15 Things To Do In Kanpur: Uncover The City’s Hidden Gems

An image of the Central building with red and white decorations, and tonnes of windows

Kanpur which is a well-known city in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has many beautiful places and one-of-a-kind attractions which are quite ideal for some time off. When it comes to the most interesting things to do in Kanpur and its surrounding areas, tourists can explore outstanding historical, cultural, and natural sites. Today you will get to know the best things to experience in Kanpur, including what places to visit and what activities to engage in. If you are trying to find out what to do in Kanpur or wish to take a weekend break, this list is right for you.

Top 15 Things to Do In Kanpur

Explore the best things to do in Kanpur and vibrant culture, from historical landmarks to local cuisine, offering a blend of tradition and modernity for every visitor.

1. Visit Mahatma Gandhi Park

An image of the Mahatma Gandhi statue, which offers some of the top things to do in Kanpur

Photo: AASHNA / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mahatma Gandhi Park is one of the best things to see in Kanpur surrounded by lush green gardens. The serenity in Mahatma Gandhi Park can be quite refreshing and is suitable for jogging in the morning, having picnics or just lounging. This is without doubt one of the top-rated things to do in Kanpur. The beautifully maintained lawns and peaceful neighbourhood always keep the patrons coming back. This park is a perfect complement for visitors planning a weekend escape in the city, it should be included in any list of things to see in Kanpur.

Location: Kanpur Cantonment, near Lakme Salon, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50

Suggested Read: Dudhwa National Park

2. Enjoy At Blue World Theme Park

An image of Blue World Theme Park in Kanpur full of slides, water and palms

Photo: Aggeliki Siomou / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Blue World Theme Park is among the famous Kanpur Water Parks that you can add to your best things to do in Kanpur list. Families or adventure seekers will surely enjoy this theme park as it has amazing rides inspired by different countries. Differentiating itself with fun water activities and themed zones, it is one of the best things to see in Kanpur. Whether it’s water slides or thrilling roller coasters, there’s never-ending fun to be had in this amusement park. For those thinking of what to do in Kanpur, this place is highly recommended.

Location: Mandhana–Bithoor Road, Bithoor, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 209217
Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹600 (Full ticket), ₹300 (Half ticket)

3. Explore Green Park Stadium

An image of Green Park Stadium in Kanpur with a large cricket ground and high-lighting towers

Photo: Faiz Haider / Wikimedia Commons

For those orthodox cricket fans Green Park Stadium, built in 1945, is a decent place to visit. It is a historical site as it is used to hold international cricket matches. For critical history and sabbaticals, visiting the stadium is one of the major attractions during the stay in Kanpur. It has around 32,000 sitting capacity which makes it one of the biggest stadiums in the country. One definitely can indulge themselves in unique experiences of the region by attending a match in this stadium.

Location: Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Depends on the match/event, free on normal days

Suggested Read: Pilibhit National Park

4. Visit Kanpur Zoo

An image of the Kanpur Zoo, that offers some of the top things to do in Kanpur

Photo: Mikudavidson / Wikimedia Commons

Another best resolution is to go to Allen Forest Zoo or Kanpur Zoo managed by the Forest Department, Uttar Pradesh, ideal for viewing vistas of a rare animal such as tigers, leopards, black bears, and grizzly bears and unique landscapes. Many families will be satisfied, as it takes so many hours to travel and walk around the surrounding area. Making a trip to the zoo is one of the top things to do in Kanpur considering this one of the places to visit in Kanpur. There are also great opportunities for wildlife lovers.

Location: Azad Nagar, Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children

5. Discover Kanpur Museum

An image of Kanpur Museum containing numerous ancient objects stored in glass cabinets

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The Kanpur Museum or Kanpur Sangrahalay is simply the place to go to appreciate the history and the culture of the city. From rich artefacts to rich paintings, the exhibits here unveil the history of Kanpur. For any history lover or a person who is looking to understand the history of the city of Kanpur, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Kanpur for couples. With its historical collections, it’s a must for visitors seeking what to do in Kanpur.

Location: Phool Bagh Grounds, Mall Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children

Suggested Read: Allahabad Museum

6. Moti Jheel

An image of Moti Jheel with structures surrounding it on one side of the view there is a hill

Photo: Shradha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Moti Jheel is an artificial lake with lakes and parks, which form a peaceful environment amidst the busy city. Watching the sunset while taking a leisurely walk along the banks of the Jheel is one of the best things to see in Kanpur. Tourists can enjoy boating, food stalls, and buy toys as well. Moti Jheel, like many other areas in Kanpur, is considered a scenic place and a good area to relax in. It is surrounded by bustling markets where you can enjoy the best street food in Kanpur, such as chaat, samosas, and kulfi.

Location: Harsh Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: NA

7. ISKCON Temple Kanpur

A picture of ISKCON Temple that offers some of the spiritual things to do in Kanpur

Photo: Maulik Kansara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For the locals and the visitors, ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Krishna, serves as a religious outlet. One of the things you cannot miss to do in Kanpur is visiting this temple which is widely known for its calm atmosphere and lively events associated with the temple. Visitors frequently visit this site to explore both cultural and spiritual outings. Because of the calm environment to experience, it is also one of the best things to do in Kanpur for the people looking for peace.

Location: Mainawati Marg, Bithoor Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208024
Timings: 4:30 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: NA

Suggested Read: Kashi Temple

8. Jungle Water Park

A picture of palm trees painted in different colours is located in the Jungle Water Park

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Family-friendly and adventurer-spirited families consider the Jungle Water Park. It is perfect for what to do in Kanpur because of the water rides, pools and play areas, particularly in summer. Tourists can have the experience of a fun-filled day that gives the joy of water activities in a forest theme park. It’s a great place for families, where the exhilarating rides make it one of the most enjoyable activities in Kanpur. Tourists visit this park to enjoy picnic time with family and friends.

Location: Bithoor Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002
Timings: 10:30 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹300

9. Kanpur Memorial Church

A picture of Kanpur Memorial Church, that offers some of the top things to do in Kanpur

Photo: Shivam Maini / Wikimedia Commons

For people with historical interest, one of the best things to do in Kanpur is to visit the Kanpur Memorial Church, a historic monument built in 1857, presenting lovely Gothic architecture. It was made to remember the lost British troops of the Sepoy Mutiny. Such places are rich in history and therefore rank high as places to visit in Kanpur. The tranquil setting contributes to its appeal as an ideal place for contemplation.

Location: Albert Lane, Kanpur Cantonment
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh

10. Ganga Barrage

An image of Ganga Barrage Kanpur with large amounts of water spilling out the top

Photo: Neerajpandeyin / Wikimedia Commons

The Ganga Barrage, also popular as Luv Kush Barrage, 621 metres long, is perfect for those who seek activity on the banks of the legendary River Ganga and is certainly one of the most fascinating things to see in Kanpur. This barrage made in 1995, is a good place for taking photographs especially when the Sun rises or sets. Among the things to do and places to visit in Kanpur, the barrage stands out with its beautiful scenery and tranquillity.

Location: Ganga Barrage, Shuklaganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208004
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA

11. Explore Nana Rao Park

Discover lush greenery and historical significance at Nana Rao Park in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

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Nana Rao Park is a green urban oasis with a lot of history. It remembers the terrible events of the 1857 Indian Rebellion, in which hundreds of people died. It was once the site of the famous Memorial Well. After India gained its independence, the British memorial was changed to honour Nana Sahib with statues of Indian freedom heroes. Today, the park has well-kept gardens, walking paths, and the important “Boodha Bargad” tree, which makes it a peaceful place for both locals and tourists.

Location: Mall Road, Phool Bagh, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: NA

Suggested Read: Chandraprabha National Park

12. Visit J.K. Temple (Shri Radhakrishna Temple)

Visit J.K. Temple to admire stunning architecture - one of the best things to do in Kanpur, India.

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The J.K. Temple, which is also called the Shri Radhakrishna Temple, is a famous piece of architecture in Kanpur that is praised for its unique mix of old and new styles. The J.K. Trust built the temple complex in the 1960s. It has five shrines for different Hindu gods, with Lord Radhakrishna’s shrine being in the middle. Both tourists and devotees are drawn to its beautiful marble building, peaceful gardens, and detailed carvings.

Location: Govind Nagar Road, Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208005
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: NA

13. Explore Phool Bagh

Explore Phool Bagh, a peaceful garden with colonial charm - one of best things to do in Kanpur.

Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only

One of the oldest and most loved public parks in Kanpur is Phool Bagh, which is located on Mall Road. It is among the Kanpur fun places parks for morning walks, picnics, and community events because it has big grounds, colourful flower beds, and decorative fountains. In the past, Phool Bagh has been the site of many public events and political protests, which adds to its cultural importance. Its central location and well-kept gardens make it a popular place for families and people who want to get away from the busy city.

Location: Mall Road, Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: NA

Suggested Read: A Guide To The Best Things To Do In Uttar Pradesh

14. Enjoy Scenic Views At Satti Chaura Ghat (Massacre Ghat)

Enjoy serene river views and history at Satti Chaura Ghat (Massacre Ghat) in Kanpur.

Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only

On the banks of the Ganges in Kanpur, Satti Chaura Ghat, which is also called Massacre Ghat, is a historic place by the water. People knew it as the place where a lot of British people were killed during the Indian Rebellion in 1857. Today, the ghat is a sombre memory of the city’s troubled past. It draws history buffs and tourists interested in events that happened during the colonial era. It is among the hidden places in Kanpur, and it has beautiful views of the river.

Location: Satti Chaura Ghat, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208004
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA

15. Take A Stroll Through Naveen Market

Stroll through Naveen Market in Kanpur for local shopping and vibrant street scenes.

Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only

Naveen Market is a busy business area in the middle of Kanpur that is known for its great shopping and street food. There are shops all along the market that sell clothes, accessories, electronics, and household items. A lot of food stands selling Kanpur’s famous chaats, sweets, and snacks add to the festival’s lively vibe. Naveen Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s also a lively cultural event. It has bustling food stalls offering the best food in Kanpur, from spicy chaats to sweet jalebis, making it ideal for foodies looking to explore local flavours after shopping.

Location: Mall Road, Naveen Market, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NA

Suggested Read: Best Places For Shopping In Uttar Pradesh

The Kanpur city is a well-known sightseeing destination owing to its plethora of activities. Visitors can engage in both amusement parks and religious temples as this list of best places in Kanpur showcases all elements required for a perfect getaway. A complete package of rest, adventure, and culture awaits every visitor in this dynamic city. Plan your trip to explore the best things to do in Kanpur with TripXL and enjoy an unforgettable moment with your loved ones.

Cover Photo: KpinfomediaIndia / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Kanpur is a famous city that provides visitors with a plethora of activities including old structures, gardens, temples, and cultural life.
The months from October to March provide the best weather conditions which are suitable for outdoor activities including visiting various attractions.
A weekend usually is sufficient for visitors to most parts of the city's attractions and sites of interest.
Tourists can reach Kanpur by any mode of transportation. Kanpur has its own airport, railway station and bus station as well.
For shopping Z-square Mall, Naveen Market, and Mall Road are good places to visit.
The Kanpur Museum, or Kanpur Sangrahalaya, has a lot of colonial and cultural artefacts. You can also check out traditional craft fairs that happen during festival times or local theatre acts at Tilak Hall.
You can get badnaam kulfi in Parade, spicy Thaggu ke Laddu, and real Biryani at Baba Biryani. Other street food walks in and around Naveen Market or Arya Nagar include chaats and parathas, two tasty Indian snacks.
You can go to Fun City for go-karts and paintball, or you can go to Blue World Theme Park for water rides and play areas. You can also take a historical walk that makes you feel like you're going back in time to see old colonial houses in a new way.

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