This One Indian City Name Reads Exactly the Same—Even When Flipped!

This One Indian City Name Reads Exactly the Same—Even Upside Down! (Image: Incredible India)

Have you ever come across a city whose name reads the same—whether forward, backward, or even upside down?

Welcome to Cuttack! In Hindi, it’s written as “कटक,” a rare script symmetry that remains unchanged when flipped. But this quirky linguistic twist is just the beginning. Cuttack is Odisha’s Millennium City, with over a thousand years of history etched into its streets, and the celebrated Silver City, famed for its dazzling filigree craftsmanship and enduring cultural spirit.

Cradled between the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers, Cuttack is the second-largest city of Odisha and its former capital. The very name is an anglicised form of the Odia and Sanskrit word Kataka, which literally means “the fort”—a nod to the ancient Barabati Fort around which the city first took shape. With more than a thousand years of history, Cuttack has rightfully earned its nickname: the Millennium City.

It’s also the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the proud capital of silver filigree craftsmanship, and the stage for one of India’s grandest Durga Pujas.

Where History Still Breathes

Cuttack’s name itself comes from Kataka, meaning “military camp.” Walk through the moss-clad ruins of Barabati Fort and you’ll feel echoes of that past—moats, ramparts, and stories of kings and warriors. The nine-storey palace may be long gone, but its spirit lingers in the wind that sweeps across the Mahanadi.

The Odisha State Museum is another time capsule. Ancient pottery, bronze figurines, and stone inscriptions tell tales of dynasties and forgotten scripts. Here, history isn’t locked behind glass—it whispers in every artifact.

Cuttake, Odisha (Image: Incredible India)

The Sparkle of the Silver City

Cuttack is famed as the Silver City of India, and a stroll through Chaudhury Bazaar explains why. Watch nimble-fingered artisans bend threads of silver into intricate filigree jewelry, delicate enough to resemble lace yet strong enough to endure generations.

The city’s artistry doesn’t stop at silver. From the vibrant Ikat patterns of Sambalpuri sarees to horn-carved bangles and combs, Cuttack is a treasure chest of craftsmanship passed down like family heirlooms.

Faith and Harmony

Cuttack wears its spirituality on its sleeve. Devotees throng the Cuttack Chandi Temple, home to the fierce goddess who guards the city. Across town, the Qadam-E-Rasool mosque, a Sikh gurdwara, and a Jain temple stand within walking distance of each other—a living reminder of Cuttack’s harmony in diversity.

For a peaceful escape, cross the suspension bridge to Dhabaleshwar Temple on an island in the Mahanadi. At sunset, when the river turns molten gold, it feels like stepping into another world.

A City That Celebrates

Come November, Cuttack bursts into life during the Bali Jatra festival. Families gather along the river to set sail miniature boats in memory of the fearless mariners who once sailed to Bali and beyond. The air smells of street food, the fort turns into a fairground, and the city feels like it’s travelling through time.

Barabari Fort, Cuttack, Odisha (Image: Incredible India)

Durga Puja is another spectacle—silver filigree backdrops glisten behind towering idols, and the entire city becomes a gallery of devotion and artistry.

Flavours You’ll Never Forget

No trip to Cuttack is complete without indulging in its street food. Start with dahibara aloo dum, tangy yogurt-soaked lentil fritters topped with spicy potato curry. Sweet tooth? Sink into chhena poda, a caramelized baked cheese delight, or the melt-in-the-mouth rasgullas Odisha claims as its own.

Nature’s Green Pockets

For a breath of fresh air, wander through the State Botanical Garden, a lush retreat dotted with lakes and rare blooms. Wildlife lovers can head further out to Bhitarkanika National Park, where saltwater crocodiles, dolphins, and migratory birds thrive in a maze of mangroves.

Why Cuttack Belongs on Your List

'कटक' or Cuttack is not just a city—it’s a story stitched together with silver, stone, and spirit. Whether you come for its history, craftsmanship, festivals, or food, you’ll leave with memories etched as vividly as its filigree art.

The best time to explore? Between October and April, when the city is at its festive and cultural best.

So, next time you’re looking for a destination that surprises you at every turn, remember the city that reads the same—even upside down.