Top 8 Places To Visit In Kannauj | Things To Do | Complete Tour Guide

Kannauj, situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a city steeped in history. Positioned along the Ganges River, approximately 80 km northwest of Kanpur, Kannauj is renowned for its age-old practice of crafting attar, a fragrant oil-based perfume. The city, once a pivotal hub for politics and culture, played a significant role in the classical Indian era under empires like the Gupta, Vardhana, and Gahadavala dynasties. With its varied heritage, Kannauj stands as the perfume capital of India.

Best Places To Visit In Kannauj:

Kannauj known for its ancient heritage was once the capital of several powerful dynasties, including the Gupta and Harsha empires. Renowned as the “Perfume Capital of India,” the town is famous for its traditional attar (perfume) industry, crafting exquisite fragrances using age-old techniques. The town also boasts archaeological sites, including ancient temples and monuments, providing a glimpse into its rich past. With a blend of historical charm and aromatic allure, Kannauj stands as a unique destination for those interested in India’s cultural and olfactory heritage.

Here are some places to visit in kannauj:

1. Kannauj Perfume Distillery

Kannauj, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is renowned as the perfume capital for its centuries-old tradition of crafting attar, an oil-based perfume, using traditional methods. The distillation process involves copper pots, water, and petals heated over wood fires, with the resulting steam absorbed by sandalwood oil. The resulting steam is collected in a separate container called bhapka, infused with sandalwood oil. Through this method, the oil absorbs the fragrances from the petals, and successive repetitions refine the process until the oil is saturated with the desired essence. the oil undergoes aging for several months to intensify its aromatic qualities The aged attar comes in various types, including rose, jasmine, saffron, and unique creations like mitti attar, mimicking the scent of wet earth, and Shamama attar, a complex blend of over 40 ingredients that takes days to make and months to mature.

2. Kannauj Fort

Kannauj Fort, situated in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India, stands as a historical testament to the power and prestige of King Jaichandra from the Gahadavala dynasty, who constructed it in the 12th century CE. As the father of Sanyogita, the famed wife of Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan, Jaichandra aimed to fortify his position and provide strategic defense against invaders. Over the years, the fort underwent changes in ownership, first falling into the hands of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughals, who repurposed it as a military base. Notable battles, like the 1540 CE Battle of Kannauj, marked its history, with Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri triumphing over Mughal emperor Humayun to seize control of the fort. Despite its current state of ruin, Kannauj Fort continues to draw tourists and historians eager to explore its ancient splendor and architectural marvels.

3. Siddheshwar Temple

Siddheshwar Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, also known as Vishweshwar Temple or Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Believed to have been originally constructed by Maharaja Jaichandra Gaharwar in the 12th century to promote the Lingayat faith and culture, the temple underwent destruction and reconstruction by various rulers and invaders, including Qutub ud-din Aibak, Sultan Hussain Shah Shaqri, and Maharaja Man Singh of Amer. Renowned for its architecture, sculptures, and inscriptions, Siddheshwar Temple holds significant spiritual importance for Shiva devotees. The temple complex includes the Gyanvapi Mosque, constructed by Aurangzeb in the 17th century after demolishing a portion of the temple, leading to an ongoing legal dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities.

4. Gauri Shankar Temple

Gauri Shankar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, is located in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. Also referred to as Gauri Shankar Mahadev Temple or Gauri Shankar Mandir, this more than 1000-year-old temple features a distinctive lotus flower-inspired architecture. Housing a sizable self-manifested shivalinga adorned with silver and gold ornaments, the temple also showcases idols of other deities like Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Nandi. Gauri Shankar Temple draws devotees, particularly during the festivals of Shivaratri, Shravan, and Navratri. Beyond its religious significance, the temple is renowned for its reputed healing powers, with many believers attesting to recovery from various ailments after visiting. Symbolizing the unwavering devotion and faith of the people of Kannauj, who have safeguarded the temple for centuries, it stands as one of the most sacred and aesthetically pleasing temples in India. A visit to Gauri Shankar Temple is recommended for those seeking a profound experience of the divine grace of Shiva and Parvati.

5. Kannauj Museum

The Kannauj Museum serves as an archaeological repository, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural legacy of Kannauj—a city that once stood as a pivotal hub of trade, art, and learning in India. Displaying artifacts ranging from clay idols, sculptures, inscriptions, pottery, to paintings spanning various epochs, including the Maurya, Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Pratihara dynasties, the museum provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich heritage. A notable section within the museum delves into the history of the Romani people, tracing their origin in Kannauj and subsequent migration to Europe and other regions in the 11th century. Enhancing the visitor experience, the museum hosts a captivating light and sound show, recounting the tales of eminent rulers and personalities from Kannauj, such as Harshavardhana, Jaichandra, Alha Udal, and others. Situated along the G.T. road near Makrand Nagar.

Timings: Open 10 am to 5 pm every day.

6. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, located in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, was constructed by Sultan Mahmud Shah Khilji in 1458 A.D. Recognized as one of India’s largest and oldest mosques, it is celebrated for its graceful architecture and intricate carvings. The mosque features a rectangular courtyard, enclosed by arched cloisters and domed chambers. Within the main prayer hall, adorned with floral and geometric patterns, three domes and seven mihrabs are showcased. Additionally, the mosque boasts two minarets, with one towering at 70 feet and consisting of 249 steps. Displaying the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, Jama Masjid stands as a testament to the cultural and religious diversity of Kannauj.

7. Choti Badi Sadak (Small and Big Roads)

Choti Badi Sadak, a renowned landmark in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a slender thoroughfare linking two primary roads: Badi Sadak (Big Road) and Choti Sadak (Small Road). This street is famed for its perfume shops, offering a diverse range of fragrances crafted from natural ingredients. Kannauj, often referred to as the “Perfume Capital of India,” boasts a storied history of distilling scents dating back to ancient times.

8. Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary

Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary, situated near the villages of Lakh and Bahosi in the Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh, India, encompasses two shallow lakes or jheels. Approximately 40 km from Kannauj, this bird sanctuary is a habitat for a diverse range of avifauna, representing species from 49 genera out of the total 97 found in India. Notably, the sanctuary attracts numerous migratory birds between November and March, making it a favored destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Alongside the vibrant birdlife, visitors may also encounter various animals, including jackals, blue bulls, mongooses, fishing cats, and monkeys within the sanctuary.

These were some places to visit in Kannauj. Hope you liked it. Have a safe journey!

How To Reach Kannauj

1. By Air:
   • The nearest airport to Kannauj is the Chakeri Airport in Kanpur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kannauj, which is approximately 80 kilometers away.
2. By Road:
   • Kannauj is well-connected by road, and you can use buses or private vehicles to reach the city.
   • Kannauj is approximately 80 kilometers from Kanpur, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions.
3. By Train:

• Kannauj has a railway station, and you can check for trains connecting your location to Kannauj. Major railway stations nearby include Kanpur Central and Lucknow, from where you can find trains to Kannauj.

Here is a table of some trains running from Delhi to Kanpur Central and Lucknow, along with their name, number, departure time, arrival time, duration, and fare (in INR) for the sleeper class.

Above information is variable according to train availability & timming please cross check before booking any train on IRCTC

Kannauj Weather & Temperature

Kannauj experiences a typical North Indian climate with hot summers reaching over 40°C, a monsoon season with increased humidity from July to September, pleasant autumn months, and cool winters with temperatures ranging from 5 to 20°C. For real-time weather information, it is advisable to check a reliable weather forecasting service.

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