It's quite interesting how the idea of the Eco Tourism Park came about. On 19 July 2011, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, on her way from the airport, saw a barren land spanning 480 acres surrounded by a water body. Seeing the potential this particular piece of nature had, the idea of urbanising it came about with an intent to balance its role as a city-level recreational open space while also acting as an ecosystem for flora and fauna.
Since then, people come here to relax or rejuvenate, socialise or seek solitude and learn first-hand how the region's flora and fauna benefit their city. With innumerable activities for visitors, thematic areas, live kitchens and a mini setup of the seven wonders of the world, it has turned out to be the perfect place to provide an ideal work-life balance or a weekend getaway. It has been divided into three major zones: Ecological zone, Theme gardens and Open spaces for recreation.
Activities include the city's first unique duo-cycles, a toy train (for kids and adults), high-speed boats, rifle shooting, remote cars for kids, E-Bykes, a Floating Pontoon, Kayaking, Water Zorbing, Land Zorbing, Archery, a Santa Monica double-decker boat ride, and much more.
You can find thematic areas here, which include an adda zone, an artists' cottage facilitating a unique blend of nature and creativity, a bamboo garden where multiple varieties of Bamboo plantations are showcased, a Bengal village decorated with thatched huts, palanquins, and chandimandap replicating the lifestyle of villagers in Bengal to the urban dwellers, the Biswa Bangla Haat celebrating the cottage industries and handicrafts of Bengal, a Butterfly Garden, which is a one-of-a-kind place where you will find all sorts of butterflies flying under one roof, a food court, a Herbal Garden, which is a research facility for the Institute of Post Graduate Ayurvedic Education and Research, a Musical Garden, and so on.
There are also open spaces for recreational purposes, consisting of simple seating arrangements overlooking the spectacular view of the lake and the upcoming musical fountains. You can have a cosy picnic with your family and friends here.
How to Reach: To reach Eco Park from Ultadanga or the airport side, you can take the buses that go towards Newtown or Unitech. From the EM bypass side, you can opt for buses that go towards the airport via Narkelbagan. Also, the CTC bus number C8 directly goes to Eco Tourism Park and can be taken from Tollygunge bus depot.
Timings: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 20 for kids
Google Rating: 4.5/5
