Kanpur India Travel Guide

Kanpur History and Geography

Kanpur is the biggest city of the state of Uttar Pradesh. With a shape of an irregular quadrangle, this city lies cuddled on the banks of the holy River Ganga, or Ganges. Kanpur has a very dramatic and tragic history. The city gets its name from the Hindu king Kahnpur. The city had very little significance until 1765 when the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daulah was defeated by the British at Jajmau. The whole province was transferred to the British under a treaty signed by the Nawab of Awadh. The British believed the city of Kanpur to be of very strategic significance, since the Grand Trunk Road and the road from Jhansi to Lucknow crossed there, and utilized it to the utmost. With the rapid influx of colonial traders, the previously insignificant place was transformed into a full fledged garrison town. Kanpur played an important part in India’s struggle for independence. During one of the early uprisings against the colonial rule in the year 1857, Nana Sahib of Bithur, one of the leading luminaries of the era, declared independence on June 7th 1857 in Kanpur and led several Indian mutineer garrisons on a full scale attack against the British. The fierce battle that ensued ended with the surrender of British Brigadier General Hugh Wheeler. However, General Wheeler and the cantonment of approximately one-thousand British residents were given safe passage to Allahabad by Nana Sahib, but the tensions of battle resulted in a one of the darkest moments in India’s struggle for independence, with the mutineers killing men, women and children in what became known as the Massacre of Kanpur, or the Bibighar Massacre. The British eventually regained control of the city in December of 1857, and built a memorial for the massacre. Life in Kanpur returned to a relatively peaceful state. The city itself was transformed by the British into a major hub for cotton and leather, which was supplied mostly to British troops.

Kanpur Today

Kanpur today boasts of having India’s most prestigious industrial belt. It also has one of the top educational institutions, the world renowned Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology. Kanpur is also very famous for its leather products and cotton wears. Unfortunately, because of the heavy industrialization, Kanpur is also famous for its pollution.

Kanpur Attractions and Things-To-Do

Kanpur tourism has many historic and religious places to offer. The All Souls Memorial Church, one draw for tourists, was built in 1857 by the British in memory of the women and children killed during the Bibighar Massacre. This old church with its stained glass, and beautiful architecture is one of the highlights of the city. The Shri Radha Krishna Temple stands tall in the city and, with its beautiful blend of the northern-southern architecture, is another popular Kanpur tourism attraction. Another popular thing-to-do in Kanpur is to visit the Jain temple, which is very famous for its “in-out” glass work. It’s also worthwhile to visit the Kamla Retreat, which is a museum resort with exhibits of historical and archeological importance. It also has activities like boating and swimming. Add in the fact that it has a zoo too, and this place becomes one of the hot spots of Kanpur.

Kanpur Shopping

Kanpur is a paradise for those who love leather goods. You can get all kinds of leather works here extremely reasonable prices. The Mall and the P.P.N Bazaar are two of the best places to buy leather goods in Kanpur. You can also get good, quality handicrafts at affordable prices here.

Kanpur Cuisine

Kanpur has quite a few of multi-cuisine restaurants, but its best to try the North Indian cuisine in Kanpur, as that’s the city’s specialty.

Kanpur Nightlife

The city doesn’t have a lot to offer for the hardcore party crowd, though you will be able to find good bars in hotels like Landmark. Still, the city sleeps early and hasn’t entered into the pub culture as yet.Kanpur has got plenty to offer to tourists, businessmen and students alike. The summers are very harsh, so it’s best to visit during the winter between October and December.

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