Kanpur is sprawled along the banks of the River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. Often called the “Manchester of the East,” it’s well known for its chemical, textile and leather industries. Kanpur has become the industrial capital of the state, while establishing itself in the pages of history as well. This industrial powerhouse was an important British cantonment town until 1947.
Beneath the industrial exterior of Kanpur lies a city steeped in colonial grandeur and spiritual depth. Kanpur is a city where you find an amalgamation of two eras running in parallel. And tourism in Kanpur means walking through revolutionary chapters of Indian history. This is where the 1857 uprising burned the fiercest.
The River Ganga forms the identity of Kanpur Tourism. And tourist places in Kanpur UP are a perfect blend of history, architecture and culture. Every spot whispers a fragment of history. The ghats have witnessed worship and warfare as well as prayers and protests. In Kanpur, colonial churches stand beside ancient temples, and narrow alleys open up into modern boulevards. Amidst its historic grandeur, Kanpur’s youthful energy thrives in its universities, cafes and shopping hubs. Sprawling parks and a thriving urban lifestyle are present alongside.
Kanpur Tourism crafts Kanpur Tour packages with immersive experiences that suit your interests. We arrange everything from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and local insights. At Kanpur Tourism, we also have a list of top car rental companies in Kanpur to explore both core attractions and tourist places near Kanpur. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Kanpur
Kanpur is believed to have been founded by two rulers, Hindu Singh of Sachendi and Ghanshyam Singh of Ramaipur. It was initially named Kanhiyapur, which later became Kanhapur. Many old texts also suggest that Kanpur was named Karnapur earlier (after Karna, the legendary character from the Mahabharata).
Its history, however, dates back to 1300 BC, when the Jajmau suburb was an ancient settlement. It was a hub for leather and textiles. Later, the British transformed Kanpur (or Cawnpore, as it was called) into a cantonment town. They took it over from the Nawab of Awadh in the 18th century.
Under British rule, Kanpur became a developing military and industrial centre, bustling with soldiers and traders. Textile mills and leather factories continued to multiply. The British were secure here until the 1857 uprising, as Nana Sahib led the rebellion. The events at Sati Chaura Ghat sent shockwaves through the British Empire.
Post-independence, Kanpur emerged as one of UP's largest urban centres. Yet, it remains in touch with its past. The ghats and memorial sites are among the many Kanpur tourist places that echo the transformation from ancient Jajmau through colonial Cawnpore to modern Kanpur.
Places to Visit in Kanpur
The city doesn't segregate its past from its present. The best tourist places in Kanpur include everything from colonial landmarks and sacred temples to scenic gardens and vibrant ghats on the Ganga. British-era architecture houses modern institutions, and the Ganges continues to connect ancient spiritual practices with the contemporary urban life of Kanpur.
All Souls' Cathedral is a memorial church constructed by the British in honour of soldiers who died in the 1857 rebellion. This Victorian masterpiece has a red-brick tower and stained-glass windows. The memorial garden surrounding it offers a space for quiet reflection. Sati Chaura Ghat, nearby, is the riverbank that witnessed the 1857 uprising's most dramatic moments.
Then, Nana Rao Park was built in memory of the revolutionary hero. Sprawled across green lawns, it also has statues of other freedom fighters. It's one of the largest parks in the Kanpur tourist places list. Mahatma Gandhi Park is another green retreat with lush gardens and play areas for kids. Gautam Buddha Park is also an ideal spot for evening walks and family picnics.
If you’re looking for more destinations to explore the region’s history, Kanpur Sangrahalaya is one of the must-visit tourist places around the city. It houses various sculptures, medieval coins, and other artefacts tracing the evolution of Kanpur.
Apart from those, Shri Radhakrishna Temple dazzles you with contemporary grandeur and marble craftsmanship. ISKCON Temple is another must-visit Hindu shrine in Kanpur, housing magnificent idols of Radha-Krishna and hosting melodious evening prayers. Among the other popular spiritual tourist places of Kanpur are Jain Glass Temple, Anandeshwar Temple and Valmiki Ashram.
The British-era Moti Jheel has also evolved into Kanpur's favourite evening hangout. It's where the city comes to unwind. The nearby Phool Bagh complements it with fountains and flower beds. Allen Zoo is also among the top tourist places in Kanpur.
The Bithoor area of Kanpur also deserves proper exploration. While the aforementioned Nana Rao Park and Valmiki Ashram are the top Bithoor Kanpur tourist places, it has many other destinations. Brahmavart Ghat needs a special mention here. It’s said to be where Lord Brahma created the first humans.
The Jajmau locality, on the outskirts of Kanpur, also has its own charm. It’s an industrial locality with several temples, mosques and Sufi tombs. It also has ruins of an ancient fort. And Lav Kush Barrage nearby is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It’s popular among local people for its scenic beauty and sunset views.
Other Activities and Experiences
The region offers a variety of enriching experiences beyond tourist attractions. Recreational spots, such as Kamla Retreat, offer a day in a lush green estate away from the chaos of Kanpur. Options for modern entertainment are also available with Kanpur India tourism. Blue World Theme Park, with its water rides and amusement zones, is popular with families. And then, cricket enthusiasts love watching games at Green Park Stadium.
Trips to many other nearby tourist places from Kanpur are also available with Kanpur Tourism. Ayodhya (230 km) and Prayagraj (210 km) offer a deeply spiritual experience. Then, Lucknow (93 km) enchants travellers with its Nawabi architecture, and Agra (300 km) with Mughal architectural marvels such as the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
In addition to these tourist places in Kanpur city and nearby, the place offers a diverse shopping experience. The market is known for its rich selection of textiles and handmade leather goods. The city is famed for its delicacies like spicy chaats, crispy samosas, and tangy golgappas as well.
How to Reach Kanpur
Here are the ways to reach Kanpur and explore all tourist places comfortably:
By Air: Kanpur Airport (17 km from the city centre) connects the region with some cities. Lucknow Airport (70 km away) is a more preferred option for good connectivity. It has regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other major cities. At the airport, you can book a taxi from the top car rental companies in Kanpur for a comfortable trip.
By Train: Kanpur Central (located close to the city centre) is a major railway junction that connects Kanpur with other cities. It’s among India's busiest railway stations, with frequent trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and almost every corner of the country. Local transportation for Kanpur Tourism includes cycle/auto-rickshaws, city buses, metro trains, and cabs/taxis.
By Road: National Highways ensure solid road access to Kanpur. Several state-run and private buses, both AC and non-AC, run regularly from various nearby cities to Kanpur. You can also go for a self-drive or take a cab/taxi to enjoy a calming drive across the plains. Delhi is 500 km away, Jaipur is 520 km away, and Agra is 300 km away.
With its colonial heritage, spiritual significance and historical monuments, Kanpur is one of the most fascinating destinations in UP. Whether you're seeking peace, adventure or recreation, this city offers them all. Kanpur Tour packages by Kanpur Tourism provide the perfect experience for every traveller. We curate appealing tour packages to help you explore the famous tourist places in Kanpur city and around. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
