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.

Nevertheless Kanpur is much more than riots and carnage. There are some very exciting tourist attractions that the tour to this city offers. These include the famous Kanpur Memorial Church and Jajmau among others. While the previous is dedicated to the souls that perished in the Sepoy Mutiny, the later is famous for the excavation works done in order to unearth the remains of later Vedic period. The city is also famous for its IIT.

Kanpur is connected to major Indian cities and tourist spots through air service. The nearest airport is Chakeri that is just off to the town. There are daily domestic flights to and from Kanpur to several cities in India. Apart from the state owned Indian Airlines, there are many private air taxi operators that offer their services from Kanpur to other Indian cities.

Since Kanpur lies in the heartland of the North Indian plains, it is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other parts of India. Kanpur Barrack is the main Railway station in Kanpur that falls on the Grand Chord route. Various Expresses and Super Fast trains connect Kanpur to the rest of India.

Situated in the flat Ganga plains, Kanpur has a good network of roads. Numerous public and private buses ply to and from nearby and far-flung cities. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation runs a fleet of well-maintained buses apart from the luxury coaches offered by private operators.

Kanpur is an interesting tour destination in North India. The city is situated amidst Gangetic Plains and has numerous sites of historical importance. Some of these sites are well documented in the chronicles of History. We are listing a few of them: -

Allen Forest Zoo in Kanpur is one of the most visited Zoological Parks of not only Uttar Pradesh but also the whole of India. This zoo cum botanical garden is a must visit destination during your tour to Kanpur. Allen Forest Zoo that is popularly called the Kanpur Zoo was opened 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.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) is one of the Indian Institutes of Technology. This IIT was set in the year 1960 in the city of Kanpur. From a humble origin in 1960,the institution has grown into one of the top technological institutes in India. The education is primarily based on engineering technology. A few research works are also taken up but this field can be considered as the Achilles' heels of IIT. In totality, research works constitute not even 1% of the total tutorials undertaken in these institutions. Nevertheless, the institution has been largely successful in creating a niche for itself.

The mound of Jajmau that is also called Jajmau is one of the most important and the most visited tourist destination in Kanpur. In fact, the mound of Jajmau is considered an important excavation sine in not only Uttar Pradesh but also in India. The mound of Jajmau that is located on the eastern end of Kanpur occupies a high place among ancient cities of the region. Excavations of the mound were undertaken during 1957-58 that unearthed antiquities ranging from 700 BC to 1600 AD. These excavations resulted in unearthing various items that throw a light on the life and times of later Vedic period and beyond.

The Kanpur Memorial Church that is named All Soul's Cathedral was actually built in 1875, in honor of the British who lost their lives in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The church is now popularly referred as the Kanpur Church. Walter Granville, architect of the east Bengal Railway, designed the Church. The Church has been erected in Lombardy gothic style. Furthermore, it has been handsomely executed in bright red brick, with polychrome dressings. The interior contains monuments to the mutiny, including several memorial tablets. The memoirs related to this church are truly heart wrenching.