Places to Visit in Kanpur

Top attractions and must-see spots in Kanpur

Cultural

1

  • Bithoor

    A historic Ganga-side town near Kanpur linked to Sita's exile in the Ramayana and Nana Saheb's role in the 1857 Revolt.

Landmarks

5

  • Allen Forest Zoo (Kanpur Zoo)

    One of UP's largest zoos spread across 76 acres of natural forest in Kanpur, home to tigers, rhinos, hippos, and hundreds of species.

  • Green Park Stadium

    One of India's oldest Test cricket grounds in Kanpur, hosting its first Test in 1952 and known for slow, turning pitches favouring spin.

  • Jajmau

    One of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Gangetic plains near Kanpur, with archaeological evidence of 3,000+ years of history and ancient Vedic associations.

  • Kanpur Memorial Church (All Souls’ Cathedral)

    A Gothic Revival cathedral in Kanpur built in 1875 to commemorate the British dead of the 1857 Revolt, featuring a 40-metre spire and memorial garden.

  • Kanpur Sangrahalaya (Kanpur Museum)

    Kanpur's main museum in Phool Bagh with archaeological sculptures, coins, and a gallery on the 1857 revolt that shaped the city's history.

Scenic Spots

10

  • Bithoor Ghats (Brahmavart Ghat and Patthar Ghat)

    Bithoor's main riverside ghats on the Ganga, where pilgrims bathe at the steps linked to Lord Brahma.

  • Blue World Theme Park

    One of the largest water and amusement parks in UP near Kanpur, popular with families for water slides, wave pools, and rides.

  • Ganga Barrage

    A major barrage on the Ganga at Kanpur serving as a flood control structure and popular riverside destination, with growing Ganga Aarti ceremonies.

  • Gautam Buddha Park

    Gautam Buddha Park in Indira Nagar, on the road to the IIT Kanpur campus, is one of the most pleasant green spaces in the city. The park is anchored by a large Buddha statue near the entrance and features a variety of rare plants, walking paths, and open lawns ideal for morning jogs or evening strolls. A quieter and less-visited alternative to Kanpur's more central parks, it is a great spot for families and nature lovers looking for a calm retreat within the city.

  • Kamla Retreat

    Singhania family estate beside Allen Forest with gardens, a canal for boating and a small museum. Closed Mondays.

  • Mahatma Gandhi Park

    Old tree-shaded park in Kanpur Cantonment with walking paths and play areas.

  • Massacre Ghat (Sati Chaura Ghat)

    Ganga ghat in the Cantonment, site of the 1857 massacre, still used for bathing and evening aarti.

  • Moti Jheel

    A historic lake in Kanpur redeveloped as a public park with boating, providing a green recreational space in the densely populated city.

  • Nana Rao Park

    A historic public park in Kanpur named after 1857 revolt leader Nana Saheb, housing the Kanpur Museum and Victoria Memorial amid heritage gardens.

  • Phool Bagh (Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Udyan)

    A historic public garden in Kanpur's Civil Lines named after freedom fighter Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, with walking paths and colonial-era bandstand.

Shopping

8

  • Birhana Road

    Kanpur's main jewellery street in General Ganj, lined with national brands and old local jewellers.

  • Mall Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road)

    Kanpur's main upscale shopping road, home to Z Square and Rave 3 malls, leather shops and cafes.

  • Naveen Market

    Kanpur's largest market in Colonelganj, known for leather goods, shoes, sarees and chikankari.

  • Parade Market

    Large wholesale market for clothes, footwear, books and crockery, with plenty of street food.

  • PPN Market

    Mall Road market for export-quality leather bags, jackets and sports goods at good prices.

  • Sadar Bazaar

    Market near Kanpur Central for cheap leather belts, shoes and bags, plus clothes and street snacks.

  • Sisamau Bazaar

    Old street market in Nehru Nagar for sarees, ethnic wear, utensils and jewellery at low prices.

  • Z Square Mall

    One of Kanpur's leading shopping malls on Mall Road with national brands, a food court, multiplex cinema, and entertainment zones.

Temple

12

  • Anandeshwar Temple

    Old Shiva temple on the Ganga at Parmat, known as the Kashi of Kanpur, with long queues on Shravan Mondays.

  • Bhitargaon Temple

    Fifth-century Gupta brick temple near Kanpur, among India's oldest surviving brick temples, with terracotta panels.

  • Chandrika Devi Temple

    A revered Siddhapeeth in the heart of Kanpur, the Chandrika Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Goddess Chandrika, a manifestation of Durga. Located in Dev Nagar, it is known for grand Navratri celebrations and the annual Ganesh Mahotsav. The temple draws devotees seeking the blessings of the goddess, especially on Fridays. Its ancient architecture and religious energy make it a significant landmark among the temples worth visiting in Kanpur.

  • Dashanan Mandir

    Rare Ravana temple in Kanpur's Shiwala area, opened only once a year on Dussehra.

  • Dwarkadhish Temple

    Popular Krishna temple near Kamla Tower, known for its Jhoola festival during Shravan.

  • ISKCON Kanpur (Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple)

    An ISKCON temple in Kanpur dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Madhav, offering daily kirtan, aartis, and Gita discourses.

  • Jagannath Mandir (Benhta)

    Located in Benhta village just 3 kilometres from Kanpur, the Jagannath Mandir is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, with a Luv-Kush temple and a Hanuman sanctum on the same premises. Believed to mark the birthplace of Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Rama and Sita, the site carries deep Ramayana significance. One of the less-crowded yet spiritually rich temples in Kanpur, it is well worth including on any heritage or pilgrimage circuit of the city.

  • JK Temple (JK Birla Mandir)

    A modern white marble temple built by the JK Group in Kanpur, dedicated to multiple deities and known for its peaceful campus.

  • Kanch Ka Mandir (Jain Glass Temple)

    Jain temple in General Ganj with interiors covered in glass inlay, enamel work and marble.

  • Panki Hanuman Temple

    Old Panchmukhi Hanuman temple near Panki station, crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

  • Tapeshwari Devi Temple

    Old Birhana Road temple to Goddess Sita, linked by legend to her exile at Bithoor.

  • Valmiki Ashram (Bithoor)

    Bithoor ashram where sage Valmiki is believed to have written the Ramayana, with temples and Sita Kund.

Explore more about Kanpur