5 am to 7 am) and evening (3 pm to 5 pm) to see the peacocks when they come out to feed. There were no entry ticket fees to this place. It is on the Cuttack-Athagarh roadside. One of the primary attractions of Peacock Valley in Naraj is the stunning view of the Mahanadi River. The river can be seen winding through the plains, especially from the elevated points in the Peacock valley.
Opening Time:
Peacock Valley open timings is at Everyday Morning 05 am to 7 am and Evening 3 pm to 5 pm.
Best Time to visit:
The Best time to visit Peacock Valley is at all times of the year.
Nearest Railway Station:
The Nearest Railway Station is Cuttack, which is located around 19 Km distance from Peacock Valley.
Nearest Bus Stop:
The nearest Bus stop is Peacock Valley Netaji Bus Terminal, which is located around 16 Km distance from Siddheshwar Temple.
Want to explore more: Odisha famous for
7. Deojhar Waterfall & Park:
Deojhar Waterfall, nestled deep in the forests of Narasinghpur block in Cuttack district, Odisha, is a hidden gem that offers a breathtaking escape into nature. Falling from a height of approximately 30–40 feet, the waterfall forms a clear, shallow pool below, perfect for refreshing dips and peaceful relaxation. Surrounded by dense sal and bamboo forests, the area boasts a serene, untouched atmosphere that feels far from the noise of daily life. The journey to Deojhar involves a short walk through forest trails, where the chirping of birds and rustling leaves create a soothing natural soundtrack. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection or a wild weekend picnic, Deojhar is a place you must visit at least once in your life.
Best Time to Visit:
- The best time to visit Deojhar Waterfall is from October to February, when the weather is cool, the forest is lush green, and the waterfall flows beautifully.
- During this season,You can enjoy a short trek through the forest, take a dip in the natural pool beneath the waterfall, or just sit back and soak in the sounds of nature.
how to reach:
| Starting Point | Route | Distance | Travel Time | Mode of Transport | Notes |
| Cuttack City | Cuttack → Athagarh → Badamba → Narsinghpur → Talapunji (Deojhar) | ~100 km | 3–3.5 hours | Private car, bike, hired taxi | Direct route, roads are mostly good; last 5 km is forest path |
| Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar → Khurda → Athagarh → Badamba → Narsinghpur → Deojhar | ~110 km | 3.5–4 hours | Train (till Narasinghpur) + Auto/Taxi, or private car | No direct bus to Deojhar, best by hired vehicle |
| Narasinghpur Town | Narasinghpur → Talapunji (Deojhar Waterfall) | ~5 km | 15–20 mins | Auto-rickshaw, hired bike, local vehicle | Narrow roads; forest starts near Talapunji village |
| Badamba | Badamba → Narsinghpur → Talapunji (Deojhar) | ~30 km | 45–50 mins | Bus (to Narasinghpur) + auto/taxi | Few buses available; autos from Narasinghpur are common |
| Dhenkanal | Dhenkanal → Rasol → Badamba → Narsinghpur → Deojhar | ~80 km | 2.5–3 hours | Private vehicle recommended | Lesser traffic; scenic countryside route |
Near by Location:
Dabarakhol waterfall is just 5km from Deojhar,it’s a smaller, quieter fall that’s great for combining with your main picnic as a quick side trek. Satakosia Gorge Roughly 47 km away, this river gorge inside a tiger sanctuary offers wildlife watching and boat rides—ideal for eco-aware picnickers.
8. Charchika Temple:
Charchika Temple is a famous and sacred temple located in Banki, in the Cuttack district of Odisha. Dedicated to Goddess Charchika, an eight-armed form of Maa Chamunda (Durga), the temple is situated on top of a small hill called Ruchika Parbat, offering a stunning view of the Mahanadi River and the surrounding area. This ancient temple is believed to have been built in the 9th or 10th century by the Somavamsi dynasty and is a great example of traditional Kalinga-style architecture. The main idol of the goddess is powerful and unique, holding weapons like a sword, trident, and bow, with one hand holding a severed head symbolizing the destruction of evil.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Charchika Temple is during the winter and post-monsoon months, specifically from October to March.
Festivals (Best time spiritually):
- Durga Puja (Navratri) – September–October
- Makar Sankranti – Mid-January (huge gathering, holy dip in Mahanadi)
- Kartik Purnima – November (spiritual fairs and rituals)
How to Reach:
| Starting Point | Route | Travel Time | Mode of Transport | Notes |
| Cuttack | Cuttack → Athagarh → Banki → Charchika Temple | 1.5–2 hours | Private car, taxi, bus | Scenic road; regular buses available |
| Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar → Khurda → Athagarh → Banki → Temple | 2–2.5 hours | Taxi, private vehicle, bus | Buses available via Athagarh route |
| Banki Town (local) | Banki → Ruchika Parbat (hill) → Temple | 10–15 mins | On foot, bike, or auto | Staircase climb required to reach temple top |
Wrapping up:
Cuttack, the cultural capital of Odisha, is a city where history, spirituality, nature, and tradition beautifully come together. From the sacred shrines like Chandi Mandir and Charchika Temple to the majestic Barabati Fort, and from the tranquil banks of the Mahanadi River to the vibrant Silver Filigree market, every corner of Cuttack offers a unique experience. The city is not only a treasure trove of heritage but also a gateway to natural retreats like Dhabaleswar and Deojhar Waterfall. Whether you’re a history lover, a devotee, a nature seeker, or just a curious traveler, Cuttack promises a fulfilling and memorable journey that stays in your heart long after you leave.
Explore here: 8 Famous temple of East India
