Kanpur Is Famous For What: Top 18 Things To Experience In The City - Updated 2024

Ishita
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kanpur is famous for what things

Situated on the banks of River Ganga, Kanpur is a city replete with cultural, historical, and religious sites. While this Industrious city has now gained a reputation as the Manchester of the East, in its glorious past it has played an important role in the freedom struggle of India. You must visit and experience this city’s wonderful amalgamation of its ancient roots and modern ways. Kanpur is known for its leather goods, temples, and parks. Kanpur is famous for what things, you ask? Scroll through our compilation of the famous things in Kanpur for your next trip.

When visiting the city, find your accommodation in the top hotels and Oyo rooms for a comfortable stay.

Good to know:

  • The Kanpur Nagar government website states that Kanpur is well connected to other cities. Visitors can fly directly to Kanpur Airport from major cities in India. Do note, however, that the airport is only for domestic flights. Buses and trains from nearby cities are also good options for travel.
  • According to Weather Spark, the best time to visit the city if you're planning on attraction hopping is from mid-March to mid-May and from late September to late October.

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1. Allen Forest Zoo

Leopard Kanpur Zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Scorpion saxena used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Allen Forest is one of the best places to visit in Kanpur. It’s more than a century old as it was developed during the British rule by Sir Allen. Spread across 77 hectares (190 acres) within the Allen Forest is the Allen Forest Zoo which is also commonly known as the Kanpur Zoological Park.

Since it is the largest zoological park in North India, it houses a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. From white Asiatic tigers, lions, cheetahs to emus, ostriches, butterflies, and snakes, you can find all species here. The zoo features a botanical garden, lake, butterfly park, aviary, aquarium, and night house. If you are traveling with kids, then they are going to love this unique learning experience.

Allen Forest Zoo

Address: Hastings Ave, Azad Nagar, Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002

Website: Allen Forest Zoo

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)

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2. Pearl Lake

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Pearl Lake or as it is known in Hindi ‘Moti Jheel’ is a fun recreational place for families. Built by the British, even today, this famous place in Kanpur is well-maintained and termed as the 'Lungs of Kanpur’. While children come here to play, adults can enjoy casual walks around the lake. The sight of flowers around it and ducks swaying inside it is sure to leave you mesmerized.

Moti Jheel

Address: Moti Jheel, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208001, India

Website: Moti Jheel

Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)

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3. Naveen Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Manyavar Shop No. 140, Next to Baluja Footwear, Navin Market Ln, Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001 Open 10 AM⋅ Closes 10PM 0512 305 1602

Posted by on Saturday, July 28, 2018

No trip can be complete without shopping, right? When visiting Kanpur, Naveen Market is one such shopper’s paradise. It is one of the best shopping markets in Kanpur and is an unmissable destination especially if you want to shop for leather, garments, perfumes, and jewelry. Thousands of visitors come here daily and its popularity is only growing with each passing day.

This spot is characterized by colonial structures, which houses similar-looking shops. This bustling site is also situated close to many places of interest – including PPN Market, Som Dutt Plaza, and The Landmark Hotel.

Naveen Market

Address: Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001

Website: Naveen Market

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4. Kamla Retreat


While this is the private property of the JK group of companies, you can still visit Kamla Retreat with your loved ones if you get permission from the administration. It is an estate that houses lush green parks and a museum which exhibits collections of historical significance and archaeological artifacts. You must visit here if you are traveling during summers as the retreat also boasts of canals where you can go boating and a swimming pool where you can take a dip amidst artificial waves.

Kamla Retreat

Address: Near HBTI, HBIT East Campus, Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002

Website:Kamla Retreat

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5. Bithoor

Bithoor
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Anupamg used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are interested in day trips, then you must plan a day trip to Bithoor. Just a 40-minute drive from the center of Kanpur city lies this magnificent town within the Kanpur district, that holds an important place in Hindu pilgrimage. Its old-worldly charm is sure to mesmerize you. Sit by the Ghats or walk around the town to see various historical monuments and heritage buildings.

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6. Nana Rao Park


This site held major historical significance in India’s pre-independence era. It was here that the Bibighar Massacre (The House of the Ladies Massacre) took place during the Indian rebellion of 1857. The Nana Rao Park is located near the famous Phool Bagh. The park is lush green and adorned with statues of eminent Indian freedom fighters.

Nana Rao Park

Address: Phool Bagh Chauraha, Mall Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Website: Nana Rao Park

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

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7. Blue World Theme Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Blue World Theme Park on Thursday, April 19, 2018

The best way to beat the heat is to visit an amusement park. Located on Mandhana-Bithoor Road, this theme park is like a picnic spot for the entire family. It has dry rides, water rides, theme parks, musical-fountain laser show, 9D theatre, and dinosaur villa. The thrilling rides are sure to bring out the inner child in you! From the state’s largest water slides to the biggest rain dance platform, you have it all under one roof at the Blue World Theme Park.

Blue World Theme Park

Address: Mandhana-Bithoor Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 209217

Website: Blue World Theme Park

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD (approimately)

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8. J.K. Temple (Shri Radhakrishna Temple)

JK Temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Udayraj18 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Juggilal Kamlapat temple is a 59-year-old Hindu temple in the heart of Kanpur. Constructed by the JK Trust, this is an architectural wonder as it is a unique combination of modern and traditional architecture. It houses five shrines of different Hindu gods and goddesses including Lord Radha Krishna, Lord Lakshmi Narayan, Lord Ardhanarishwar, Lord Narmadeshwar, and Lord Hanuman. Despite being surrounded by noise pollution, and a fast-paced life, the moment you step inside the temple you are surrounded by peace and serenity. Meditating here, even if for a couple of minutes, is a rejuvenating experience.

JK Temple

Address: Sarvoday, Krishna Nagar Rd, Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001

Opening hours: 5am - 12pm and 4pm - 10pm (daily)

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9. Green Park Stadium

Green Park Stadium Kanpur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Faiz Haider used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Do you love watching Cricket? For cricket fans, Green Park Stadium is a must-visit spot in Kanpur. Situated near the River Ganga, this floodlit cricket stadium is home to the UP cricket team and it has hosted innumerable national and international cricket matches.

It has a capacity of 32,000 and is the most-visited sports arena in the city. You can catch one-day and test matches, which are usually held at this beautiful sports site that has the biggest, manually controlled scoreboard on the planet.

Green Park Stadium

Address: Green Park, Permat Stock Exchange building Chauraha, D.A.V. College, Opp. HDFC Bank, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001

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10. Z Square Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Z Square Mall on Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Z Square Mall has something for everyone. Literally! Spread in an area of two hectares (five acres) in the city’s prime location on Mall Road, this mall is a haven for shopping, entertainment, and dining. If you have some time to spare, then you can come here and time will just fly away. With so many popular brands and restaurants here, you will run short of time but never get bored.

Z Square Mall

Address: 16, 113, Mall Rd, Bada Chauraha, Downtown, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001

Website: Z Square Mall

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

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11. Ganga River

Ganga river
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dublinsantosh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The River Ganga or ‘Ganges’ is the longest river in India, a holy river to Hindus, and is also a lifeline to many living along its banks. It has the distinction of being the 5th most polluted river in the world, however, that is not a deterrent to the million of pilgrims who come here for a holy dip in the River Ganga, believing that it will rid them of all their sins and give them salvation.

Hindu devotees have a bath in the Ganga River to pay homage to the ancestors and gods by taking water in their palms, lifting it up and making it fall back again into the river. Devotees also offer flowers, rose petals and also float ‘diyas’ or small clay vessels filled with oil and lit up with wicks (diyas). They also carry small amounts of the water from the river with them to use in their prayers and rituals.

Ganga River

Website: Ganga River

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12. Nana Rao Fort

Nana Sahib Memorial
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Prateekmalviya20 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Nana Rao Fort was built in memory of the great ruler Peshwa Nana Rao in Bithoor near Kanpur. He led the first freedom fight against the British in 1857. The fort has carvings of the great freedom fighters like Peshwa Nana Rao, Tatya Tope, Rani Lakshmi Bai and Azimullah Khan in it and many tourists come here to visit this historical site. In 1968 it was declared a heritage and archaeological site.

Nana Rao Fort

Address: Bithoor

Website: Nana Rao Fort

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13. Jain Glass Temple

Jain Glass Temple
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kamala L used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Jain Glass Temple in Kanpur was built for the devotees and followers of Jainism. It was dedicated to the Jain Lord Mahavira and the remaining 23 Jain Tirthankaras. It was built in the traditional style of temple archaeology and is famous for its exquisite and intricate enamel and glass work. The temple is built entirely of glass, in the walls, the doors, floors and pillars, the panels and its ceilings are all embellished in beautiful ornate mirror work. The temple has well preserved stained glass murals and wall paintings which demonstrate the teachings of the Jain religion.

The Jain Glass Temple has marble floors and its interiors consist of ornamental arches. It has statues of Jain Lord Mahavira and its 23 Jain Tirthankaras which are placed over a high pedestal and are covered by an intricate canopy.

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14. Kanpur Memorial Church

Kanpur Memorial Church
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shivam Maini used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Kanpur Memorial Church is located at the heart of Kanpur cantonment area in Kanpur. It is also called All Souls’ Cathedral. It was built in 1875, in memory of the British soldiers who lost their lives during the ‘Siege of Cawnpore’ in 1857. The structure was designed by famous architect, Walter Granville, who also created the then East Bengal Railway.

The church was built in the Lombardic Gothic style of architecture as can be seen in the structures and paintings. The structure has a magnificent view with the use of red colored bricks with multi colored hues in them. The presence of poly-chromatic dressings in the church have given it a touch of grandeur. The church interiors contain memorial tables, epitaphs and the monuments have given it a very sober ambience.

Kanpur Memorial Church

Website: Kanpur Memorial Church

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15. ISKCON temple

Iskcon temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Geetha geeths!! used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir or the worldwide International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) movement or ISKCON Temple is located in Bithoor in Kanpur. It is a renowned Vaishnav temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Krishna and his Radharani who is worshipped in the form of Radha Madhav ji.

The ISKCON Kanpur is a non-profit, social welfare, spiritual organization. The temple comprises of the main temple hall, the Brahmachari ashram and a devotee kitchen, a guesthouse and also an office complex, a restaurant for devotees, resident housing complex and a Goshala. These facilities are ensured for the comfort of the thousands of devotees who come here.

ISKCON Temple

Website: ISKCON Temple

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16. Mahatma Gandhi Park


Recreation is at its peak in this serene and well-maintain park, sitting in the cantonment area, away from the bustling and crowded city of Kanpur. Mahatma Gandhi Park is where you want to be if you want to get in touch with nature, or plan a picnic with friends and family. It is a family-friendly location, featuring lots of entertainment equipment for kids, manicured lawns, and eye-catching gardens. Join other locals and tourists at this lovely site, which has been providing fun and relaxing time for everyone, since 1967.

Mahatma Gandhi Park

Address: Kanpur Cantonment, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208004, India

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 1 USD

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17. Phool Bagh

Perform many activities you love at a single spot when you visit Phool Bagh, featuring a museum, a bustling marketplace, and a beautiful recreational area, where you can take evening or morning walks. This park was established in 1999, and it is also called the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Udyan. Over the years, it has been host to several political rallies and public meetings because of its appealing atmosphere. Check out the beautiful Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial, picnic with your friends or family, and even shop for local products at the market. You will enjoy a fulfilling time in this area.

Phool Bagh

Address: King Edward St, Phool Bagh, Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001, India

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 1 USD

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18. Buddha Park

For an all-round recreation with family or friends, include Buddha Park in your bucket list. This spot features a canal passing through its center, lush vegetation around its four walls, and a heartwarming architecture, featuring traditional and ancient styles. The first thing that will catch your attention, as you make your way through the doorway, are the four pillars, carrying a dome and a statue of Gautam Buddha at the center of the place. There is an area on-site area, dedicated to the kids, with many picnic spots. Escape the busy city life at this calm and serene spot.

Buddha Park

Address: Indira Nagar, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208026, India

Opening hours: 4:45am – 7pm (daily)

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Be intrigued by Kanpur

Kanpur Central Station
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nooralammalik1977 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

From Cawnpore to Kanpur, the city has transitioned rapidly to become the 11th most populous urban agglomeration in the country, and the largest urban agglomeration in the state of Uttar Pradesh. With our exhaustive list of the most famous things to do in Kanpur, you are never going to run out of options.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ishita Gupta is a freelance Indian writer with a passion for travelling extensively and discovering new destinations that also reflects in her style of writing. While charting the road less...Read more

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