Kanpur is one of the biggest cities of Uttar Pradesh, and a hub of industries in the North. Close to cities of Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra; as well as near Madhya Pradesh destinations like Khajuraho, Gwalior and Orchha -- Kanpur is also one of the centres of holiday enthusiasts who want to explore this belt. For local Kanpurians though, what is life like on weekends? Well, you can take your car for a spin to any one of these destinations nearby and stay the weekend! Here we have listed many more places to visit near Kanpur that aide you in planning a short road trip or weekend getaway.

112 km from Kanpur, Raibareli or Raebareli is famous for being the home turf of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Some of the most coveted sights here are the Indira Gandhi Memorial Botanical Garden, Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Dalmau, Bara Math and Mahesh Giri Math, King Dal's fort, Behta Bridge and Sai river. The season of winter between November to March is the best to visit this town.

The Nawabi city of Lucknow is around 95 km from Kanpur and perfect for a winter outing. The food of Lucknow is delicious, blending royal Mughlai as well as Northern cuisine delights. The architecture of monuments and mosques here is also a subject of great admiration. From the Bara Imambara to Rumi Darwaza; you will see a glimpse of Awadhi architecture in the latter. Other places to visit include Lucknow Zoological Garden, Sair Sapata, Ambedkar Memorial Park and The Residency.

A small city in Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is 234 km away from Kanpur and a perfect long weekend getaway. Orchha is known for its charming little monuments and chhatris. The ancient town dating back to 16th Century is home to the Orchha Fort Complex that includes Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal and Rai Parveen Mahal. Visit the Chaturbhuj temple and Raja Ram Mandir, admire their wall paintings and idols. The highlight of Orchha, however, are the cenotaphs or chhatris of Phool Bagh.

Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal. Of course, that’s what anyone would hear when they read Agra. This city, however, is a little more than the Taj. Located 281 km from Kanpur city, Agra is best visited on short winter weekends for a tour of the Taj Mahal, followed by a day’s outing at Mehtab Bagh, probably the last Mughal Garden ever built. Explore the Tomb of Akbar and Itimad-ud-Daulah, Agra Fort and head to Fatehpur Sikri for more on Mughal capitals and kings.

Another highlight of foreign tourism in India, probably only second to Taj Mahal — Khajuraho is a city in Madhya Pradesh. Located 223 km from Kanpur, Khajuraho is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site temples, 20 in number, that are heavy with ancient erotic wall cravings. They all come under the Khajuraho group of monuments. There are a couple of ruins too. These temples are mainly Hindu, some being Jain, glorifying every basal human urge. Other places to visit nearby include Ajaygarh Fort, Vindhya Hills and Panna National Park.

Awadhi, Awadhpuri, Ayodhya… many names, a single glorifying asset — this is the birthplace of Lord Ram. 230 km from Kanpur, Ayodhya is a religious pursuit of its own kind. After the speedy construction of the Ramjanmabhoomi has begun here, Ayodhya has risen to the top of the list of destinations to visit in India in the near future. Devotees from world over would want to come to pray at this temple. Diwali and Ram Navmi are celebrated with great pomp here and a good time to visit. Visit Ramkot, Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi.

Another Madhya Pradesh city that is close to Kanpur, Gwalior beckons people with its magnificent forts and palaces. This royal city is the stronghold of the Scindia dynasty and located 266 km from Kanpur. Places to visit in Kanpur are Sarod Ghar — the first museum of musical instruments here, Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Mahal, Saas Bahu Temple, Kala Vithika Museum and Tansen’s tomb. Gorge on the lovely local snacks of samosa, kachori and malpua while here and enjoy a short weekend with family.

Now called Prayagraj after this city’s ancient name, Allahabad is a religiously significant place for Hinduism. The city perched on the banks of Triveni sangam, here is where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. Pilgrims, sages, hermits and pundits all flock to Allahabad to take a dip in the sangam. 203 km from Kanpur, Allahabad is favoured for a winter weekend trip. You can visit places like Allahabad Fort, Patalpuri Temple, Khusro Bagh and Anand Bhavan. The Kumbh Mela is held here once every 12 years and is highly coveted.

The land of Lord Krishna’s birth, Mathurapuri or Mathura is another beautiful city in Uttar Pradesh. Located about 334 km from Kanpur, Mathura is a fine balance between ancient mythology and historical monuments, between the serene flow of River Yamuna and the gorgeous Goverdhan Mountain of Vraj. When here, do visit the prison where Krishna was born. Explore the ghats of Yamuna — Vishram Ghat, Bangali Ghat etc, check out the Rangbhoomi, Dwarkadheesh Temple and of course, the Krishna Janmabhoomi.

Varanasi, Benaras, Kashi… again a city with many names. Varanasi is the hub of Hinduism in India. With its mystic, Shaivite and spiritual vibes, this city hosts one of the fiercest flow of River Ganga. Visit the many ghats of Benaras, from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedha, Manikarnika to Tulsi Ghat. Explore the Eastern ghat of the Ganges where Ramnagar Fort is a massive structure to behold. Kashi Vishwanath Temple should also be on your list for the weekend.