Tourist Attractions

Located on the Ganges River, Kanpur is a city of much historical importance. During the British rule in India, Kanpur was an important garrison town. After India’s independence, it became the center for the wool and leather industry.

 

Around the city, tourist attractions include the many ghats (riverside) along the river Ganga. Other sites to visit are the JK Temple, the Kanpur Zoo and the Valmiki Ashram.

 

Outside the city, there are a number of places to visit.

 

HERITAGE

LUCKNOW

Visit the capital city of Uttar Pradesh for a dose of history and culture. The city was the seat of power for the Nawabs in the 18th and 19th century and remnants of their rule can be seen throughout the city in their architecture, traditions and food. When in Lucknow, do visit the Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and the Residency.

 

Distance: 100 Kms

 

Best time to go: October to March

   
 

AGRA

   
 

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World in this city close to Kanpur. The Taj Mahal is a beautiful mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River, built entirely out of white marble. Apart from this, Agra also boasts of some of the most beautiful Mughal architectural sites. Fatehpur Sikri, a small city founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, is adjacent to Agra and is a great site for history buffs.

 

Distance: 280 Kms

 

Best time to visit: October to March

   
 

KHAJURAHO

   
 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples at Khajuraho date back to 1050 AD. Built by the Chandela dynasty, the temples are spread out over a 6 square kilometer area and are an example of the nagara-style of architecture.

 

Keep a watch out for the Khajuraho Dance Festival organized by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad usually in the months of February and March.

 

Distance: 220 Kms

 

Best time to visit: October to March

   
 

VARANASI

An important religious site, Varanasi holds significance for Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The vibe of the city is unlike any with its holy riverbanks and historical temples. Do not miss the evening prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat and a boat ride in the Ganges.

 

Distance: 340 Kms

 

Best time to visit: November to February

   
 

NATURE

PANNA NATIONAL PARK

On a visit to India, don’t miss out on seeing the majestic Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. Panna National Park is a tiger reserve where tourists can hire jeeps for safari tours inside the protected area. Other endemic species to keep a watch out for include the Indian gazelle (chinkara), the Blue Bull (nilgai) and the Sambar deer.

 

Distance: 300 Kms

 

Best time to visit: November to May

   
 
   
 

KEN GHARIAL SANCTUARY

Close to Panna National Park, this reserve is the place to spot gharials, a species of crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent. Club this trip with the nearby Raneh Falls, also called the Grand Canyon of India.

 

Distance: 230 Kms

 

Best time to visit: October to March