Bithoor or Bithur is a town on the River Ganga in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Situated 23 km from Kanpur city, the city has primarily been known for being a pilgrim spot. The historical significance of Bithoor stems from the fact that this was the site where the Mutiny of 1857 was initiated by Nana Sahib.
Bithoor was the headquarters of Nana Sahib who had the adopted son of exiled Peshwa Baji Rao II. It was from the ramparts of the Bithoor Fort that Nana Sahib, Tatya Tope and Rani Laxmi Bai gathered their forces to face the British. The fort was the hub of all activities. In fact Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope were known to have stayed in the fort when they planned their attack on the British garrison. In response to Nana Sahib’s attack on the British garrison in Kanpur, the British bombed his palace and the ghats of Bithoor. The fort still stands, albeit in ruins today as a proud reminder of the era when thousands of freedom fighters laid down their lives fighting against British rule.
The other places of interest in Bithoor are:
- Valmiki Ashram: The place where Ramayan was written and Lord Rama’s son Luv and Kush were born. The ‘Sita Kund’ and ‘Sita Rasoi’ are the highlights of the ashram.
- Patthar Ghat: The red stone ghats and the Shiv temple are a great draw for pilgrims – who come to the Shivlinga that is made of the red ‘Kasauti’ stone.
- Dhruva Teela: It is believed that the child Dhruva stood on one leg and meditated with single focus from this spot, and was finally granted the divine boon of shining as a star, which he still does as the pole star.
- Brahmavarta Ghat: Bithoor is also known as Brahmavarta – the seat of Brahma, as legends state that it is from this place that Lord Brahma started to create the world.
How to reach there
By Air: Chakeri airport in Kanpur is the nearest airport. Another option is Amausi airport in Lucknow which has better air connectivity to other parts of the country.
By Rail: There are meter-gauge passenger trains from Brahmavarta station to Kanpur Central. Kanpur Central is connected via hundreds of trains to destinations across the country. The Shatabdi and Rajdhani are the major trains that link it to New Delhi.
By Road: Uttar Pradesh State transport buses connect Bithoor to other parts of UP. Bithoor is 23 km from Kanpur and 109 km from Lucknow.
Where to stay
The best option is to stay at one of the many hotels in Kanpur, which is less than an hour’s drive away. However Bithoor has some good Dharamshalas for pilgrims.
