Naraj sits at the point where the Mahanadi River divides, splitting into the Kathajodi and continuing its course toward the Bay of Bengal. The spot is about 12 km from Cuttack and marks the head of the vast Mahanadi delta that defines the geography of coastal Odisha.
The Naraj Barrage is the main attraction — a long dam that controls the flow into the delta's irrigation channels. In the evening, locals gather along the banks to watch the water rush over the spillways, and the setting is genuinely peaceful. During the monsoon, when the river is in full flood, the sight of the Mahanadi pouring through the barrage gates is impressive. The Naraj Ghat, a flight of stone steps descending to the river near the bifurcation point, sees bathing and puja rituals in the early morning.
Naraj has a long history as a centre of Buddhist learning, and archaeological remains in the area suggest a substantial monastery once stood here. Today it is a quiet settlement, easily visited as a half-day trip from Cuttack or Bhubaneswar. A few tea stalls near the barrage provide refreshments, but there are no real facilities — bring what you need and enjoy the river.