Kanpur ( pronunciation ), also known as Cawnpore, is a metropolitan city in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Founded in 1803, Kanpur became one of the most important commercial and military stations of British India. Nestled on the banks of Ganges River, Kanpur stands as the major financial and industrial centre of North India and also the ninth-largest urban economy in India. Today it is famous for its colonial architecture, gardens, parks and fine quality leather products which are exported mainly to the West.The city is famous for its leather and textile industries. It is the 12th most populous city and the 11th most populous urban agglomeration in India. Kanpur was an important British garrison town until 1947, when India gained independence. The urban district of Kanpur Nagar serves as the headquarters of the Kanpur Division, Kanpur Range and Kanpur Zone.
With the first woolen mill of India, commonly known as the Lal Imli (literally meaning "Red Tamarind", for a brand produced by the mill) by the British India Corporation established here in 1876 by Alexander MacRobert. The eastern and northern facades of the mill are reminiscent of the Palace of Westminster, due to their architecture, proximity to the Ganges river and with the north-east corner of the mill being topped by a clock tower similar to Big Ben in London. This similarity underscores the city's importance and prestige during the British times, which extends till date; making the Lal Imli — a great highlight of the city. The city is also widely regarded as the "Leather City of the World" and is predominantly nicknamed as the "Manchester of the East", for its textile industries.
According to 2011 Indian census, it is the eleventh most populous urban city while the population of city and its suburb were around 5 million making it the eighth-most populous metropolitan area in India. Furthermore, it is considered the world's most polluted city by particulate matter concentration. In 2018, Kanpur, was considered by the World Health Organization as the city with the world's worst air pollution.




Kanpur is located at . It has an average elevation of . The city lies on the southern bank of the Ganges River. Kanpur Central Jail, which houses many Indian freedom fighters including Shubh Chandra Chatterjee and Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) is situated in a north-eastern suburb.

Kanpur City Map Poster

Design your own map of Kanpur

About Kanpur

Cities near Kanpur