Rabindra Setu, one of the state’s largest urban parks, should be on any nature lover’s itinerary. Home to different species of fauna spread over an expansive area and divided into themed zones, Rabindra Setu makes a beautiful visit for any fan of nature.
Recreated to replicate the environment of Shantiniketan, this area is dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore and contains a pond, benches, and other structures.
Location
Eco Park in Rajarhat’s New Town is India’s most significant urban and ecological park. Spanning over 480 acres and bordered by a 104-acre water body, its three sections include an Ecological Zone, Theme Gardens, and Open spaces for recreation – a floating musical fountain, Children’s Eco Park, Adda Zone Butterfly Garden Bamboo Garden Fruits Garden, among many more attractions make up some of the park’s main draws.
Eco Park features several attractive attractions, with the Tea Garden occupying nearly an acre of space. It was constructed to replicate traditional tea gardens, using 40 truckloads of soil from Northern Bengal’s Dooars region as part of its construction process. Home to several varieties of tea, such as Darjeeling, and many species of birds alike, this garden makes an excellent location for bird-watching!
The park also houses a Formal Garden featuring several sculptures inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s work. This beautiful garden includes benches, a lotus pond, and plenty of greenery – making it an ideal spot for locals to take morning or evening strolls.
Photographers often flock to this park with its scenic views and picturesque backdrops for picturesque photography shots. Additionally, cafes and restaurants provide reasonably priced food – their staff members are friendly.
At the park, an Archery Range allows visitors to shoot arrows at targets; each ten shot costs Rs 50.
The Eco Park is easily accessible by road, with excellent connections to the city center. Travelers can hire pre-paid taxis or cabs from top car rental companies and ride directly to it; from Kolkata International Airport, it takes only 15 minutes. Public transport buses are also available for those outside Kolkata and other parts of the country. Howrah Junction railway station provides access via suburban trains that go directly to Bidhan Nagar or nearby areas in Kolkata. In contrast, nearby bus stops allow access via local buses heading straight towards it.
Entry fee
The Eco Park is one of Kolkata’s largest urban parks and a popular hangout spot for couples. It is situated near Rajarhat near New Town and features a vast water body with an island in its center – open daily except Monday for visitors to enjoy activities here!
This park boasts an array of attractions, from zorbing grounds that provide both land and water zorbing, rowing, and kayaking to an outdoor theatre that hosts cultural events every Saturday evening.
Promenade, another attraction, is a paved walkway lined with coconut trees designed to give visitors an expansive view of the 112-acre lake defining the park. It features fountains, music performances, and laser shows in its northern portion, while in its southern half, there’s a touch-and-feel zone offering winding pathways through tea gardens with mask gardens, fruit gardens, and rose gardens nearby.
Eco Park features a beautiful sculpture garden showcasing works from the 19th and 20th centuries. It makes for a lovely outing with your entire family – especially children! Additionally, picnics or other social gatherings are often held there.
Alongside its many attractions, the park also houses an Archery Range for land and water arrow shooting. A round at this range costs Rs 50 for ten shots, with additional fees charged per arrow shot beyond this amount.
The park is conveniently linked with other parts of the city by well-paved roads, making it accessible from anywhere within it. From Sealdah railway station you can take a bus or taxi directly to reach it.
Rental e-scooters and bikes make the park an enjoyable way to discover its stunning surroundings, while renting one is also a lovely way to spend some time outside, away from the daily hustle and bustle. Visit now if you want a memorable outdoor experience!
Activities
The park provides an impressive range of recreational activities and facilities, making it the ideal destination for all visitors. Jogging and cycling tracks allow visitors to stay active while taking in beautiful surroundings, while children’s play areas provide families with a chance to spend quality time together. Furthermore, cottages and conference halls can be rented out for personal or official use within the park grounds.
The park’s main attraction is its expansive lake, which mirrors its lush surroundings and creates a peaceful ambiance. Not only is the lake home to an array of birds and other species of wildlife – making it an excellent spot for birdwatching – visitors can also enjoy boating along its waters to experience its beauty from another angle.
Besides its main attractions, this park features many others to draw you in – like the Floating Musical Fountain, Biswa Bangla Haat, Mask Garden, Formal Garden, Adda Zone, and Tea Garden are among its more well-known features. Kayaking, paddle boating, ice skating, and duo cycling are also among them!
Howrah Bridge, a landmark of Kolkata, should also not be missed. Built during British rule and now an iconic symbol of Bengal culture and heritage, it was renamed after Rabindranath Tagore as Rabindra Setu for visitors’ convenience and beautiful views of the Kolkata cityscape.
If you seek spiritual insight, visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Bengal. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, this shrine is considered one of the holiest sites. Devout people believe its deity liberates devotees from Samsara and brings them back into human society. Situated approximately 110 kilometers from Eco Park Rajdhani Vatika and well connected by various modes of transportation, Dakshineswar Kali Temple can offer an experience not to be missed!
Facilities
Rabindra Setu Eco Park is one of India’s largest ecological parks amidst water bodies. A popular picnicking and relaxation spot near Howrah Bridge in New Town, this environmental oasis features wildflower meadows, a bamboo garden, a tropical tree garden, grassland, and lakeside Adda zones and water zorbing opportunities – offering unique experiences! In New Town, one can also find water-zorbing facilities to experience this thrilling sport!
Additionally, the park boasts two gardens, a tea garden, and a mask garden; several restaurants serving an assortment of dishes; as well as an ice skating rink for those who love skating; several food kiosks within the park to meet visitors’ hunger needs; an ice skating rink; as well as convenient food kiosks that don’t require leaving the premises to get some bite to eat!
This park is attractive to tourists and locals due to its exceptional facilities. The Floating Musical Fountain is remarkably breathtaking when lit up at night – and should not be missed when visiting. It should also be added to any itinerary of park visitors.
Graffiti Wall by Artists Jogen Chowdhury and Subhaprasanna is another must-see attraction at Kolkata Park, featuring stunning art by Jogen Chowdhury and Subhaprasanna along the south of Parking Lot South. Showcasing amazing pieces such as Amazing Artworks, this unique feature runs along Parking Lot South for your viewing pleasure! Kolkata Park also houses a museum where visitors can learn more about its rich history.
Other attractions at the park include Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Victoria Memorial, and Jorasanko. Bhavatarini, one of Goddess Kali’s forms that liberate Her devotees from life’s oceanic burdens, is worshiped at Kali Temple; Victoria Memorial is an iconic reminder to Queen Victoria of Kolkata’s legacy and another significant landmark attraction.
