Elegant Charm of Civil Lines, Kanpur

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें/माफ़ कीजिये
  [Kshama karein/Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाइये।
  [Theek hoon. Aap sunaiye.]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [Kripya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँ...
  [Main khareedna chahoon...]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बज गया है
  [Ek baj gaya hai]
• Half past (10)दस बजकर पाँच मिनट
  [Das bajkar paanch minute]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है...
  [Kahaan hai...]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Civil Lines in Kanpur emerged during the British colonial era, primarily in the 19th century. The British established this area as a residential zone for their officers and the elite, characterized by spacious bungalows and tree-lined avenues. The layout of the Civil Lines reflects typical colonial architecture, with wide roads and parks, designed to provide a comfortable living environment away from the bustling industrial areas of Kanpur.

Civil Lines played a crucial role during the Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the First War of Independence, in 1857. Kanpur was a significant site of conflict, and the Civil Lines area was home to several British residents who faced severe challenges during the uprising. The mutiny led to violent confrontations, and the subsequent siege of the British encampment in Kanpur resulted in a tragic loss of life, marking a turning point in Indian history.

After India gained independence in 1947, Civil Lines continued to evolve, reflecting the changing socio-political landscape. The area, once exclusively for British officials, began to see a more diverse population, including Indian professionals and businesspeople. This transition marked a significant cultural shift, as the area transformed into a hub of educational institutions and cultural activities.

The architectural style of Civil Lines showcases a blend of colonial and contemporary influences. Notable structures, such as the All India Radio building and the iconic Kanpur Club, stand as testaments to the area's rich history. Urban planning in Civil Lines has prioritized green spaces, with parks and gardens like the famous Nana Rao Park, providing residents and visitors a retreat from the urban hustle.

Today, Civil Lines is not just a residential area but also a cultural and commercial center. With numerous cafes, shops, and art galleries, it attracts a vibrant mix of locals and tourists. The area hosts various cultural events and festivals, reflecting the diverse traditions of Kanpur and contributing to its dynamic identity in contemporary India.

Civil Lines is well-connected to other neighbourhoods in Kanpur. The nearest railway station is Kanpur Central, which is approximately 3 kilometers away. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Civil Lines. If you're coming from the airport, the nearest airport is Kanpur Airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport), located about 15 kilometers away. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available at the airport for direct transit to Civil Lines.

Civil Lines is a walkable area with many attractions nearby. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are commonly available for short distances. For longer journeys, local buses operate frequently, connecting Civil Lines to other parts of Kanpur. Bicycles can be rented from local shops for a more leisurely exploration. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also prevalent and provide a comfortable way to navigate the area.

Civil Lines is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, especially near the outskirts. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay alert in crowded places like markets and public transport. Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 108 for ambulance services. Local hospitals are available in Civil Lines, with notable institutions like Regency Hospital and RML Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are scattered throughout the neighbourhood.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially when visiting temples or places of worship. Avoid revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes when entering temples. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly and be courteous. Don't eat or drink on local buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Namaste' and a smile. Don't use overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept offers of hospitality. Don't waste food or refuse food offerings, as this can be considered disrespectful.

To experience Civil Lines like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Sadar Bazaar for shopping and street food. Engage with locals, as they are welcoming and can offer insights into the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the historic Kanpur Memorial Church and the nearby All Saints Cathedral. For a unique experience, try taking a leisurely stroll along the lush green parks in Civil Lines, such as the Nana Rao Park, where locals gather for relaxation and socializing.