Chatrapur, also known as Chhatrapur, is a town located in the Ganjam district of the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is the district headquarters of Ganjam. The town is known for its historic importance, as it was once the capital of the ancient Kalinga kingdom.
Chatrapur has a rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples, forts, and monuments located in and around the town. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Chatrapur include the Maa Tara Tarini Temple, the Rushikulya Beach, the Gopalpur Beach, and the Potagarh Fort.
The town has a good network of roads and is well-connected to other parts of the state. The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 170 km away. The town also has a railway station, which is connected to major cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
Some Unique Cuisine
Chatrapur is located in the state of Odisha, which is known for its unique cuisine that is influenced by the local ingredients and cooking techniques. Some of the best foods to try in Chatrapur include:
Pakhala: Pakhala is a traditional dish of Odisha, which is made by soaking cooked rice in water overnight. The rice is then served with various accompaniments such as fish, fried vegetables, and chutneys.
Macha Ghanta: Macha Ghanta is a popular fish curry that is prepared with a variety of vegetables and spices. It is typically served with rice and is a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
Chhena Poda: Chhena Poda is a sweet dish that is made by baking cottage cheese with sugar and cardamom. It is a popular dessert in Odisha and is a must-try dish in Chatrapur.
Rasagola: Rasagola is a famous dessert that is made by boiling small balls of cottage cheese in sugar syrup. It is a popular sweet dish in Odisha and is a must-try dish in Chatrapur.
Dahi Bara Aloo Dum: Dahi Bara Aloo Dum is a popular street food in Odisha, which is made by serving deep-fried lentil fritters with spiced potato curry and yogurt. It is a delicious and filling snack that you should definitely try in Chatrapur.
Popular Tourist Attractions In Chatrapur
Here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Chatrapur:
Maa Tara Tarini Temple: Maa Tara Tarini Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on a hilltop in the town of Chatrapur. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Tara Tarini and is considered to be one of the Shakti Peethas in India.
Gopalpur Beach: Gopalpur Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located about 16 km from Chatrapur. The beach is known for its soft sand and tranquil waters, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Rushikulya Beach: Rushikulya Beach is another popular beach located about 23 km from Chatrapur. The beach is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for bird watching.
Potagarh Fort: Potagarh Fort is a historic fort located about 18 km from Chatrapur. The fort was built by the British in the 18th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon located about 60 km from Chatrapur. The lake is home to a variety of migratory birds and is a popular destination for bird watching and boating.
Berhampur City: Berhampur is a city located about 20 km from Chatrapur. The city is known for its bustling markets, delicious street food, and cultural heritage.
Taptapani: Taptapani is a hot water spring located about 50 km from Chatrapur. The place is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Various Modes Of Transportation
Chatrapur is well-connected to other cities in Odisha and the rest of the country through various modes of transportation. Here are some of the transportation options available in Chatrapur:
Road: Chatrapur is well-connected by road to other cities in Odisha and neighboring states. National Highway 16 passes through the town, connecting it to cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Visakhapatnam.
Rail: The nearest railway station to Chatrapur is Berhampur Railway Station, which is located about 20 km away. The railway station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Air: The nearest airport to Chatrapur is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is located about 180 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad also new Airport in Rangeilunda, which is located about 12 km away.
Local Transport: Local transport options in Chatrapur include buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Buses are the most common mode of transport for traveling within the town and nearby areas, while taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for hire for traveling to more distant places.
Some Of The Major Government Offices In Chatrapur
There are several government offices located in Chatrapur that cater to the needs of the local population. Here are some of the major government offices in Chatrapur:
Chatrapur Sub-Collector’s Office: This office is responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of Chatrapur and neighboring areas.
Chatrapur Tahasil Office: This office is responsible for the collection of revenue, land records, and issuance of various certificates.
Chatrapur Municipality Office: This office is responsible for the provision of basic civic amenities like water supply, sanitation, and maintenance of roads and public spaces.
Chatrapur Police Station: This office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Chatrapur and surrounding areas.
Chatrapur Block Development Office: This office is responsible for the implementation of various rural development programs in Chatrapur.
Chatrapur Primary Health Centre: This office is responsible for providing basic healthcare services to the local population.
Chatrapur Post Office: This office is responsible for postal services like mail delivery, money transfer, and other postal services.
Several Famous Personalities Associated With Chatrapur
There are several famous personalities associated with Chatrapur, Odisha. Some of them are:
- Biju Patnaik: Biju Patnaik was a renowned freedom fighter, politician, and businessman. He was born in the town of Cuttack, but his family had roots in Chatrapur. He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha twice and was also a member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Manoj Das: Manoj Das was a celebrated writer and poet who was born in the town of Balasore, but spent his childhood in Chatrapur. He was the recipient of several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
- Gopinath Mohanty: Gopinath Mohanty was a renowned writer and bureaucrat who was born in the town of Paralakhemundi, which is located near Chatrapur. He received numerous honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, and Jnanpith Award.
- Prasanta Kumar Nayak: Prasanta Kumar Nayak was a former Member of Parliament from Berhampur and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He was also a former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs.
- Raghunath Mohapatra: Raghunath Mohapatra was a noted sculptor and architect who was born in the town of Puri, but had close associations with Chatrapur. He was the recipient of several awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
