Lying on the banks of holy river Ganges, Kanpur is the most populated, largest and industrially pioneering city of the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Founded somewhere between 10th to 13th century, it ranks among those cities where the industry revolution is believed to have started in India. Established by Chandela Dynasty, its fame is also of a cultural hub which makes it a popular tourist destination in the region.
Many dynasties and empires have ruled over the city of Kanpur thus bequeathing numerous historical and religious legacies. Often dubbed the “Commercial capital of Uttar Pradesh” or “Manchester of the East”, the city of present day is still a prospering metropolis with charms galore. Here, the biggest zoological garden of Asia is located, thus bringing in tourists with natural bent of mind.
Kanpur has many sites that promise good time for tourists for their diversity and inherent appeal. From spiritual centers to historical monuments, from amusement parks to entertainment zones – a quality time is guaranteed here. Some of best objects of leathers and cottons are available here for value shopping. Industrial finesse apart, the city has some local delicacies that fetch it a distinct identity and make it a place to visit.
Jajmau is a prominent site in Kanpur, an excavation site with two temples of Siddhanath and Siddha Devi. The site has historical value where a lofty mound at the Ganges is supposedly a fort of the kingdom of Yayati. The 13th century tomb of Sufi saint Makhdum Shah Ala-ul-Haq and the 16th century mosque of built by Kulich Khan are other notable places in Jajmau.
The aesthetically designed Shri Radha Krishna Temple is a must visit place for its ancient architecture and contemporary style. The Jain Glass Temple and Kanpur Memorial Church are other remarkable places in the city. The visitors here must not miss out on attractions like Allen Forest Zoo, Kanpur Gardens, Boodha Bargad and Bithoor. In overall, come to Kanpur to get a slice of history in the land that has a great industrial pedigree!
Although Kanpur has its own Chakeri Air Force Station airport, it allows limited direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata and is not open to civilians. The closest airport to Kanpur is Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport in Lucknow. The hotel is situated about 80.5 km away and takes about 01 hour and 45 minutes to enter. Through Lucknow Airport to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad , Kolkata, Patna and some other major cities there are regular direct flights.
Kanpur's closest major international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. It can be reached by NH19 and Taj Express Highway though it is approximately 438 km away.
How to reach Kanpur by Rail
Kanpur is a British garrison town and has one of the oldest and busiest railway stations in the world-Kanpur Anwarganj. With about 600 daily trains passing by, it is well connected to all the major cities.
Kanpur Central Railway Station is approximately 3 km from the city center, while Kanpur Anwarganj Railway Station is approximately 1.1 km from the other stop. Both of these stations are well linked by bus service and taxi / cab. For boarding passenger trains, the Govind Puri Railway Junction, Panki Station, and Rawatpur Station are all around town.
How to reach Kanpur by Road
Kanpur is well connected to all major cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states with NH 2, NH 25, NH 86 and NH 91 passing through it. The main bus station is Jhakarkati Bus Station and ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminus) which has bus lines to Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and other nearby towns. In addition to UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) several private companies operate regular AC and Non-AC buses on these routes.