Barabati Fort: Famous fort with a carved gateway in cuttack, odisha

The Barabati Fort in Cuttack in Odisha is a very famous fort with a carved gateway. It is about 8km away from the main city. It is a 14th-century fort built during the ‘Ganga dynasty’. The fort is situated on the river Mahanadi. The fort is situated at such a calculated place that it provides a beautiful and serene view.
The river ‘Mahanadi’ flows through the fort, making it one of the best places to visit in Cuttack. It was planned that the fort be built in a way that gives it a stunning view of modern ‘Cuttack City’. It is the earth mound of the castle with 9 floors. Like other forts, the monument was made with the purpose of defense in case an enemy tried to attack. At the moment, a nearby Barabati stadium is being built for ‘culture and sports’ events as well. To honor Katak Chandi, there is a temple too.
The fort gives the city character and shows its rich history. The fort is a must-include place in your Cuttack tour package. Here you can meet the stunning past of India.

Attraction

The Barabati Fort was built in 987 CE by the Somvanshi dynasty lineage ruler ‘Maharaja Markata Keshari while building a stone embankment to protect ‘Cuttack’ which was known as Kataka at that time. People who are enthusiastic about the history find this fort interesting. Several ruins of a temple have been excavated which are some of the most notable findings of the Barabati fort.
The placement, the environment, the historical background everything works for attracting many people. People love the architecture as well as the spectacular view of the modern Cuttack city. It is the earthen mound of the 9-storeyed palace. In present days, a nearby Barbati stadium is built for cultural and various sports events. So, for tourists, it’s convenient to visit multiple places.
There is also a temple dedicated to chandi. The fort points to the city that depicts the glory of Indian history. The fort covers an area of about 102 acres which is huge in size. The fort was re-established in the 14th century and walls of the fort are built with sandstone and laterite. The beauty of this fort is truly undeniable.

History

Barabati Fort is a 987 CE fort built by ‘Marakata Keshari’ of the Somavanshi (Keshari) dynasty in Cuttack, Odisha. The ruins of the fort remain with its moat, gate, and the earthen mound of the nine-storied palace. However, the Barabati Fort in Cuttack in Odisha is a well-known fort with carved gateways. It is only 8 km away from the city. It is a 14th-century fort built during the Ganga dynasty. The monument was built with fortification to protect it from enemy attacks like other forts. In present days a nearby Barbati stadium is built for cultural and sports events. There is also a temple dedicated to Katak Chandi. The fort brings charm to the city and depicts its glorious history. Ending up attracting many people every year.

Inside/Outside Views

The fort is situated on the river ‘Mahanadi’. The fort is situated at such a well-calculated place that it provides a beautiful and spectacular view of the modern Cuttack City. It is the earthen mound of the 9-storeyed palace.

The remains of the old Barabati Fort lie on the right bank of the Mahanadi, in the western part of the city. All that remains of the Fort is an arched gateway and the earthen mound of the nine-storeyed palace. Various archaeological surveys reveal that the Fort was roughly ‘rectangular’ in structure having an area of over 102 acres, and it was surrounded on all sides by a wall of laterite along with sandstones. To the west of the mound, you can see a tank. In the northeastern corner of the mound are the remains of what once used to be a temple. The temple was made of whitish sandstone over foundations of laterite blocks. About four hundred fragments of ‘moldings’ and some mutilated pieces of sculptures have been successfully recovered so far. This temple of the Ganga period containing a stone idol of ‘Lord Jagannath’ is in ruins.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Cuttack’s ‘Biju Patnaik Colony’ area. From the busy area of Cuttack, Barabati Fort is only 4 km away. Cuttack is well connected with other major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. of the country. And from Cuttack City, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Biju Patnaik International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 30 kilometers away from this area which is Bhubaneswar, Odisha. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi or Lucknow with direct flights to Bhubaneswar. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Barabati Fort is only 6 km away at the ‘Cuttack Junction’. This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.

Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Nainital for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.