Allen Forest Zoo (Hindi: कानपुर चिड़ियाघर / कानपुर प्राणी उद्यान) is a zoo in Kanpur, the industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh in North India. It is the largest open green space in Kanpur.
> As such it can be classified as the lung of Kanpur. Originally a natural habitat for fauna, it is unique as one of the few zoos in India which have been carved out from a natural forest. The zoo is also referred to as the Kanpur zoo.
The Allen Forest Zoo or the Kanpur Zoo, located just 2 kilometers away from the city was established in 1971. Christened after Sir Allen, an erstwhile bureaucrat of the Indian Civil Services, this zoo cum botanical garden surrounded by a picturesque atmosphere is a must visit tourist destination. It is the home to variety of animals like White Asiatic Tiger, Asiatic Lions, Cheetah, Leopard, Hyena, Bear, Grizzly, Monkeys, Languor, Baboon, Musk deer, Deer, Antelope and birds like Emus, Ostrich, Parrots, Parakeet, Crane etc. Apart from these, the zoo is occupied with various Indian as well as European fowls and reptiles. The garden is notable for the rare species of plants and trees. The zoo which remains closed on all Mondays can be visited any time round the year.
Allen Forest Zoo History
Bithoor
The quiet and beautiful township of Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj Road , 27 km from Kanpur . Situated on the banks of the Ganga , this tranquil spot is of considerable historical and religious importance. According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, as it was known then, for the creation of mankind. The place which first witnessed the creation of mankind came to be known as Brahmavarta or the seat of Brahma. Later Brahma installed a Shivalinga which is still worshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor, The Brahmavarta Ghat. A nail of the horse shoe which is embedded in the steps of the Ghat is an object of special reverence for devotees, considered to be of Brahma’s horse, while going for Ashwamedha Yajna. On the completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya, became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name, Bithoor is derived. In later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as the capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya , over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva penanced here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela.
Valmiki Ashram
It is closely associated with the Indian epic Ramayana. Located on a hillock, it is believed to be the place where Sita stayed during her exile and where her sons – Luv and Kush – were born. A stairway to heaven’s if ascended, offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
