Cuttack

One of Orissa's most ancient cities, Cuttack was the state's capital city until 1950. Most tourists visit Cuttack on a fleeting day trip from nearby Bhubaneshwar or while en route to another destination. In terms of accommodation and restaurants, there's very little choice in Cuttack, making it best to base yourself in Bhubaneshwar.

How to Get There
Buses from a number of towns travel to Cuttack, including over a dozen daily express buses from Bhubaneshwar (the trip takes about 40 minutes).

Attractions
Cuttack's colorful bazaars are wonderful places to wander around at leisure, with little shops selling everything from silk saris to brass horns. The town is especially well known for its delicate silver filigree work, known as tarakasi.

Several kilometers north of Cuttack is the Barabati Fort, which was built in the 14th century. Today it's in ruins—only the foundations of its former nine stories remain, along with a crumbling moat.

For More Information
Orissa Tourism Arunodaya Market Building, Link Road; +91 (0)671 231 2225.