Kanpur

Kanpur is located 80 km away from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state in India. The rivers Ganges and Yamuna flow in north-east and south side of the city respectively. Kanpur is 1050 sq km in area and 125 m above sea level. It has four districts on its four sides namely, Farukkabad (north), Hamirpur (south), Etawah (west) and Unnao (east). It is the largest city in the Uttar Pradesh state.

History:
Kanpur played a vital role in the Indian Independence Struggle. In 1756 the entire city was transferred to British possession as per a treaty signed by the Nawab of Awadh. The British called this place as “Cawnpore”. Under the British rule the city progressed in politics and business. This place witnessed the First War of Independence in 1857 lead by Nana Sahib of Bithur. It was also the site of unfortunate “Massacre of Kanpur” or “Bibighar Massacre”. Currently the city is famous for its cultural heritage and industrialization. Leather exports and cotton fabrics are the leading business activities here.

Kanpur has a number of tourist spots in and around it. The Kanpur Memorial Church is a famous landmark of the city. This church was built in honor of British soldiers who lost their lives in the 1857 war. The church was designed by the architect Walter Granville in Lombardic Gothic style. Its exterior is made up of polychrome dressings with red brick stone and its interior has monuments to the mutiny.

At the eastern end of the city, one can see Jajmau Mound. This mound is considered to be the fort of the Hindu king Yayati. The excavations of this area have led to valuable findings which belong to the period 600 BC to AD 1600.

The J. K. temple, built by J. K. trust is a boon to devotees. It has five shrines within it. The central shrine is dedicated to Shri Radha Krishnan. It is a prefect blend of modern and ancient architecture. The other four shrines have the idols of Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Ardhanarishwar, Shri Narmadeshwar and Shri Hanuman.

Behind the Kamala tower in Maheshwari Mohal, tourists can have a fantastic view of the Jain Glass temple which is richly decorated with glass and enamel works. If the tourists are in search of an ideal place for an outdoor stroll in a picturesque spot, then the Allen Forest Zoo is an apt place. It was opened in 1971 and is one of the best zoos in India.

Tourists can also sit and relax in the green lush Phool Bagh in the heart of this busy city. Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial of the First War of Independence is situated at the center of this park. Located on the hillock, the Valmiki Ahsram was believed to be where Goddess Sita stayed during her exile and where her twin sons Lav and Kush were born. This place is closely related to the Indian epic Ramayana. Travelers can have a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings from this Ashram.

The nearest airport is located at Lucknow (80 km). Kanpur has its own central railway station and bus terminus through which the city is well connected with the rest of India.