Moti Jheel is a lake and a popular tourist attraction in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The name Moti Jheel translates to “Pearl Lake” in Hindi, and it is aptly named for its sparkling and serene water. Moti Jheel was built in the 17th century by Raja Tikait Rai, a minister of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, as a water reservoir and a summer retreat.
Today, Moti Jheel is a hub of recreational and cultural activities, and a must-visit place for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenic views, boating, relaxing, and exploring the nearby places. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a visit to Moti Jheel, such as how to reach, best time to visit, tips for visiting, and places to visit near Moti Jheel.
How to Reach Moti Jheel
Moti Jheel is located in the Benajhabar area of Kanpur, and it is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here are the distance and directions from the nearest airport, railway station, and bus station to Moti Jheel:
From Kanpur Airport:
Moti Jheel is about 15 km away from Kanpur Airport, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. You can hire a taxi, an auto, or a rickshaw from the airport to Moti Jheel, and the fare ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500, depending on the type of vehicle and the traffic. You can also take a bus from the airport to Moti Jheel, and the fare is Rs. 50 per person. The bus route is Airport - Rawatpur - Moti Jheel.
From Kanpur Central Railway Station:
Moti Jheel is about 5 km away from Kanpur Central Railway Station, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. You can hire a taxi, an auto, or a rickshaw from the railway station to Moti Jheel, and the fare ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 150, depending on the type of vehicle and the traffic. You can also take a bus from the railway station to Moti Jheel, and the fare is Rs. 10 per person. The bus route is Railway Station - Mall Road - Moti Jheel.
From Jhakarkati Bus Station:
Moti Jheel is about 4 km away from Jhakarkati Bus Station, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach by car. You can hire a taxi, an auto, or a rickshaw from the bus station to Moti Jheel, and the fare ranges from Rs. 40 to Rs. 120, depending on the type of vehicle and the traffic. You can also take a bus from the bus station to Moti Jheel, and the fare is Rs. 10 per person. The bus route is Bus Station - Mall Road - Moti Jheel.
Best Time to Visit Moti Jheel
The best time to visit Moti Jheel is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the lake is full of water. The average temperature during these months ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and the rainfall is minimal. The lake looks beautiful and inviting, and you can enjoy the boating and the breeze. You can also witness some of the festivals and events that take place at Moti Jheel, such as Diwali, Holi, and the Moti Jheel Mahotsav, which is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the art, music, dance, and cuisine of Kanpur.
The timings of Moti Jheel are from 6 am to 10 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. You can also rent a boat for Rs. 50 per person for 30 minutes, and enjoy the view of the lake and the surroundings.
Tips for Visiting Moti Jheel
Here are some useful tips and suggestions for visiting Moti Jheel, that will make your experience more enjoyable and memorable:
Carry water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen, as there are not many shops or stalls near the lake, and the sun can be harsh during the day.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you may have to walk a lot to explore the nearby places, and the terrain can be uneven and slippery.
Avoid littering, as Moti Jheel is a heritage site and a natural resource, and it is our responsibility to keep it clean and green.
Enjoy the boating and the street food, as they are the main attractions of Moti Jheel. You can choose from different types of boats, such as paddle boats, row boats, and motor boats, and enjoy the thrill and the tranquility of the water. You can also savour some of the delicious and famous street food of Kanpur, such as chaat, samosa, kachori, jalebi, and kulfi, which are available at the stalls near the lake.
Follow the safety and security advice, such as keeping an eye on your personal belongings, following the rules and regulations of the lake and the boating, and avoiding any scams or touts, who may try to overcharge you or sell you fake products or services.
Places to Visit Near Moti Jheel
Moti Jheel is not only a lake, but also a gateway to some of the other amazing places to visit in Kanpur, such as:
Moti Park:
Moti Park is a park and a garden that surrounds Moti Jheel, and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the nature. The park has lush green lawns, colorful flowers, shady trees, and benches, where you can sit and admire the beauty of the lake and the sky. The park also has a children’s play area, a musical fountain, and a statue of Raja Tikait Rai, the founder of Moti Jheel.
Kamala Retreat:
Kamala Retreat is a historical and luxurious property that belongs to the Singhania family, the owners of the JK Group of Industries. The retreat is located near Moti Jheel, and it is open to the public for a nominal fee. The retreat has a museum, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a golf course, and a boathouse, where you can see some of the rare and antique collections of the Singhania family, and enjoy some of the recreational and leisure activities.
Phool Bagh:
Phool Bagh is a public garden and a historical site that is located near Moti Jheel. The garden was built by the British in the 19th century, and it was the venue of many political and social events. The garden has a well-maintained lawn, a fountain, a pond, and a pavilion, where you can see some of the statues and memorials of the freedom fighters and the leaders of Kanpur. The garden also has a library, a museum, and a temple, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Kanpur.
Kanpur Zoo:
Kanpur Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in India, and it is located near Moti Jheel. The zoo was established in 1974, and it is home to more than 1000 animals and birds of different species, such as tigers, lions, leopards, bears, elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, parrots, and more. The zoo also has a botanical garden, an aquarium, a snake house, and a nocturnal house, where you can see some of the rare and exotic flora and fauna of Kanpur.
Allen Forest Zoo:
Allen Forest Zoo is another zoo and a wildlife sanctuary that is located near Moti Jheel. The zoo was established in 1971, and it is spread over an area of 77 hectares. The zoo is named after Sir Allen, a British botanist who donated the land for the zoo. The zoo has a natural forest, a lake, and an island, where you can see some of the wild animals and birds of Kanpur, such as cheetahs, wolves, hyenas, jackals, foxes, deer, antelopes, vultures, eagles, and more.
Moti Jheel is a lake and a tourist attraction that offers a lot of fun and excitement for the visitors. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic views, boating, relaxing, or exploring the nearby places, Moti Jheel has something for everyone. Moti Jheel is also a place of historical and cultural significance, and it reflects the rich and diverse heritage of Kanpur.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Moti Jheel today, and experience the beauty and charm of Kanpur’s pearl lake. And don’t forget to share your feedback and comments with us, and let us know how you liked our article. Happy travelling!
