Barabati Fort

Location

Barabati Fort, situated in Cuttack, is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions of Orissa. Situated on the bank of Mahanadi River, this fort lies on the western side of the city. It is located at a distance of about 8 km from the heart of Cuttack. Barabati fort once housed an illustrious nine-storied palace. The local authorities have now taken over the task of maintaining this royal structure. Barabati fort is spread over an area of 102 acres.

The moat of the fort, more popularly known as Gadakhai, is a 20-yards wide ditch. The fort was initially constructed around the eleventh century and was later reestablished during the fourteenth century. Archaeological excavations carried at Barabati fort suggest that the walls that enclosed this magnificent monument once were made from laterite and sandstone. The gateway of the fort is totally splendid and stands embellished with beautiful intricate carvings.

The moat of Barabati fort, along with its elaborately carved gateway and the earthen mound, speaks of the glorious past of the Ganga dynasty. The fort has undergone a lot of transformation since its construction. Its interiors have been converted into a stadium, which has the capacity to accommodate more than 30,000 persons at a time. Since its inception, it has been serving as the venue of sports tournaments and cultural events.