Eco Park Kolkata: A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

 

Nestled in the heart of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a sprawling urban park that has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Known as Eco Park Kolkata, this lush green oasis is spread over 480 acres and is the largest park in India. With its well-manicured lawns, serene lakes, and a host of recreational activities, Eco Park Kolkata offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

History and Development

Eco Park Kolkata was developed by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) and inaugurated in 2012. The park was designed to be an eco-friendly destination that showcases the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. It was built on a reclaimed wetland and has been carefully designed to preserve the local flora and fauna. The park is divided into several zones, each with its own unique features and attractions.

 

Attractions and Activities

One of the main draws of Eco Park Kolkata is its expansive lake, which is spread over 104 acres and is one of the largest artificial lakes in India. Visitors can enjoy boating and pedal boating on the lake or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade that surrounds it. There is also a floating restaurant on the lake, where visitors can enjoy a meal with a stunning view of the water.

Another popular attraction is the Butterfly Garden, which is home to a wide variety of butterfly species. The garden is designed to be a natural habitat for butterflies and features several nectar plants that attract them. Visitors can walk through the garden and observe the beautiful butterflies in their natural environment.

For those looking for adventure, Eco Park Kolkata offers a range of outdoor activities, including ziplining, rock climbing, and cycling. There is also a children's play area, an amphitheater that hosts cultural events, and a dedicated space for yoga and meditation.

 Eco-friendly Initiatives

As its name suggests, Eco Park Kolkata is committed to promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment. The park has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, and waste management. Visitors are encouraged to follow eco-friendly practices, such as using the park's cycle sharing system instead of private vehicles.

In addition, the park has several educational exhibits and displays that highlight the importance of environmental conservation. Visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the impact of climate change on the region.

Eco Park Kolkata is a testament to the power of green spaces in urban environments. With its lush greenery, scenic lakes, and wide range of activities, the park offers visitors a chance to escape the chaos of city life and reconnect with nature. Its eco-friendly initiatives and educational exhibits also serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, Eco Park Kolkata is a must-visit destination in the City of Joy.

Mungpoo-The Land Of Cinchona

Sun_set_in_Mungpoo

 Located towards the eastern part of Darjeeling and on the way of Darjeeling to Kalimpong, Mungpoo is a small hamlet. Being located in the leeward sides of the mountains, Mungpoo always remain covered with clouds and mist. The rainfall and mist is quite heavy here and most of the time Mungpoo remains under severe rainfall. Winter seasons are very cold and the weather of the summer days are full of a little chilling effect. Nearby areas of Mungpoo are the Takdah and Tinchuley.

Cinchona Plant

Connectivity:

Mungpoo is well connected with the other parts of west bengal through air, rail and by road. Nearest located airport of mungpoo is the Bagdogra airport, situated 62 kms away. Apart from that, the nearest railway station is the Siliguri NJP station, located 52 kms away. Besides, regular taxi services are available from Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kalimpong.


Best time to visit:

The weather of Mungpoo remains very comfortable all the year. During summer the temperature remains remains minimum 14°C to maximum 26°C and during winter the temperature remains minimum 6°C to maximum 14°C. Heavy woolen clothes are must in winter and light woolens for summer. So, the best time to come to Mungpoo is March to Mid June and therefore September to December.

Cinchona plantation Mungpoo

Popular destinations in Mungpoo:

Mungpoo is full of lovely scenic destinations and lush green tea gardens, crystal like rivulets and flower nurseries all the way. This place is well known as the summer residence of nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. In his memory, the Rabindra Museum and Rabindra Memorial Labour Welfare Centre has been set up in Mungpoo. So, this place is ideal for them who want to spend their leisure time several miles away from the daily hustle and bustle of the city with complete peace. Mungpoo is also famous for its Cinchona plantation.

Junput- The Legacy Tourist Destination Of Midnapore

Located beside the bay of Bengal and 9 km away from Contai, Junput is the lovable sea beach and sea resort. The view of sunrise in Junput sea beach is a treat to eye for anyone. Junput offers a beautiful sea-view from the unspoilt sea beach and a number of casuarina trees on the coast line. Junput is the ideal place for spending a leisure time as well for a small duration picnic or hangout.

How to reach?

Junput is situated 40 km away from Digha. A regular bus service is available from Digha to Junput. The bus service would lead to Junput through Kanthi. Or the travelers can reach to Junput by availing the auto rickshaw, rickshaw or the bus service from Contai.

Junput can also be accessible from kolkata through private cars.

Why Junput is the tourists choice?

The calm weather and the calm waters of the Bay of Bengal, a solitary beach has made this place an worth of visit as well as the abode of peace. Apart from spending the leisure time in the sea beach, the tourists can also roam around to visit the adjoining places like: a confluence point of the Ganges and the Rasulpur river adjoining to Junput is a place one must visit, a Fishery Department's museum with a great collection of rare species of the fishes, various kinds of snakes and many more. The taxonomies of various wild animals are also a place to visit. There is also a shark oil extraction and sea fish research center located at Junput named as “A Center for Studies in Marine Biology”. There is also a breeding farm of the ducks in Junput. Besides, the biggest fish drying farm is located at Junput. Another important tourist destination of Junput is the Dariapur light house and the Kapalkundala temple.

Hijli and Dariapur are two tourist destinations located at the outskirts of Junpur.

Where to stay?

There are many hotels, resorts and guest houses in Junput. Tourists can rest in there. All they need to do is to book the hotels or guest houses before reaching at Junput as there is no spot booking facility.

When to visit?

The weather of Junput remains pleasant all around the year. So, the tourists can visit the place at any time of the year.

Kurseong- Land Of White Orchids

Kurseong is a quiet hill station on the lap of the Himalayan ranges. The town is located 30 km away from the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The pleasant climate of this area has made this place a important tourist destination.

This hill station is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of being in the alpine surrounding forest without thinking about the chilling cold. A healthy climate reigns in this hill station except the days of monsoon. During the rainy season, it rains without any break. The natural beauty of this place generates more and more because of this rain.

How to reach:

Kurseong is just 47 km away from Shiliguri. The place is well connect with Siliguri by the Darjeeling Himalayan railway and by road. The nearest railway station of Kurseong is the New Jalpaiguri Station. Tourists can also reach Kurseong through air The nearest located airport to this city is the Bagdogra airport. Toy train facility is available in the heart of the city and it runs through the city. Tourists can avail this railway service to travel at shorter distances within the city.

Best time to visit Kurseong:

The best time to visit the hill station of Kurseong are between the time of the end of the March and May and between August end and October.

Places to visit at Kurseong:

As you leave the town of Kurseong, you would find acres and acres of hill slopes covered with the tea trees. Kurseong is one of the best tea producing areas of West Bengal. There are several tea gardens in Kurseong including Makaibarie, Castleton, Goomtee and Ambotia.. Tourists can spend a day out at these tea gardens and can experience how the tea leaves are processed and prepared in the tea gardens. These gardens also offer 'bed and breakfast' accommodation facility in the workers quarters.

There are several religious places to visit in this city. Such as: The Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir, The Ambhotia Shiva Temple, St. Paulseak Church, Jagdish Mandir, Buddhist Gompa in Dowhill Road and in Montieviot and Juma Mosque. Travelers can drive down their way to visit all these places. Another places to visit in Kurseong are the Deer park, Eagle's craig, and The Kholas like the whistle khola.

Kulik Bird Sanctuary: A Home For The Birds

 Located at Raigunj, in the Uttar Dinajpur district of Westbengal, Kulik bird sanctuary is a paradise to the people who love to watch birds. The kulik bird sanctuary is known as the second largest sanctuary for the birds in Asia with an area of 1.30 sq. km. The sanctuary has built up in the form of “U”, the English alphabet. The sanctuary is attached with the Kulik river . During the monsoon time, the water of the river enters in the sanctuary. It provides huge food sources to the birds as well as the artificial canals associated with the river works as a breeding ground for the Asian openbills.

How to reach in the bird sanctuary:

The Kulik bird sanctuary is situated in Raigunj, besides the NH34. The place is 425 km away from Kolkata and 181 km away from Siliguri. Tourists can reach in the forest by availing the bus services.

The special features of the kulik bird sanctuary:

The plantation of this sanctuary is basically a dry deciduous forest which is planted artificially. The main species of plants, which are available here include: Jarul, Kadam and Eucalyptus. The sanctuary is a home of about 164 types of birds including flycatchers, owl, kites, woodpeckers, drongoes, kingfishers and many more. and in the winter season around 80,000 migratory birds come to visit this place from the South Asian countries and from the coastal areas. The migratory birds include: little egrets, pond heron, open bill storks, Indian Shag, Asian openbill, little cormorants and black crowned night heron. The bird lovers will amazed to see the wide variety of colorful birds available here.

Ideal time to visit this sanctuary:

The sanctuary remains open for the tourists all the time. But the ideal time to visit this sanctuary is the winter season, as the tourists can enjoy the movements of the migratory birds. The high time to visit this bird sanctuary is from the month of December to February.

Gorumara-A Trip To The Green Castle

Gorumara National Park is a must to visit place while you are visiting Dooars. The national park is a two-hour drive from NJP or Bagdogra through the tea gardens and winding roads. The savannah woodland and the riverine grassland cover around 20% of the total park area of Gorumara. It is used as the grazing ground. The Jaldhaka, Indong and Murti rivers flow through the Gorumara park and makes the natural beauty at its best.. Gorumara is stretched in a total area of 80 sq. km. The forest was declared as a national park in the year 1994 because of this great variety of flora and fauna. The Gorumara grassland is specially famous for the one-horned Asiatic rhino.

Where to stay?

Murti forest bungalow

Watch tower

Gorumara has gained a huge popularity in recent few years. Now a days, many private resorts have grown in the adjoining Lataguri town to meet with the growing demands of the tourists. Tourists are also provided accommodation in the Murti tourist center, which is the most luxurious guest house in the forest. The guest house is located at the bank of the Murti river and has a frontal view of the Tondu forests.

Beside that, there are several watch towers in various parts of this national park to provide the tourists a better view of the Jungle. These watch towers include: Rhino Point; which is located in front of the Gorumara Forest Rest House; Jatraprasad Watch Tower; Chukchuki Tower for the birds only and Chandrachur Tower in old Khunia.

The wild life in Gorumara:

Hornbill

One horn rhinos

               Indian Bison 


The watchtowers of the Gorumara forest offers a panoramic glimpse of the entire Murti vally and the Gorumara national park. Towers are the best place to observe birds and wild animals. Most common birds and animals available in this national park are: Indian one horned rhino, Gaur or the Indian bison, elephant, leopards, Malayan giant squirrel, rock python and deer. These animals come to the salt reservoir, located below the watch tower at a regular basis. The tourists need get a special permission to enter in the core area of Gorumara.

Special features of Gorumara:

Leopard

The Gorumara national park has almost 48 kinds of herbivores and carnivores, 22 kinds of reptiles, 193 species of birds, 27 species of fishes, 7 species of turtles and other micro and macro fauna.

Several bird species are also seen in this national park. Such as: Mini vets, Hornbills, Pheasants, Woodpeckers, Cormorants,Cuckoos, Pigeons, Orioles and Mynas. During the winter months, many winter birds visit this park. These birds include: Indian Shag, Corporant, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Egrets, Darter and Law ping. The night hunters in this forests are the Night jars and Owls.

Best time to visit Gorumara:

 

The perfect time to visit this national park is from November to March. Monsoon starts here very early, in the month of April.

Bishnupur is a famous Town for its terracota temples

Bishnupur/Vishnupur was the capital of the Mallabhum kingdom, In the 18th century to 19th century it was the most important Hindu dynasty in Bengal . The town has more than twelve terracotta temples. The temples are located in Bishnupur and across many other small villages in the Bankura district.Terracotta, metal ware and temples is most characteristic of Bishnupur. The temples were crafted from the local laterite and brick, laterite are the only building materials available here besides wood and bamboo. The architecture is modeled on the pattern of Bengali huts built of bamboo & mud and roofed with thatch. Bishnupur will remain ever famous for its distinct style of music, which called Bishnupur Gharana, if not anything else. The name of Jadu Bhatta, the music teacher to Rabindranath Tagore, is remembered with respect to this day. A discerning visitor may find traces of the past splendor and glory that was Bishnupur in its superb temples and unique handicrafts.

Place of interest :-

Rasmancha ,Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai ,Nandalal Temple,Radhamadhab Temple,Kalachand Temple,Radhagovinda Temple,Sarbamangala,Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Rai,Krishna-Valaram Temple,Mrinmayee Temple,Radhashyam Temple,Jor Bangla.Temple,Radha-Laljiu-Temple,Madanmohan-Temple,Madanmohan  Temple,Malleswar,Sanreswar,Radhalaljiu, Madangopal,Chhinnamasta-Temple,Dalmadal Cannon,Lalgarh,Lalbandh,Acharya-Jogeshchandra-Museum,Gumgarh,Pathar-Darwaja,Garh Darwaja,Stone Chariot,Nutan Mahal,Birthplace of Shrinibas Acharya.

How to Reach:- Direct train Connection: From Howrah Rly. Station to Bishnupur Rly. Station by Purulia Express, Rupashi Bangla Express. On road from Kolkata to Bishnupur via Arambag or Koltata to to Bishnupur via Burdwan, Khandaghosh or Kolkata to Bishnupur via Durgapur, Bankura.Handicrafts:- Baluchari & Swarnachari Sari, Terracota models, Dokra, Wood Curving, Coach Shell curving, Dosh Avatar Playing Cards.

Festivals:- 5 day long-Bishnupur Mela from 23rd - 27th Dec., 2 Day long Bishnupur Utshav, Ratha Yatra.

Best Time to visit:- October to February