Want to find green in the midst of Kolkata, then your destination could be Chintamani Bird Sanctuary (চিন্তামণি কর পাখীরালয়) in Narendrapur. Truly speaking it's a hidden gem of Kolkata and dream destination for bird lovers or watchers inside the metro, where birds dwell in the long trees or come here every winter.
The sanctuary was actually an orchard of the area, popularly known as 'Kayaaler Bagan' (কয়ালের বাগান) which was given sanctuary status back in 1982. As the city of Kolkata was expanding fast in east and south that time, it was planned to sell out the whole area as plots. Thankfully bird lovers of the city had identified the area as one of the finest bird habitat near Kolkata, and they requested the Forest dept to take initiative to save the land from the wrath of urbanization.
Forest Dept, Govt of West Bengal bought this place from the owner and it was inaugurated by the-then CM of West Bengal, Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on 31st October, 2005 as Chintamani Bird Sanctuary. It is named after internationally celebrated sculptor Chintamoni Kar (1915-2005) who had for many years fought relentlessly to give the bagan status of sanctuary. Mr. Kar was a resident of adjacent locality.
It was earlier named as Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary, but as Mr. Kar passed away on October 3rd, 2005, later it was decided to name the sanctuary after him. It is under 24 Parganas (South Division), Directorate of Forest, Govt. of West Bengal. Area of the sanctuary is 17.19 acres/6.96 hectares.
This garden is famous for its wide variety of birds, butterflies, ferns and orchids. Detail list of flaura and fauna can be found on Wiki too.
The best time to visit: In Winter for the best look into the migratory birds in the water bodies and the jungle of the sanctuary. At the same time, for a casual traveller it is really hard to notice a bird. You need two things to watch birds - first is patience and second is gears like telescopes.
It is better to avoid in Rainy season, as it get very muddy.
As I visited during winter of 2021, the area is smoothly green, a gift to your eyes. There are many big trees, some ponds and insects (specially spiders). So be bit careful while walking through the sanctuary. You may take rest at the benches beside the ponds and from there you can see the green, enjoy the silent ambiance of the park.
In short it may not be attractive to everybody. For birdwatchers it is very good place inside Kolkata. Also you can take your partner for a romantic gossip over here.
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