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One of the biggest cities in India, Kanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh is popular in the trade circle and contributes to the growth and development of the state. Popularly referred to as the 'Leather City' of India owing to the many tanneries in the region, the city was also known for its textile produce, earning the nickname 'The Manchester of the East'. However, the city has much more to offer a traveller visiting the city for a business trip or vacation.
Located on the banks of the river Ganga, the city of Kanpur gained great prominence from the 18th century. Today, it offers interesting places to visit and things to do in and around the city. Explore the many travel attractions from the local zoo to the nearby lakes and monuments. Here are the popular places to visit in and around Kanpur.
Radhakrishna Temple
Kanpur has a few unique temples, and one of the places to visit is the Radhakrishna Temple or the JK Temple. The temple that is just over 50 years old is a unique confluence of traditional and modern architecture. The temple has five main shrines with the central shrine being dedicated to Shri Radhakrishna. Surrounding the temple complex is a well-maintained park and lake.
Photo Courtesy: Balaji.B
Moti Jheel
Among the places to visit in Kanpur is the Moti Jeel or as the translation goes; the pearl lake. Located in the Benajhabar area in the city, the lake is an important reservoir that was originally built by the British for drinking water purposes. Presently it is one of the most popular recreational spots in the city. The area surrounding the lake has other amusements such as landscaped gardens and children's park.
Photo Courtesy: Yoc2007
Allen Forest Zoo
Another place to visit in Kanpur is the Allen Forest Zoo. As the name might signify, the zoo is one of the few in India to be naturally built within an existing forest. Spanning an area of over 190 acres, the zoo is among the biggest green spaces in the city. The animals that can be sighted at the zoo include; the Asian Tiger, Asiatic Lions, Jaguar, Baboon, Hippopotamus, etc. The forest zoo also boasts of a variety of avian and reptile life. Other attractions include a natural lake and the larger than life sculptures of Dinosaurs.
Photo Courtesy: Oskanpur
Kanpur Memorial Church
Among the interesting places of worship in Kanpur is another place to visit, the Memorial Church that was earlier known as the All Soul's Cathedral. It was built in 1875 by architect Walter Granville as commissioned by the British. The architecture in red brick is in the popular Gothic style with interesting features such as the Gothic screens and the beautiful sculpture of an angel holding the palons of peace.
Photo Courtesy: Samuel Bourn
Phool Bag
Once a beautiful park and large open space of green in Kanpur, Phool Bag makes an interesting visit for the plight it has been reduced to. The park was popular for the rallies and political meetings that were held here, however over the recent years the park condition has deteriorated and is presently not given for any political functions. The name of the park translates to the flower garden and will indeed be an ideal recreation spot if better maintained.
Photo Courtesy: Anusha Ramakrishnan
Jain Glass Temple
Both a spiritual and sightseeing place in Kanpur is the Jain Glass Temple. Devotees come here to pay respects to the Jain Teerthankaras and travellers to admire the exotic temple that is completely constructed in glass. The temple showcases interesting mirror and enamel work. Keep an eye out for the stained glass murals that depict the stories and teachings of Lord Mahaveer.
Photo Courtesy: Anirudh Bhati
Bithoor
A place to visit near Kanpur is the town of Bithoor. Located at a distance of 23.4 km from the city, this town though small has many tourist attractions such as picturesque ghats and peaceful ashrams. Travellers can make a day trip to explore the many places here including; Brahmavart Ghat, Patthar Ghat, Valmiki Ashram, Dhruv Teela, etc.
Photo Courtesy: An Ode To Aphrodite
Shopping
Kanpur city offers some interesting shopping opportunities. You can check the leather products here that range from bags to jackets and shoes. The places to get the best products would be Birhana or Meston Road and Naveen Market.You can also buy various handicrafts at the government-owned art emporiums. Streets such as Sisamau Bazaar are ideal for women to shop for a variety of trinkets.
Photo Courtesy: Guy Sie
Food and Stay
The highlight of eating in Kanpur is the variety of chaat that is available. Restaurants, as well as street shops offer a mouth-watering variety of chaats, including the classic paani puri and aloo tikki. Restaurants catering to multiple cuisines are available. Also make sure to try the local paan after your meal at Kanpur.
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Photo Courtesy: Dhinal Chheda
How to Reach Kanpur
By Road: The city is well-connected by a good network of national and state highways such as NH-2, NH-25, NH-86 and NH-91. Buses, both private and state operated are available in plenty to travel to Kanpur from the surrounding major cities and towns.
By Rail: Well placed on the national railway network, Kanpur has trains connecting to most major destinations in the country.
By Air: Kanpur Airport offers limited service, the closest major airport is located in Lucknow (71 km). It has both domestic and international flights to all major destinations.
Photo Courtesy: Abhishek Srivastava
