Cuttack, a century-old city in the middle of Odisha, including an expansive history, gorgeous monuments, and a dynamic culture, welcomes tourists visiting the heart of Odisha. Cuttack is known as “Silver city” due to its beautiful silver filigree work, and ancient temples, sprawling bazaars and mystic confluence of Mahanadi river. So, no matter if you are a history freak, a food junkie or an adventure cave, Cuttack assures you with a beautiful experience. So, grab your bags because we are going on an adventure to this hidden gem!
How to Reach Cuttack — Let the Adventure Begin!
With a multitude of travel options available from almost every major Indian city, reaching Cuttack is a whole lot easier. Soar… glide… drive: Whether you want to travel high in the air, cover the distance by train, or just want to travel in your car, Cuttack has perfect connectivity to let your journey be as seamless and smooth. So, let’s see how to get to this lovely city.
By Air
If you are coming in from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, or Kolkata, the closest airport to the final destination is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, located around 30 kilometres away from Cuttack. International airlines have regular flights to Bhubaneswar from different cities in India. Upon landing, you can hire a taxi or a bus, which will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Cuttack.
Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for platforms like MakeMyTrip and ClearTrip, they will have the best flight deals!
By Train
It’s also another very good transport option for those who want to really soak up their Indian landscape, as you only pay for the trip. Cuttack has an own railway station and it is well connected with other big cities. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Delhi: Board the Rajdhani Express, which runs for about 22 hours.
- Mumbai: It takes about 27 hours to get from Mumbai to Cuttack via the Konark Express.
- From Hyderabad: The Visakhapatnam Express reaches Cuttack in about 15 hours.
- From Bangalore: The best option is the Yesvantpur-Bhuj Bikaner Express, which covers the distance in about 36 hours.
- From Chennai: The Chennai-Puri Express takes a little over 18 hours.
- From Thiruvananthapuram: Board the Netravati Express to Cuttack, a journey of about 30 hours.
- NOT FROM KOLKATA: Catch the Howrah-Puri Express for a quick ride, you’ll arrive within 6 hours!
When it is probably the cheapest means of transportation and at the same time with the view of the journey. For reservations, visit EaseMyTrip for easy ticketing.
By Road
Cuttack is accessible by a large road network, so if you feel like hitting the open road, you can plan a scenic road trip. You may fly into Bhubaneswar, approximately 30 kilometers away, or drive from there. It takes approximately 45 minutes. Or, you could go from Bhubaneswar by bus which is a more economical and comfortable way to travel.
Travelling from Kolkata you’re coming from this section of the country, you can drive via NH16, which should take between 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic. The scenic countryside and adorable towns you pass through will make your adventure even more enjoyable!
Exploring Cuttack
Once you are in Cuttack, the city receives you with open arms. Walk along the Mahanadi River and experience the beautiful sunset. Visit Barabati Fort, a 14th century fort that is a monument to the city’s glorious past. The fort with its vast grounds and batched ruins is a perfect place for history buffs and photo clickers.
For local flavors, make sure to visit Cuttack’s famous silver filigree markets and indulge in street food. #8 The unique flavours of Odisha- From the oh so delicious“Dahi Bara Aloo Dum” to the melt in your mouth “Chhena Poda”; Odiya Cuisine will have your taste buds to dance!
Tips for an Amazing Cuttack Trip
- Local Transport: After reaching Cuttack, for shorter distances, you can avail auto-rickshaws or local buses. They are also cheap and offer something of a window into local life.
- Best Time to Visit: Cuttack experiences pleasant weather from October to March and that is the best time to visit the city.
- Stay Connected: Be sure to download navigation apps such as Google Maps and checking apps like TripAdvisor before heading to different attractions and restaurants.
- Plan Ahead: Visit travel guide sites and blogs such as Thrillophilia to get required inputs on top attractions and trails in Cuttack.
So, folks, this was about a city which is not just a place, it is an experience which needs to unfold. Therefore, whether your adventure to Cuttack is a quest in the sky, track or on the road, it’s just an interval away! Experience the exciting culture, delicious local food, and rich history of this amazing city. Happy travels!
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