Best Day Trips from Kanpur - Top 7 Weekend Getaways Within 100 KM
If you live in Kanpur or are visiting this vibrant industrial city in Uttar Pradesh, you may be craving a short escape into nature, history, or peace. Luckily, the surrounding region offers a variety of relaxing and enriching experiences just a short drive away. From riverfront picnic spots to centuries-old heritage towns and serene bird sanctuaries, this list covers the top 7 day trips from Kanpur within 100 km. Perfect for spontaneous getaways, these destinations are ideal for weekends, holidays, or even mid-week breaks.
Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or spiritual seeker, these weekend getaways from Kanpur offer a refreshing break from routine.
1. Bithoor – A Sacred Riverside Town
- Distance from Kanpur: 24 km
- Travel Time: Approx. 45 minutes
- Best Season to Visit: October to March
Why Visit:
Bithoor, nestled on the banks of the Ganges, is steeped in mythology and history. It is believed to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Ram. It also played a significant role in the 1857 revolt. The town is dotted with temples, ghats, and historical landmarks.
Activities to Do:
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Visit the Valmiki Ashram and Brahmavart Ghat
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Explore the Nana Sahib Memorial
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Take a boat ride on the Ganges
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Attend evening aarti on the riverbank
Ideal For: Pilgrims, history lovers, and peace seekers
2. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Now Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary)
- Distance from Kanpur: 45 km
- Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours
- Best Season to Visit: November to February (for birdwatching)
Why Visit:
This nature reserve is a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife photographers. During winters, the sanctuary hosts a wide variety of migratory birds, including pintails, common teals, and sarus cranes.
Activities to Do:
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Bird watching and photography
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Walk along nature trails
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Visit the interpretation center for ecological education
Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, and families with kids
3. Kannauj – The Perfume Capital of India
- Distance from Kanpur: 80 km
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Best Season to Visit: October to March
Why Visit:
Kannauj is known for its traditional attar (perfume) industry and has a rich historical lineage dating back to the Harshavardhana period. This is the perfect place to understand India’s ancient fragrance culture and explore hidden archaeological gems.
Activities to Do:
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Visit traditional attar-making workshops
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Explore the Archaeological Museum and ancient mounds
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Shop for authentic natural perfumes
Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts, history buffs, and shopping lovers
4. Sankisa – A Buddhist Heritage Site
- Distance from Kanpur: 95 km
- Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours
- Best Season to Visit: October to February
Why Visit:
Sankisa is an important site for followers of Buddhism and is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha descended from heaven. The place is less crowded and deeply spiritual.
Activities to Do:
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Visit the Ashokan Pillar and Buddhist stupas
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Explore the excavated remains and serene surroundings
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Meditate in the tranquil environment
Ideal For: Spiritual travelers, meditators, and heritage tourists
5. Lakh-Bahosi Bird Sanctuary
- Distance from Kanpur: 90 km
- Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours
- Best Season to Visit: November to February
Why Visit:
One of the largest bird sanctuaries in India, Lakh-Bahosi offers scenic wetlands, lakes, and a massive avian population. This sanctuary spans across two villages and supports a rich ecosystem.
Activities to Do:
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Bird watching, especially in winter
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Nature walks and light treks
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Visit the two major jheels (lakes)
Ideal For: Eco-tourists, bird lovers, and couples seeking peaceful escapes
6. Kalpi – A Forgotten Historical Treasure
- Distance from Kanpur: 85 km
- Travel Time: Around 2 hours
- Best Season to Visit: October to March
Why Visit:
Kalpi is a town with a glorious past, home to ancient temples, forts, and monuments. It’s where Rani Lakshmi Bai is believed to have taken refuge during the British era.
Activities to Do:
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Visit the Kalpi Fort
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Explore Vyas Temple and other historical ruins
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Watch the Yamuna river flow from scenic ghats
Ideal For: History lovers, explorers, and offbeat travel seekers
7. Allen Forest Zoo (Kanpur Zoo)
- Distance from Kanpur: Within city limits, but perfect for a quick escape Travel Time: 20 minutes from central Kanpur
- Best Season to Visit: October to March
Why Visit:
One of the largest zoos in North India, Allen Forest Zoo is located in a natural forested area. It’s an easy option if you want a short outing without traveling far.
Activities to Do:
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Spot tigers, leopards, and exotic birds
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Boating in the lake inside the zoo
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Visit the botanical garden and aviary
Ideal For: Families, kids, and casual day travelers
Final Thoughts
These 7 day trips from Kanpur within 100 km are perfect for quick rejuvenation. Whether you're interested in culture, nature, spirituality, or history, there’s a destination nearby waiting to be explored. These weekend getaways from Kanpur offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation without the hassle of long travel.