Cuttack

The city is located at the mouth of the Mahanadi river delta and is surrounded by the Mahanadi River and its tributary Kathjori River. Because of its proximity to the coast, Cuttack has a tropical climate.Cuttack, named for the 'kataka' or fort in Sanskrit, referred to the ancient Barabati Fort around the area of the city. Although historically Cuttack was the seat of the government in Orissa, it relinquished the position to Bhubaneshwar after the new city was created close to it, a few kilometers down south. Today Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa, are together called the twin cities in the state.

Spreading from east to west, a narrow strip of land is what comprises Cuttack. With two topographical divisions, namely, the hilly terrain on the west and Mahanadi delta plains in the east, this densely populated city is highly fertile. Owing its fertility to the water bodies functioning as tributaries of Mahanadi river system, Cuttack is a major producer of rice. Around 30 kms from the capital city of Odisha (Orissa), Cuttack is best known for its internationally acclaimed art--the silver filigree work. Thin silver wires fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils and decorative items will simply take your breath away along with a heavy toll on your wallet. The legendary skills of Cuttack artists can be seen on the stone embankments also on Kathjori River dating back to 11th century AD. To add more charm to the architectural skills of the people of Cuttack, stand the ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi. Home to several sports events and cultural programmes today, the fort evokes brave memories of the bygone days. There is a very famous Hindu Temple coined Katak Chandi that rests at a strolling distance from the fort area.

Cuttack is the second largest city in Orissa and is the centre of all commercial activities and the local handicrafts of this state are displayed and traded in this very city. The inflow and outflow of the rare artefacts which so beautifully define the quintessential Oriyan form of arm takes place from this very city. Cuttack is always buzzing with cultural activities and plays host to a variety of festivals like the Baliyatra, which commemorates the ancient trade links the countries like Jav