Kanpur, a vibrant city situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. Kanpur, famous for having richest ever Industrial History but always kept aside compared to nearby glam spots like Agra and Varanasi. But don’t let that fool you! This city is a gourmet of culture, tradition and delicious food. Honouring the highly improbable mix of urbanisation with historical significance, Kanpur is a trending tourist spot as it provides an insight into real India to visiting travellers.
Whether it is Festivals that color the streets with music and gaiety or Local Dishes that tickle your Taste Buds, Kanpur has a tale to tell beyond its people. So, pack in your backpack and let us hit the road for some cultural exploration in Kanpur!
Culture and Local Experience
The first kick you will receive is from the smiley people and their roughness. It is one of those cities with so many types of people living in it and possesses such a rich and beautiful culture, an amazing mix of traditions and ways of life. Participating in or watching the various festivals round out the year is one of the proper approaches to immerse your self within side the culture.
Festivals Galore
Diwali is celebrated as the Festival of Lights, and it is one of the most important festivals in Kanpur. The streets flourish with colorful rangoli (decorative art that is made from colored powders) and bright houses lit up by diyas (oil lamps). When you are in Kanpur, if at all you are fortunate to be during Diwali then you will get a flavour of bursting crackers and smell the sweets in air.
Then there is another festival that you shall never regret witnessing— the Festival of Colors (Holi) where every possible means of celebrating with enthusiasm becomes apparent. People celebrate in open spaces spraying colored powders and (also) water on each other creating a cheerful atmosphere. Participating in these celebrations is an adrenaline jolt, and one of the few ways to interact with the local population.
Local Customs and Traditions
During your stay in Kanpur, do not miss out on talking with local people and understanding their culture. A great local experience is the ability to visit a traditional Indian home, and see how chai (tea) is made and help make some. The locals are so welcoming, and you will soon find yourself invited to have a cup of chai and some homemade snacks with them.
You can also head to the iconic Galis of Kanpur, where you will find artisans making handicrafts. Workmanship here is outstanding and many artisan are willing to share their craft with intrigued visitors. This way, you can learn how traditional methods were learned generationally which is a super cool thing to know.
To get more flavour of local culture see this YouTube video, by Travel with Rohan, depicting festivals and daily life of Kanpur.
Must-Try Cuisine
Every Kanpur tour will remain incomplete without cherishing the food. Some of the best street food you can imagine by Kenya and not to forget, this city has a lot of diversity. Kanpur has such diversity to offer and does not fail anyone whether you love spicy snacks or sweet treats.
A Food Lover’s Paradise
Indulge in the signature Bun Makkhan, an all-butter bun paired with spicy chutneys and a zesty vegetable salad to kickstart your culinary journey. Get your buns makkhan prepared in Lajpat Nagar as you will find the citys best bun makkhan there.
The next item on your to-eat list should be Kachori Sabzi, a spicy pastry with lentil stuffing paired with a typical potato curry. A breakfast favourite among locals, this dish is available at the majority of street stalls around the capital.
Give them an absolute try if you have a sweet tooth- Thaggu Ke Laddu! Chikkis of All Types : Tradiyional Chikkis from gram flour, sugar and ghee aghould be on your list while in Kanpur. They are available at Jeddah, a local store which has been serving these pastries for ages.
If you are looking for a fine dining experience, visit Mohan Ji Puriwala known for its desi North Indian food. The thali (dine-in platter) is a sensory overload and gives you everything Kanpur can serve on one plate.
Thrillophilia has also put together a right resource for all you foodies on Kanpur local delicacies.
Shopping Spots
Once your taste buds have been indulged it is time for some shopping therapy! From crowded markets to shops that are one of a kind, there are many shops in Kanpur.
The Shopping Experience
Nehru Market is the place to go if you want to shop anything from textiles to handicrafts. You could find bold fabrics across the market, so this would be a perfect place to get one Indian outfit. Remember to haggle – that is part of the experience too!
From here, check out Gandhi Road, a street packed with leather goods, jewelry and accessory stores. Kanpur is a well-known city for leather vides, so do check out with a cute stock of handbags or shoes as your souvenirs.
Prepare to visit Parshvnath Market while you are there if you are a handicraft seeker. You will find Wooden Carvings, Pottery, and Brass here as well. Each of these pieces has a story to tell, so they make a different home decor item for you.
If you want a fun video about it, view the YouTube video by Wanderlust Diaries on shopping places in Kanpur.
Ways to be Better at Making the Most of Your Journey
Comfortable Dressing: The heat is real in Kanpur, so make sure you opt for light and breathable clothing. These shoes we wear our much comfortable and they are work for exploring markets only.
Be Hydrated: Bring a water bottle while you explore the city — particularly if you want to stroll through crowded streets and markets.
Pick Up A Little Local Lingo — Although Hindi is understood in most places, learning a few local words always makes a difference.
Embrace New Experiences: Ordering something other than chicken curry, and experiencing local traditions. And the more active you get, the better experience you will have.
Plan – To enjoy a hassle-free trip, book your tickets along with the accommodation in advance via MakeMyTrip/ClearTrip/EaseMyTrip.
Use these tips as a bookmark and you will have no shortage of exchanges when enjoying everything Kanpur has to offer.
Conclusion
Kanpur might not be among the glitzy names of some more notable Indian cities, but what it lacks in limelight, makes out for realness. From its local cultural experience to delightful food and great shopping opportunities Kanpur welcomes you to breathe its essence. So grab your bags and the camera on board, and get ready to explore this journey that is sure to be rich in experiences and full of excitement. Happy travels!
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