Picnic Places near Kanpur
The present city of Kanpur bears little resemblance to ‘Kanhpur’ which King Hindu Singh of erstwhile state of Sachendi had founded. Located on the banks of the holy Ganges, Kanpur is credited as the largest city of Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur as a city has industrial, commercial and religious significance as leather industry thrives in the city.Thankfully, the city has ample breathing space and if you are looking for spending some personal moments, the city and its surroundings offer numerous options.
Jajmau
For those with interest in exploring the historical sites, no place can be better than spending than the weekend at Jajmau. Located on the eastern end of Kanpur city, the mound of Jajmau was discovered in 1957-58. Antiques ranging from 600 BC to 1600 AD can be seen at Jajmau. The place attracts visitors from all over the country and is a great place for spending weekend with family and friends.
How to Reach
Jajmau lies in close vicinity to NH 2 and NH 25. You can take a State Road Transport Corporation bus from Purani Chungi, Nay Chungi and Airforce Gate. Alternatively, autorickshaw can be hired from any point within Kanpur to reach the mounds of Jajmau.
Best Time to Visit
Sunday is the best day to visit Jajmau along with friends and family. Carry along lunch and drinks as it might be difficult to arrange things at Jajmau.
Allen Forest Zoo
Spread in an area of 77 hectares, Allen Forest Zoo can easily be listed as the largest green open space in the city. This is one of the rare zoos in India which has been constructed in a natural forest. Allen Forest Zoo boasts of everything a picnic spot should ideally have. A natural lake, rich collection of flora and fauna and presence of animals like White Asiatic Tiger, Black Bear, Musk Deer, leopard and Baboons among host of other animals make the zoo an oasis of knowledge from the young lot of the family.
Botanical garden, aviary and an aquarium make the Allen Forest Zoo special indeed and your children will remember the trip to the zoo long enough.
How to Reach
Located in Azad Nagar, Nawabganj, Kanpur, the Zoo can be visited through a taxi or your private vehicle. Given the vast area of the zoo, private vehicles are allowed inside for a fee and can be a fun way of spending quality time with the family.
Best Time to Visit
You can plan a visit to the zoo throughout the week barring Mondays. The zoo is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Bithoor
Located 23 Km away from the hustle and bustle of Kanpur city, the pristine ambience of Bithoor will surprise you. Nothing can be better than spending a weekend with family and friends on the banks of Ganges in Bithoor. Scriptures mention it that after the destruction of universe, it was at Bithoor that Lord Vishnu held a yagna to initiate the formation of new life form. It is no surprise that you will therefore come across devotees from across the region in Bithoor.
Lodges are available at Tatyagunj, some 12 Km from Bithoor and can be explored from spending weekend with the family.
How to Reach
Auto and private buses ply from various places in Kanpur to Bithoor. Alternatively, you can consider travelling by a taxi as you can return in the evening if you feel so.
Best Time to Visit
Bithoor can be visited any day of the week as it lies in close vicinity of Kanpur city. Weekends can be a better option for visiting Bithoor as children will have ample time to relax and enjoy the natural ambiance of the place.
Kamla Retreat
A natural picnic spot in itself, Kamla Retreat can be a perfect place to spend the weekend with the family. Kamla retreat houses a museum, parks and lawns, swimming pool a private zoo and will be an ideal picnic spot for children.How to Reach
Kamla Retreat is located at HBIT East Campus, Nawabganj. You can hire an auto rickshaw or any other public transport from any part of the city to reach Kamla retreat.
Best Time to Visit
Weekends are perhaps the best time to plan a visit to Kamla Retreat as the children might want to indulge in activities like swimming and animal watching, while you check across various artefacts in the museum.