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Maritime Museum Cuttack, situated at the heart of Jobra, Odisha, is a must-visit place for history buffs. Also known as Jobra Museum, it gives a peek into the ancient and colonial times when Cuttack played an important role as a port city. The museum features around 10 galleries, a sawmill, and an aquarium. It showcases shipbuilding techniques, maritime instruments, ancient boats, and navigational tools and also has a children’s activity room. It highlights the role of the Mahanadi River in the marine trade and the history of Odisha’s steam navigation company.
Quick Details About Maritime Museum Cuttack
Maritime Museum Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
How To Reach: Bus, Car, Rickshaw
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cuttack Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Where To Stay: Shree Jagannath Inn, Hotel Sagar, Hotel Bombay Inn, Hotel Ashoka
Where To Eat: Bombay Hotel, Moti Mahal Delux, Pind Da Dhaba, Cafe Chocolate
Location
Photo: Soumyadeep Chatterjee / Wikimedia Commons
The Odisha Maritime Museum is situated along the banks of the Mahanadi River, on Jobra Road. The museum is in Cuttack, which is famously known as the Millennium City due to its rich history and former British-era maritime workshop (Jobra workshop). The Maritime Museum address is easy to locate. You can board a train, or hire a taxi, or get on a bus from a nearby region, and reach this place in no time.
Things To Do In Maritime Museum Cuttack
Here’s how you can keep yourself engaged during the museum tour.
1. Explore The Gallery
Photo: Jack1956 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of maritime history, which includes its ancient sea trade routes and navigational techniques. The exhibits highlight Odisha’s historical connections with Southeast Asia, Rome, and Greece. It also showcases artefacts like ancient maps and models of traditional boats. There are live demonstrations of traditional boat-building techniques, which showcase the craftsmanship involved in constructing wooden boats. Visitors can observe artisans using old methods and tools to shape and assemble the boats.
2. Visit The Aquarium
Photo: Gsuruchi06 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This zone highlights the region’s rich aquatic biodiversity. The museum’s aquarium houses a diverse array of fish (100+), such as freshwater, river, coastal, and exotic fish. The guides or staff educate visitors about the fish’s behaviour patterns and ecological characteristics through their guided tours and educational programs.
3. Watch Documentaries At 4D Theatre
Photo: Author0612 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In this 4D special FX theatre, short movies and shows that are based on the maritime history of Odisha are shown. These movies showcase spectacular visuals and sound effects. With its 14–17 minute short films, the museum brings the history of Cuttack and its maritime heritage to life and educates visitors on various maritime historical topics. The theatre has a seating capacity of 48 and offers four-dimensional environmental experiences such as air blasts, water spray, and pulsating seats.
Places To Visit Around Maritime Museum Cuttack
Here are some of the best attractions that you can explore around after this insightful tour.
1. The Barabati Fort
Photo: Rajeshjena453 / Wikimedia Commons
The Barabati Fort was constructed to serve as a royal residence and military fortification by the Ganga dynasty in the 14th century. The architecture of Barabati Fort is a combination of military and residential structures with stone walls, moat systems, and intricate carvings on the gate. The fort played an important role in defending the royals from the enemy and helping them to administer the region. Located near the museum, this fort offers insights into the mediaeval fort architecture along with historical military practices.
Things To Do: Take panoramic photographs, explore ancient architecture, and enjoy the historical ambiance
2. Netaji Birthplace Museum
Photo: Subhashish Panigrahi / Wikimedia Commons
The Netaji Birthplace Museum was established in 2002. It has become an integral part of Cuttack City’s identity as it is the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Dedicated to one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters, this museum offers an insight into the life of Netaji, showcasing his achievements and contributions. The visitors learn about the role of Netaji in India’s struggle to acquire freedom from the British Raj.
Things To Do: Explore the galleries showcasing Netaji’s personal belongings, rare photographs, and letters
3. Odisha High Court Museum
Photo: Kamalakanta777 / Wikimedia Commons
This museum is also known as the Museum of Justice, which houses over 1500 collections showcasing the evolution of Odisha’s legal system. Inaugurated in the year 2017 by then Chief Justice of India—Shri Justice Dipak Misra, the museum focuses on the history and functioning of Odisha’s High Court. It exhibits historical documents, old judicial artefacts, records, and memorabilia, along with several portraits and photographs of key figures in Odisha’s judicial history. The visitors get to learn about the architectural heritage of the museum as it is housed within a historic Odisha High Court building.
Things To Do: Explore the historical exhibit, learn about judicial history, study key figures,
and engage with interactive displays
4. Cuttack Chandi Temple
Photo: ଆଶୁତୋଷ କର / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kataka or Cuttack Chandi Temple, built in 1946, is located near the bank of the Mahanadi River. The Cuttack Chandi Temple was formed after the deity “Chandika” appeared in the late Sri Hansa Panda’s dream, who was the purohit of the then King of Kanika.The temple becomes a hub of cultural activities, especially during festivals like Durga Puja, and stays occupied by the devotees engaged in various spiritual and cultural activities.
Things To Do: Witness the temple’s architecture, attend a prayer ceremony, and participate in local festivals
5. Mahanadi Barrage
Photo: Ckpcb / Wikimedia Commons
The barrage is placed across the Mahanadi River, serving its main purpose of controlling floods. The Mahanadi River is the biggest in the state of Odisha, and it runs about 900 kilometres. Other than serving as a means of availing water for irrigation and water management, this barrage is one of the tourist attractions in Cuttack city. It offers a serene view to the visitors with panoramic river views. They often visit this place to relax and enjoy the river’s beauty, especially around the sunrise and sunset.
Things To Do: Take a stroll along the barrage, photograph the river and surroundings, and enjoy the calming atmosphere
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Aleksandra Tokarz / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- The winter season is ideal for visitors to explore this historical museum in Odisha.
- It is advised to check weather conditions before planning your trip for a better experience.
- Pack some warm clothes if you are visiting the place during the winter season.
- Do check once with the authorities if taking photographs of certain sections in the museum is allowed or not.
- Do not touch exhibits showcased in the museum, especially if not permitted.
Visiting the Maritime Museum Cuttack gives a deep insight into India’s maritime history, particularly Odisha’s rich legacy. The museum offers a unique blend of historical artefacts, interactive exhibits, and modern technology. It is an excellent destination for families and history enthusiasts to spend an afternoon and educational tours. So, plan your trip with TripXL, and explore the cultural richness and beauty of this city and its surroundings.
Cover Photo: Psomu800 / Wikimedia Commons
