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| KANPUR - TOURISM |
| Kanpur is an important historical
town. This is the birth place of Ganesh Shankar Vidhyarthi &
the poet of "Jhanda Uncha Rahe hamara" Sh. Shyam Lal Gupta "Parshad".and
Hasrat Mohani The great URDU Poet.
A zoo of international standard is also situated in Kanpur. The parts of ancient structure & monuments of the time of King Yayati can be seen in Jajmau. There is 350 years old only manuscript of Gurugranth Sahib and certified with the signature of Bhai Banno Sahib is also available in "Gurudwara Banno Sahib". A museum can also be seen in Phool Baugh. On the bank of holy river Ganga, following holy ghats
can also be seen.
The four famous and holy temples of Lord Shiva are also situated
in Kanpur.
Places of InterestsThe mound of Jajmau, on the eastern end of the city occupies a high place among ancient sities of the region. Excavations of the mound were undertaken during 1957-58 which unearthed antiquities ranging from 600 BC to 1600 AD. Jajmau,known as Siddhapuri in ancient times, is supposed to have been the kingdom of Yayati, the Pauranic king and the high mound overhanging the Ganga is known as the site of his fort. Today, Jajmau houses the Siddhnath and Siddha Devi temples and the mousoleium of Makhdum Shah Ala-ul-Haq, the famous Sufi saint, built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1358. A mosque built by Kulich Khan in 1679 also stands here. Shri Radhakrishna Temple (J.K. Temple) Beautifully constructed, J.K. temple is a boon to the devotees. Built by J.K. Trust this architectural delight is a unique blend of ancient architecture with the. modern. The even-level roofs o the mandaps have been provided with adequate ventilation for sufficient light and air. Among the five shrines that the temple has the central one s consecrated to Shri Radhakrishna and the other are adorned with idols of Shri Laxminarayan, Shri. Ardhanarishwar, Shri Narmadeshwar and Shri Hanuman. Jain Glass Temple It is situated
Allen Forest Zoo The Kanpur Zoo was opend in 1971 and ranks among one of the best zoos in the country. It is an ideal place for outdoor life and picnics amongst picturesque surroundings. Phone: 543678. Kamla Retreat Lies to the west of the Agricultural College in immediate neighbourhood of the Allen Forest. It is under the possession of Singhania family and is a beauty spot of the city. There is a swimming tank with an equipment for producing artificial waves and suitable arrangement for lighting. Besides parks and a canal with facilities for boating, a zoo is also maintained. Kamla Retreat also houses a museum which has a good collection of historical and archaeological artifacts. Visitors are allowed only with prior permission from:; Deputy General Manager (Administration), Kamla Tower, Kamalanagar, Kanpur, UP. Phone: 311478 & 311479. Phool Bagh (Ganesh Udyan) It is a beautiful
park in the heart of the city on the Mall Road. Nana Rao Park Formerly known as Memorial Well Garden, It is the biggest park in Kanpur and is situated in the heart of the city on theMall Road. After Independence , it has been renamed after Nararao Peshwa, the hero of the first War of independence in 1857. It is very beautifully laid out and contains a plant nursery. Brijendra Swarup Park Situated in Aryanagar area of Kanpur, this park is also very big and has spacious lawns and play grounds. Moti Jheel This is drinking water reservoir of Kanpur Waterworks. It is situated Benajhabar area of the city. The area around the Jheel or lake has lately been developed into a beautiful recreation grounds and children's park. Green Park This is the best and most famous play ground of Kanpur. International Cricket matches are held here and it is considered to have one of the best pitches in the world. Golf Club Situated in Cantonment area , on the banks of the river Ganga, it has beautiful grounds and a panoramic view. Cawnpore Club Also situated in Cantonment , it is one of the oldest clubs of Kanpur. It has a swimming pool, Tennis and Squash Courts and an indoor games facility. A well-equipped library is also situated here. Ganges Club In Arya nagar area of Kanpur , it has Tennis , Badminton Courts and indoor games facilities(including Billiard Table). It has equipped with beautiful swimming pool . Kanpur Union Club Behind the Phul Bagh on the Mall Road, this also has Tennis and Badminton Courts and Indoor games facilities. All India Tennis Tournaments are held here. Flying Club
Massacre Ghat On the right bank of the river Ganga in the Cantonment area , lies this place of great historical importance, since the time of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The Ghat has been renamed as Nanarao Ghat, in the memory of Nana Saheb Peshwa, who ejected the British from Kanpur. The Ghat is also called Satti Chaura Ghat, which was the scene of a terrible massacre. The Kanpur Memorial Church (All Soul’s Cathedral) The Kanpur Memorial Church was built in 1875, in honour of the British who lost their lives in the war of 1857. The Church was designed by Walter Granville, architect of the east Bengal Railway. The complete Church in Lombardic gothic style is handsomely executed in bright red brick, with polychrome dressings. The interior contains monuments to the mutiny, including several memorial tablets. In the separate enclosure to the east of the church is the Memorial Garden, approached through two gateways. Here the handsome carved gothic screen, designed by Henry Yule, stands. Its centre is occupied by the beautiful carved figure of an angle by Baron Carlo Marochetti, with crossed arms, holding palons, symbol of peace. Originally the statue and the screen stood in the Municipal Gardens in the centre of the city, over the site of the Bibighar well. The memorials were relocated here after independence in 1948. The Military Cemetery on the edge of the cantonment contains a number of interesting graves from the late 19th century. Within the city the king Edward VII memorial hall is noteworthy and Christ Church building, built in 1840. BITHOOR : This holy and historical place is situated 21 kms. away from Kanpuron the bank of holy river Ganga. Beside Kashi, the holy place Bithoor decorated with maximum nos. of beautiful ghats. The Bithoor is also known as "Brahmvart" (The creation place of Manu and Satrupa). It is also believed that Maharshi Balmiki has created the first Mahagrantha of Hindu "Ramayana" here & Lav & Kush was born & brought up in his Aashram. Ramel is the place where Avadh Naresh Shri Ram met with Lav & Kush after Ashwamegha Yagya. Maharani Laxi bai passed her childhood here and this is the work place of freedom fighters Tatya Tope, Azimullah Khan, Mainavati & Nanarao Peshwa. The temples of Gupta period can also be seen 32 kms away from Kanpur. Kannauj, the city of perfumes is also situated on G.T. road 80 kms. away from Kanpur. The city was very famous during the period of Harshavardhan. |
Other Places of Interest
Other Places
of Interest are; Tapeshwaridevi Temple, Vankhahdeshwar Temple, Anandeshwar
Temple, Moti Jheel Tulsi Upvan-Children Park, Kamla Retreat, Zoological
Garden, Nanarao Park-Ganesh Udyan, Prayag Narain Temple. Nanarao Ghat,
Panki Hanuman Temple and Shyam Hari Singhania Art Gallary.
Among other sites
worth visiting at Kanpur are the Hanuman temple-Panki, Anandeshwar temple,
Jageshwar temple, Dwarikadhish temple, Prayagnarayan temple, Kailash temple,
Buddhadevi temple, Kherepati temple, Varahidevi temple, Bhairav temple
and Tulsi Upvan (Moti Jheel).
The quiet and beautiful township of Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj Road, 27 km from Kanpur. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, this tranquil spot is of considerable historical and religious importance. According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, as it was known then, for the creation of mankind. The placewhich first witnessed the creation of mankind came to be known as Brahmavarta or the seat of Brahma. Later Brahma installed a Shivalinga which is still workshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal ghat of Bithoor, the Brahmavarta Ghat. A nail of the horse shoe embedded in the steps of the ghat is an object of special reverence for devotees, considered to be of Brahma’s horse, while going for Ashwamedha Yajna. On the completion of the yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name, Bithoor is derived.
In later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as a capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya, over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva penanced here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela.
There is a small pool inside Valmiki Ashram, famous as Sita-Kund. Sita ‘Rasoi’ is still preserved, near which stands `Swarga Naseinee’ or Deep Malika Stambha, studded with niches all around for illumination. The tower has about 48 steps leading to its top which is surmounted by a cupola, from where one can heave a panoraic viewof the entire area. The existing Valmiki temple is said to have been rebuilt by Baji roa Peshwa in the 19th century.
Later Brahmavarta fell into obscurity, only to regain prominence in the 18th century. During 1753-75 under the rule of Nawab Shuja-ud-daula, the administration of Bithoor was entrusted to Almas Ali Kha, who erected a mosque near Lakshman Ghat on the right bank of Ganga.
Bithoor was the capital of the Pargana from 1811 to 819. After the departure of the courts, the place was assigned as a residence to Baji Rao, the deposed Peshwa. The Palace of Nana Sahib was reduced to rubble by the British in 1857 and the only traces remaining of it are some large well heads and broken palace walls.
The historic town of Bithoor, once famous by the name of `Bavan Ghaton ki Nagri’, [city of 52 Ghat (river banks)] today left with only 29 ghats. The chief among them being-the Tuta Ghat, Patkapur Ghat, Khanderao Gaht, Rishikul Ghat, Kalvari Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Chhappar Ghat, Dhruv Ghat, Bhairav Ghat, Sita-Kaushalya Ghat, Bramhavarta Ghat, Ganesh Ghat, Lakshman Ghat, Rambhushan Ghat, Pandav Ghat, Jhansi Rani Ghat, Mahapatra Ghat, Chhatta Ghat, Shuklan Ghat, Mahila Ghat, Baradari Ghat, Patthar Ghat, Bhajju Ghat, Gudara Ghat, Atmanand Saraswati Ghat, Maharaja Peshwa Ghat, Gulariya Ghat, Haridham Ghat, Shivdham Ghat and Kapileshwar Ghat. Of these 29 Ghats the most beautiful is the Patthar Ghat, built by Raja Tikaitrai. The other important Ghat of Bhthoor is the Kalvari Ghat, where a large Gaesh temple built by the Peshwas exists. Other notable sites at Bithoor are the Tripura Sundri Temple, Shivananda Ashram, Gyaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Janki Temple, Pantha Devi Temple, and Sri Gayatri Dham. Bithoor has no hotels at present, one can either choose to stay at Ashrams or return to Kanpur for nightstay. UP Government Tourist accommodation is available at tourist motel, Tatyaganj, 12 km. before Bithoor, on route to Farrukhabad.
Bhitargaon
59 km. Situated in Ghatampur tehsil, Bhitargaon houses a unique architectural specimen – a brick temple belonging to the Gupta era. The very first shrine with a Shikara, it dates back to 600 AD.
Built of large bricks of size 0.47m x 0.22m x 0.07m, set in mud mortar, the total height of the temple is 15.41m. inside the temple only the sanctum or garbhagriha and the porch exists. Above the sanctum there was an upper chamber which was damaged when the spire was struck by lightning some time in the 18th century. The most remarked feature of the temple is its recessed plan.
The interior of the temple is plain but on the outside it is decorated with carved brickwork and numerous terracotta panels of skilful workmanship. The importance of the Bhitargaon temple lies in the fact that it is the sole surviving record of this early phase of temple architecture in India.
Musanagar
65 km from Kanpur, the ancient site of Masanagar with innumerable munds deserved mention on account of the ancient temple of Muktadevi, which is said to have been built in Treta-Yug by Raja Bali. A large fair is held at Muktadevi temple on occasion of Kartik Poornima. Musanagar is also a rich archaeological site and has yielded a large number of artifacts and specimens of the post Harrapan, Shunga, Maurya and Kushana periods. The Muktadevi temple also offers an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. One can climb the roof of the temple dharamshala, from where can be seen the meandering Sengar river meeting the Yamuna down below, in a beautiful natural setting.
Kannauj
80 km. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, Kannauj was the 7th century capital of Emperor Harshvardhan’s empire, which encompassed the entire region between the rivers Satlej and Narmada and eastern Bengal. While all traces of this past have vanished, Kannauj is famous for its manufacture of essence (itr) used in perfumes.
Lucknow
The capital of
Uttar-Pradesh, Lucknow is around 80km from Kanpur, well connected with
Trains/Buses/Taxi. Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture.
The imperialistic splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi era has been
glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and historians
alike. At the same time its mystical elegance and amorous ethos has caught
the fascination of many world famous romantics. Known for its adab and
Tehzeeb (cultural refinement), Lucknow is also associated with its legendary
hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history,
world renowned cuisine and exquisite Sham-e- Awadh. Tremors of time have
not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage and traditions, which once
contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times.
More
on Lucknow
Angira Ashram
Thousands of years ago, one of the saptarishis, Maharishi Angira, chose for his penance a place near Bithoo, presently situated in Ankui village today is known as the Angira Ashram. The ancient Jagannath temple here houses the original wooden idol of Lord Jagannath, said to be identical with that of the famous Jagannath temple.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
43 km from Lucknow, along the Lucknow-Kanpur highway near Unnao, is the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary attractts rare Siberian migratory birds during winters, the main bird species being Pintain, Pigeon, Common teal, Shoveller, Pochard, Coot, Purple Moorhen and others. The ideal season for bird watching is between December and March. The Priyadarshini Motel of U.P. Tourism provides good boarding and lodging facilities at the sanctuary.
Archaeological Sites around Kanpur
Among other notable archaeological sites around Kanpur are the `Shiv temple at Nimbia Khera’, the `Jagannath temple at Behta Buzurg’ and the `Lala Bhagat Pillar’. Nimbia Khera is 12 km east of Ghatampur, where a 9th-10th Century old Shiva temple at Behta Buzurg is supposed to be 2000 years old. It is said that a week before the beginning of therainy season, drops of water falls from the stone which is embedded in the inner roof of the temple. The village of Behta Buzurg is 15 km from Ghatampur and 40 km from Kanpur, on the road going from Ghatampur to Sarh. Lala Bhagat, 92 km from Kanpur and 58 km from Derapur, houses the famous Kukkutadhwaj, more known as Lala Bhagat Pillar standing in the middle of a modern temple. This red sandstone six and a half feet high octagonal pillar with a small inscription was once surmounted by a cock capital, which broken from the pillar shaft lies nearby. Datable to the 1st century AD, the cock capital is of unique antiquity value.
Other Excursions
Hanuman Temple, Panki, Kalpi, Sankisa, Nawabganj and Kampil.
in Maheshwari Mohal behind the Kamla Tower. It is a beautiful temple highly
decorated with glass and enamel works.
