Spend a relaxing afternoon in New Town Eco Park, 480 acres (190 hectares) of themed gardens, ecological spaces and play areas surrounding a man-made lake. Inaugurated in 2012, the park has quickly become one of the most popular recreational spots in the city.
Close to the main entrance is the first of the park’s ecological zones. Walk along paths that take you through wetlands, grasslands and a tropical forest. If you don’t feel like walking, you can pay a fee to tour the grounds in a golf cart. Nature lovers will adore the park’s themed gardens. See hundreds of colourful blooms in the Rose Garden, wander through the Wild Flower Meadow and savour the sweet aromas of the trees in the Fruits Garden.
The park’s centerpiece is the 112-acre (45-hectare) artificial lake. Stroll along the coconut tree-lined promenade that encircles the large body of water or rent a speedboat, kayak, pedal boat or water cycle. You can also be ferried across the lake on a shikara, a wooden boat. For some adventure, try rolling across the water inside a zorb, a large transparent plastic orb.
Keep the children happy with a visit to the play area, which has fountains, swings, climbing apparatus and elevated walkways.
Stay for the musical fountain and laser show, which takes place early evening on the north bank of the lake. This aquatic spectacle is visible from all parts of the park, but the best place to see it is from a bench in the lakeside Adda Zone.
New Town Eco Park is open every day except Monday. Admission charges apply.The Eco Park is situated in New Town, a satellite city about 10 miles (16 kilometres) from downtown Kolkata. Reach it by bus, taxi or car. Park in one of the two metered parking lots. Visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and drink, but there are food kiosks located throughout the park.
