Enjoy birdwatching? Well, you can do that at Kolkata's very own Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary.
Located in Narendrapur the sanctuary is no less than paradise for ornithologists and wildlife photographers. It's home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies, ferns and orchids. Visit during winters to spot species like the Tickell’s Thrush, Eurasian Woodcock, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Black-hooded Oriole and Chestnut Trained Sterling. The sanctuary is also frequented by several migratory birds during that time. Also spot, wildlife like jackals, jungle cat, civet cat, monitor lizard, and more.
Locally known as Kayaler Bagan, the sanctuary was earlier an abandoned orchard surrounded by waterbodies and wasteland. Noted artist Chintamoni Kar, after whom the sanctuary is named, along with NGOs and locals, fought for a long time to achieve sanctuary status for the land. The place also boasts of a wide variety of trees like mango, jackfruit, coconut, tamarind, guava and others.
This sanctuary in Kolkata is a must-visit, not just for tourists but also for city folk. Drop in, if you haven't already.