Happy TravellerWelcome to Kanpur, one of the most important commercial and military stations of British India, located in the central-western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Founded in 1207, Kanpur has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, beautiful parks and gardens, delicious cuisine, and much more. It is the financial capital of Uttar Pradesh and the ninth-largest urban economy in India.
Nestled on the banks of the Ganges River, Kanpur is famous for its colonial architecture, gardens, parks, and fine quality leather, plastic, and textile products, which are exported mainly to the West. The city is home to historical monuments such as the Jajmau Ghat, which dates back to 17th century AD. Kanpur is also home to several historical sites such as the Bithoor Museum, Bhitargaon Temple, European Cemetery, and Nanarao Park.
Kanpur also hosts various events throughout the year, including cultural, sporting, and religious events. The city is the 10th most populous city and the 9th most populous urban agglomeration in India, according to the Census of India, 2011.
With the first woollen mill of India, commonly known as the Lal Imli established here in 1876, Kanpur played a significant role in the British times. The eastern and northern facades of the mill are reminiscent of the Palace of Westminster, due to their architecture, proximity to the Ganges river, and with the north-east corner of the mill being topped by a clock tower similar to Big Ben in London. This similarity underscores the city’s importance and prestige during the British times, which extends till date; making the Lal Imli a great highlight of the city.
Kanpur is widely regarded as the Leather City of the World and is predominantly nicknamed as the Manchester of the East, for its chemical, textile, and leather industries. The city has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate bordering on a hot semi-arid climate under the Koppen climate classification. Although final data of census 2023 is yet to be declared, population of Kanpur Nagar District is projected as 63,67,963 in year 2023 (estimation as per aadhar ‘UIDAI’ data).
The city has a rich political history and is governed by a mayor-in-council system. The area under the municipal limits of Kanpur city, or Kanpur Municipal Corporation, is spread over an area of 260 square km and is governed under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959. The development of infrastructure in the city is overseen by Kanpur Development Authority (KDA), which comes under the Housing Department of Uttar Pradesh government. The municipality receives revenue from general tax, advertisement tax, income from municipal properties, grants from state government, etc. The Kanpur Police Zone and Kanpur Police Range operate in the city, which is divided into six zones and 110 wards.
In conclusion, Kanpur is a city that deserves to be explored and experienced. Its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Come and discover the wonders of Kanpur for yourself!
