Kanpur is situated along the banks of the sacred River Ganga and is an industrial hub with a rich history. From centuries-old temples and colonial-era monuments to the remnants of the freedom struggle, the city has a rich legacy. Once known as the “Manchester of the East” for its thriving textile and leather industries, Kanpur blends its rich heritage with modern growth.
Kanpur is well-connected by rail and roadways to Delhi, Lucknow, and Agra, among other cities. In this travel guide, you will come to know the best activities and places to visit in Kanpur in 3 days.
Kanpur 3 Days Trip Snapshot
- Who is it for: Perfect for history buffs, spiritual seekers, families, and adventure enthusiasts.
- Must-see spots: Massacre Ghat, Bhitargaon Temple, JK Temple, Jain Glass Temple, Allen Forest Zoo.
Build your custom Kanpur three-day itinerary now and uncover the city's treasures.
Why Visit Kanpur in Three Days?
A three-day visit to Kanpur will allow you to more thoroughly experience the attractions of Kanpur without feeling pressured. There is something for everyone of all ages, from the morning aarti at ancient ghats, to archaeological sites, to sampling local flavours. Being conveniently located, Kanpur is easy to reach. With its rich culture, down-to-earth hospitality, and inexpensive experiences, Kanpur is worthwhile for visitors looking to explore and engage in sustainable cultural exploration in a deeper way.
Here is the list of places to visit in Kanpur in 3 Days:
Kanpur Places to Visit in 3 days
Day 1 Kanpur Places to Visit
- Kanpur Memorial Church
- Massacre Ghat
- Nana Rao Park
- JK Temple
- Jain Glass Temple
- Moti Jheel
Day 2 Kanpur Places to Visit
- Brahmavart Ghat
- Valmiki Ashram
- Jagannath Temple
- Bhitargaon Temple
Day 3 Kanpur Places to Visit
- Allen Forest Zoo
- ISKCON Temple
Top Places to Visit in Kanpur on Day One
1. Kanpur Memorial Church
The Kanpur Memorial Church is a Gothic Revival masterpiece that showcases the colonial history of Kanpur. Built in 1875, it has beautiful stained glass windows, elaborate wooden furniture, and lofty spires. The adjacent cemetery has graves dating from the city's British colonial period, and it is still actively used for worship.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Explore outstanding Victorian Gothic architecture while discovering the complex colonial history that shaped modern Kanpur's cultural landscape.
2. Massacre Ghat
Massacre Ghat, formerly known as 'Sati Chaura Ghat', is a significant place in Indian history from the 1857 Rebellion, where around 300 British civilians were killed in Nana Sahib's revolt. It is a small riverbank area with memorials and historical signs, commemorating colonial resistance.
- Timings: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Witness a pivotal freedom struggle site while reflecting on colonial resistance narratives along the sacred Ganges.
3. Nana Rao Park
The Nana Rao Park was formerly known as Memorial Well Garden. It is a heritage park with historical significance, recognizing the 1857 Indian Rebellion and freedom fighter Nana Sahib. The park has lawns, children’s play areas, and a memorial well. There are wide pathways connecting the park to flower gardens and shady areas.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
- Why visit: Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens while connecting with India's freedom movement history in peaceful, family-friendly surroundings.
4. JK Temple
The JK Temple, which has been developed by the JK Group, is a brilliant architectural piece in Kanpur. This temple is truly a magnificent monument to lord Krishna, and it is crafted with marble, has soaring spires, and is full of intricate carvings. It has a landscaped garden area, and will regularly have spiritual programs featuring Indian classical music performances and a cultural medley.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Marvel at exceptional modern temple architecture while participating in vibrant spiritual activities showcasing contemporary devotional culture.
5. Jain Glass Temple
The Jain Glass Temple in Maheshwari Mohal is an extraordinary architectural manifestation that is entirely made out of glass. The unique quality of the building's glasswork, colourful mosaics, and mirrored surfaces leaves the viewer captivated. The interior of the temple has detailed glass sculptures, attractive panels, and mirror work that reflects and plays with light.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Witness an architectural wonder crafted entirely from glass, offering unique spiritual experiences through extraordinary craftsmanship and beauty.
6. Moti Jheel
Moti Jheel is regarded as the "Pearl Lake" for Kanpur, and it is also the local entertainment hub. Moti Jheel offers both beauty and a wide variety of entertainment options. As an artificial lake, it is surrounded by nicely kept gardens and a walking path, with options for boat rides, picnicking, and simple strolls. In the evenings, the experience changes even more as the lights reflect across the water's surface.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Experience serene lakeside beauty with romantic boat rides and family entertainment in beautifully maintained gardens.
Top Places to Visit in Kanpur on Day Two
1. Brahmavart Ghat
Brahmavart Ghat represents one of the most sacred creation sites in Hinduism, where Lord Brahma is said to have initiated the creation. Located in Bithoor town, this ghat houses one of two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma worldwide. The creator deity’s Ashwamedha yagna site here and consecrated a Shiva Linga.
- Timings: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Experience the legendary creation site of Hindu cosmology with rare Brahma worship, divine mythology, and magnificent spiritual festivals.
2. Valmiki Ashram
Valmiki Ashram holds profound mythological significance as the legendary hermitage of Sage Valmiki, the composer of the Ramayana. According to legend, it is where Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Rama, were born. The complex consists of ancient meditation halls, gardens, and exhibits.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Connect with the birthplace of Sanskrit's greatest epic while experiencing profound spiritual energy in historically significant surroundings.
3. Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple is an old temple, situated in Behta village. It is famous for a mystical occurrence, which was raindrops falling seven days prior to the arrival of the monsoon. The temple exhibits odd curvilinear architectural construction, suggesting it might be a type of Buddhist stupa, with stone carving depicting Lord Jagannath, Surya, and Vishnu. This temple is under the protection of ASI.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Experience an ancient temple with weather-predicting abilities and extraordinary architectural fusion combining different spiritual traditions.
4. Bhitargaon Temple
The Bhitargaon Temple dates back to the Gupta period in the 6th century and is one of the oldest remaining brick temples in India. It features beautiful terracotta art. This ancient temple, located 35 kilometers from Kanpur, features numerous remarkable sculptural motifs and unique architectural elements that later influenced temple building in northern India.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Explore one of India's most ancient temples, featuring exceptional terracotta art and the architectural achievements of the Gupta era.
Top Places to Visit in Kanpur on Day Three
1. Allen Forest Zoo
One of the oldest and largest zoos in India, the Allen Forest Zoo is located over 76.56 hectares of forest area. It showcases a wide variety of wildlife, including Bengal Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and many exotic birds. The zoo recreates wildlife habitats for the animals to support conservation. Toy train rides, an aquarium complex, a reptile house, and wildlife educational programs will make your visit memorable.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹70 (Adult), ₹35 (Child)
- Why visit: Enjoy comprehensive wildlife experiences in natural forest settings while supporting conservation education and family-friendly activities.
2. ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON Temple is a modern spiritual complex to worship Lord Krishna and is a representation of the modern-day devotional culture of Kanpur. The temple offers good architecture, peaceful gardens, and regular spiritual programs that include devotional singing and philosophy discourse. Educational facilities for spiritual seekers, such as yoga and meditation courses, are also provided.
- Timings: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Why visit: Participate in vibrant Krishna devotion through beautiful temple experiences, spiritual education, and community service activities.
FAQs
Kanpur is the perfect destination that blends history, spirituality, and modern comforts into an amazing three-day trip. Easy to reach, budget-friendly, and full of cultural experiences, the city has plenty to explore without overwhelming your schedule.
Plan your three day visit to Kanpur with our list of places to visit in Kanpur in 3 days, or contact experts at Kanpur Tourism for a personalized itinerary.
