Kanpur is the most populated city in Uttar Pradesh and also one of the largest industrial towns in India. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Kanpur was one of the main centers where industrial revolution began in India. The city was founded by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty between the 10th and the 13th centuries. The city was a major industrial and cultural hub and was ruled by various empires and dynasties. Kanpur is one of the hot tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh and here’s the list of the best places you can visit in Kanpur.
1. Bithoor
A small town in Kanpur, Bithoor is home to the sacred Ganges and attracts several pilgrims to this holy spot. It was also instrumental in the 1857 revolt in India and the famous battle of the Seige of Cawnpore. Bithoor has various tourist spots like the Valmiki Ashram, Brahmavart Ghat, Patthar Ghat, Dhruva Teela, Siddhidham Ashram etc. which are a must visit.
2. Boodha Bargad
The name Boodha Bargad literally means an Old Banyan and is an important historical monument in Kanpur. The tree is dead but the memorial can still be found at Nana Rao Park. The place was the center of the revolution of 1857 and was the place where 144 of Indian revolutionaries were hanged.
3. Kanpur Gardens
Kanpur due to its rich economy has been well developed by the government and the various powers that ruled the region before Indian Independence. The city is famous for its countless gardens and parks which are well maintained and are great places for a serene mental relaxation. Phool Bagh, Nana Rao Park, Kanpur zoological gardens, Japani Garden and Mahatma Gandhi Park etc. are few of the best parks in Kanpur.
4. Shri Radhakrishna Temple
Built by the J.K. trust, Shri Radhakrishna Temple is contains five shrines that are dedicated to the various Hindu deities. The temple’s architecture is a marvelous example of neo-Hindu architecture and is built with carved white marble. The best time to visit the temple is during any major Hindu festival like Janmashtami and Diwali etc.
5. Jain Glass Temple
Jain Glass Temple is located in Maheshwari Mohal and is one of the major temples dedicated to Jainism. The entire temple is adorned with intricate glass cut designs with an elaborately designed structure. The various glass murals inside and outside the temple narrates the Jain philosophy and houses the statue of Lord Mahavira and the 23 teerthankaras.
6. Allen Forest Zoo
Allen Forest Zoo is spread across an area of 190 acres and was one of the few zoos in India to be created within a naturally situated forest. The region was already a habitat for many wildlife species most of which are still housed within the Zoo. The botanical gardens, lakes, aviary and the aquarium are all the different attractions located in the zoo which are a must visit.
7. Jajmau
An ancient region dating back to 1300-1200 BC, Jajmau is known to be one of the largest tanneries in northern India. The city is located near the Ganges River and was home to the oldest of Indian civilizations. The various attractions in the city are the Allen Forest Zoo or Kanpur Zoo, Jajmau Tila, Makhdoom Baba Mazaar, Habiba Masjid, Siddhartha Ghat, 1000 Tanneries in Industrial Estate, Jajmau Mosques, and Jinnati Masjid etc.
The city of Kanpur is often called as the Manchester of the east and known for the various genuine Leather products due to the 1000 tanneries located here. A visit to these tanneries is a must along with the aforementioned places to get the complete cultural and tourist attractions in Kanpur.
Other Major Tourist Destinations In Uttar Pradesh: