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Cuttack
Cuttack
is one of Orissa's oldest cities (Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka of medieval
times), Cuttack is a bustling commercial centre, situated on the delta
formed by the Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers. The legendary engineering
skills of the ancient Orissans are not only featured in their wonderful
temples but also can be seen in the 11th century AD stone embankments on
the Kathjori river. The ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the
Mahanadi, evoke memories of bygone days, while the fort's location is home
to a modern stadium which rings with the sounds of sports events and
cultural programmes today. The venerated shrine of Katak Chandi is at a
strolling distance from the fort area. The Qadam-i-Rasool has the unusual
element of being venerated by both Muslims and Hindus. The shrine has a
high compound wall and towers at each corner. There are three mosques
within with elegant domes and a Naubat Khana (music gallery) built in the
l8th century AD. The central dome
structure has the footprints of Prophet Mohammed imprinted on a circular
stone. Cuttack also offers excellent shopping facilities. Handicrafts and
textiles, both in silk and cotton from the Cuttack region and elsewhere in
Orissa are available in the state emporia.But
Cuttack is best known for its excellent silver filigree work which is
fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils and decorative items. Cuttack
is 30 km from Bhubaneswar. WILD LIFE SANCTUARY IN CUTTACK Bhitarkanika Sanctuary and National Park
Located in the country's second
largest mangrove forest in Orissa's coastal belt, has protected the estuarine
crocodile since 1975. Further down at Gahirmatha, the Giant Olive Ridley Sea
Turtles travelling annually from South America, come to nest by millions.
Special arrangements are made, to ensure that this annual ritual continues
unabated, by converting this region into a National Park in 1998. Numerous
migratory birds come to nest amongst the large mangrove islands. The sanctuary
is 160 km from Cuttack via Chandhali and 100 km via Kendrapara and Rajnagar.
Dangmal, the base for Bhitarkanika, is three hours motor launch journey from
both Chandhali and Rajnagar.
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