Kanpur, one of the large cities in northern India which is not like any other metro city at all. During British era Kanpur was known as the "Manchester of India" due to the abundance of cotton mills. This city, established in 13th century, ruled by numerous kings and nawabs, now fights hard for its own existence. All the cotton mills, the backbone of the city’s traditional economy, have been wiped out and the remaining industries are in their last stages of survival.
I was there for 1.5 days only, for work. Photo opportunities were unlimited. I will surely go back there again some day.
Parts of the city is very rustic, unruly. Public hygiene level is very poor.
But in-spite of that I was amazed with the amount of life this city. I hope below photos show glimpse to that "life".
#1. On our way to Kanpur we stopped at a local food-stop for fast food and chai. Tea and chai are synonymous in this part of the country.
#2. People and shops still use coal ovens everywhere... That stuff on fire is dried cow-dung. Helps charcoal to burn faster.
#3. Paan shop. (Paan = betel leaves prepared with stimulant)