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Archive for the ‘Kanpur’ Category

Kanpur is not only an important industrial town but also one of the most frequented tourist destinations in India. The city of Kanpur that stands on the banks of Ganges has a long tryst with the history. Kanpur, for long, has been a troubled town that has witnessed scores of bloodbath. From the ” Butcher of Cawnpore” to Hindu-Muslim sibling riots, the city has seen it all.

The city has become synonymous to leather industry in Asia. The whole economy of the city revolves around production, tanning, polishing or export of leather products. This flourishing trade has brought mix fortunes for the city dwellers. While on one hand, the growing export raised the living standard of the population; on the other hand it has also intensified the communal hatred that exist between Hindus and Muslims in the city. The result is the ferocious communal riots that take place almost every decade without any break. The reasoning behind these riots is primarily rooted in the age-old commercial rivalry of the two communities that is catalyzed by even older mutual mistrust.

Places To Visit

Massacre Ghat

Massacre Ghat alias Nana Rao Ghat, earlier known as Satti Chaura Ghat, is one of the most important tourist attraction of the city situated in the cantonment area on the right bank of the river Ganga. The place has become significant in the Indian History since the revolt of 1857, popularly known as Sepoy Mutiny or the first war of Indian Independence. Around 300 British men, women and children were murdered at the ghat and whose who escaped from there were later killed at the Bibighur Massacre. As the revolt was believed to be led by Nana Sahib of Peshwa, the Satti Chaura Ghat was renamed as Nana Rao Ghat and later got recognized as Massacre Ghat. A white temple was built here which gives the place a peaceful atmosphere.

Gutaam Buddha Park

Gautam Buddha Park is situated on the way to IIT Campus in between the Bara Imambara and the Martyrs Memorial. The ethnic style of construction and the surrounding foliage makes the park a beautiful leisure spot. It offers some excellent rides for the children and the canal within the park offer boating facilities. The park is used for conducting meetings and rallies of the political parties.

Moti Jheel

Moti Jheel, the drinking water reservoir of Kanpur waterworks is located in the Benajhabar area of the city. As the name suggests this popular picnic spot is similar to a pearl in the heart of Kanpur. The area around the Jheel (i.e lake) have been developed into a beautiful recreation ground and children’s park. The Japani Garden and Tulsi Upavan is located adjacent to the Moti Jheel .

Here are the few places good for excursions from Kanpur.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary : THe sanctuary is located 43 km from Lucknow , along the Lucknow-Kanpur Highway near Unnao, The sanctuary is a major source of attraction to the tourist as they can find rare Siberian migratory birds here during winters. The main bird species are Pintain, Pigeon, Common teal, Shoveller, Pochard, Coot, Purple Moorhen and others.

Lucknow: Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh.It is located at 90 Kms. from Kanpur.

Bithoor : Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj Road, which is 27 km from Kanpur.This quiet and beautiful township is located on the banks of the river Ganga.The site is well renowned for its tranquility and calmness and has been considered as a major source of historical and religious importance. Sita Kund, Dhruva Teela and the mosque near Lakshman Ghat are some places which attracts the tourist from all over the world.

Bhitargaon : Bhitargaon houses is regarded as a unique architectural specimen.It is located in Ghatampur tehsil .The place has been beautifully encarved with brick. This brick temple has its origin to the Gupta era. Dating back to 600 AD, this the very first shrine with a shikara.

Following are the must visit places in Kanpur :

Jajmau

In ancient times Jajmau was known as Siddhapuri.It is believed that Jajmau has been the kingdom of Yayati,the Pauranic king and the high mound overhanging the Ganga is regarded as the site of his fort.At present Jajmau houses the Siddhnath and Siddha Devi temples.The mausoleum of Makhdum Shah Ala-ul-Haq, the famous Sufi saint, built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1358 and a mosque built by Kulich Khan in 1679 are also situated here.Excavations of the mound of Jajmau were done during 1957-58, which unearthed antiquities ranging from 600 BC to 1600 AD.

Shri Radhakrishna Temple (J.K. Temple)

This beautifully constructed, J.K. temple lay its orign to J.K. Trust. The major source of attraction to this temple is a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture which attracts the tourist from worldwide.The temple has five shrines .The central one is dediacated to Shri Radhakrishna and the others hold dedication to the idols of Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Ardhanarishwar, Shri Narmadeshwar and Shri Hanuman.

Jain Glass Temple

TheJain class temple has become a major source of attraction for the tourist in recent times.The beautifully encarved temle is located Maheshwari Mohal behind the Kamla Tower. This beautiful temple highly ornamented with glass and enamel work.

Allen Forest Zoo

The Kanpur Zoo was established in the year 1971.It ranks first among the best zoos in the country. It is regarded as a best place for outdoor life and picnics in the midst of picturesque surroundings.

The Kanpur Memorial Church (All Soul’s Cathedral)

The Kanpur Memorial Church has been built in Lombardic Gothic Style.The church was constructed in the year 1875.It was a dedication for those British who lost their lives in the war of 1857. Walter Granville, architect of the East Bengal Railway has been accredited for designing the model of this church. It is made of bright red brick, with polychrome dressings. The interiors of the church contain monuments to the mutiny, including several memorial tablets.

Kamla Retreat

Kamla Retreat is situated to the west of the Agricultural College.This beautiful estate is owned by Singhania family. The well-lit swimming pool, wherein artificial waves are created is a most fascinating site of this place.There is a parks and a canal with facilities for boating in this area along with a zoo . Kamla Retreat also houses a museum, which has a wonderful collection of historical and archaeological artifacts.

Phool Bagh

Phool Bagh is also known as Ganesh Udyan.There is Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi Memorial in the centre of this park,It is located in the heart of the city, on the Mall Road.

Nana Rao Park

Nana Rao Park is located to the west of Phool Bagh. It is the site of the `Bibighar’ of 1857. After independence, the park was renamed as Nana Rao Park.

Harcourt Butler Technological Institute:

The Harcourt Butler Technological Institute is also located in this city.The institute imparts knowledge in technical training and industrial research.It was established in the year 1920 at Kanpur.

Indian Institute of Technology:

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur is one of the five major IIT’s in the country. IIT, Kanpur was set up in the year 1959. It provides education in the fields of engineering, technology, science and humanities.

Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology:

It was established in the year 1957.Its basic aim is to provide education in field of agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary science for the benefit of rural people.