A big industrial hub and a hugely populated city – the two most obvious sides of Kanpur. Hold your horses; we did use the word obvious. We know there's more to the city than that. We're not quibbling about it. We're itching to show you another side of it.
The city is smack dab in the middle of a sweet spot – a spot that makes it easy to drive down to some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in India. So, this weekend or any coming long weekend, when you have ample time at hand, we say load up the SUV and take a weekend trip to one of these six neighbouring places!
True to its name (which means hidden place), Orchha is the most underrated tourist destination in MP. The Orchha Fort Complex, divided into three historic sections is a vision to behold. The entire place, filled with majestic monuments, is an architectural marvel. It is, without a doubt, the best weekend getaway you can have from Kanpur. An old-world charm, regal structures, and hidden beauty all make it worth exploring.
When you are in the mood to explore a place chock full of history and religion, drive down to Prayagraj. If that makes you go meh, then know this – it is the hometown of Amitabh Bachchan. On your way to the house which the superstar once called home, we recommend taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam. That's the point where three of our holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati meet.
Need some more enticement? The city is also home to the largest fort built by Akbar and Anand Bhavan – the place where Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were born.
It's been said a gazillion times, so why not hear it once more. The city of Nawabs is truly a foodie's paradise, especially if you're a non-vegetarian. From shami to galouti, after you've binged on all kinds of Kebab, skip over to the historical masterpieces to truly experience the way Awadhi royals lived. The architecture of the Rumi Darwaza transports you to an era gone by. The vaulted chambers of the Bara Imambara show you what majestic exuberance use to be.
A weekend in Lucknow is 48 hours well-spent.
There is no child in India who has not grown up listening to the stories of Jhansi ki Rani. So, why not take the chance to visit the place the courageous woman called home? The seat of Rani Lakshmi Bai's kingdom, we recommend Jhansi as a weekend trip because the site is steeped with history. It was a crucial venue for India's first war of independence in 1857. When you're done exploring the Fort of Jhansi and the Rani Mahal, skip over to the many magnanimous temples and churches that dot the area.
As you stroll down the many, many carved temples of Khajuraho, you get a glimpse of how progressive ancient India was. Believe when we say, the Kamasutra has got nothing on the erotic sculptures of the city. The 20 odd temples are part of the Khajuraho group of monuments, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dating back to the 12th Century, they are a sight to see after the sun sets and the sound and light show begins. The town truly is the quintessential getaway from Kanpur for a quiet weekend.
Who in their right minds would ever say no to a short trip to the Taj Mahal? No one. We agree. But Agra is more than the wonder of the world. Yes, the white marble beauty is a monument that makes your head turn with grandeur, but the Tomb of Akbar is nothing to laugh at too. Did you know Akbar himself began the process for making it?
After you've done being all touristy, we recommend visiting the last Mughal garden in India – the Mehtab Bagh, which is located on the opposite bank Yamuna. While you're at it, try some delicious Mughlai cuisine in the city. You will not find a more authentic taste anywhere else. And if you have the shopping bug, make a pitstop to Sadar Bazar on your way back to Kanpur!
Each of these six cities, though a short distance away from Kanpur, have a unique charm. Form the awe-inspiring beauty of the Taj Mahal to the blush-inducing carvings of Khajuraho, each of these hidden treasures call to be explored. Thankfully, the strategic position of our city gives the perfect opportunity to discover them all.
