Cuttack district is one of the most important districts in the state of Orissa in India. The word Cuttack has been derived from the Sanskrit word `Kataka,` which means a military camp or a fort or a government seat, protected by an army. It is one of the oldest cities in India and the business capital of Orissa.

Nestled at the tongue like land formed by the Mahanandi River in the North and Kathajodi in the South, Cuttack is a picturesque district. The entire district of Cuttack is well connected by railways and the nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik airport. The major cities around Cuttack district are Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark. The subdivisions of Cuttack are Cuttack, Athagarh, and Banki. The blocks of this district are Choudhar, Salepur, Tigiria, Mahanga, Nichintakoeli, Nima sahi, Damapara, Niali, Narasinghapur, Badampur, Baranga and Kantapara.

Covering an area of about 5915 sq km. Cuttack District is located at an altitude of about 15 meters and receives an annual rainfall of about 1443.9 millimeters. Its climate is characterised by hot and humid climate. During the summer the mercury rises as high as 40 °C while during the winters temperature falls as low as 10 °C. Summer starts at the end of March and lasts till June till the monsoons sets in .During the monsoons the city receives an average rainfall of 144.39 centimetre during September to mid October. Winter season starts from November and lasts till January and is characterised by chill winds from the north .Mid January to mid March is pleasant with moderate climate.

The history of Cuttack district is associated with the Keshari dyasty. The reign of Markata Keshari was distinguished for the construction of the stone embankment to protect the new capital from flood in 1002 A.D. In 1211 Cuttack became the capital of Anangabhimadeva of the Ganga dynasty. With the end of the Ganga rule Orissa passed into the hands of the Barabati Fort. By 1750 Cuttack came under the Marathas as it was a vital point of contact between the Marathas of Nagpur and the English merchants of Bengal.The British occupied it in 1803 and later became the capital of Orissa in 1816.After independence in 1948 Bhubaneshwar was made the capital of Orissa although Cuttack continued to remain its administrative head.

Cuttack district is a place of cricket lovers, which is reflected in the Barabati stadium, which is an important venue for international cricket matches. The remains of the Barabati fort stand near the Barabati stadium. Cuttack has many famous educational institutions like the Ravenshaw College, Christ College, Stewart Science College and many more. Ravenshaw College has a prestigious history and has produced several top class officials and academicians. Freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose studied in the Ravenshaw Collegiate School. National research laboratories like the Central Rice Research Institute which is a premier institute of rice research in the whole of South Asia is also located here in Bidyadharpur.

The Shri Ramachandra Bhanja Medical College and hospital is the largest hospital in Orissa. There are many engineering colleges in Cuttack. There is also the Aviation research centre, an arm of the intelligence agency RAW of the government of India. It lies on the national highway no. 5, connecting Kolkata and Chennai. Cuttack district boasts of a well-equipped eye hospital. The JRM Rotary Eye Hospital and Research Institute is a recognised institution by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Government of India, which conducts microsurgeries.

Many festivals are celebrated in Cuttack district as well. The important festivals of Cuttack district are Dussehera and Baliyatra. Dussehera is the festival of goddess Durga . Baliyatra is the festival of remembering the ancient tradition of trade between Orissa and Java, Bali and Sumatra. It is held every year in the month of November. Among other celebrations the kite flying festival is very much attractive which is held in the month of January.

Cuttack district is well known for its filigree works in silver, ivory and brass works. The silk and cotton Sarees of Cuttack known as `Katki` is also very famous. This district has witnessed much of the developments of Orissa and today is considered as one of the most flourishing and productive districts of eastern India.