Eco Park — Attraction in West Bengal

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eco Park – A Green Oasis in the Heart of Kolkata

Eco Park, also known as Prakriti Tirtha, is a vast urban park located in New Town, Kolkata, and is one of the most ambitious and celebrated green projects in Eastern India. Spread across nearly 480 acres, it offers a rare blend of nature, art, recreation, and urban aesthetics, all in one massive, beautifully maintained space. Conceived and developed by the HIDCO (West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation), Eco Park was inaugurated in 2012 and has since become a major attraction for both tourists and residents alike. With its enormous size, impressive landscaping, and multi-themed zones, Eco Park serves as a refreshing escape from the bustle of city life and is a testimony to Kolkata’s growing focus on sustainability and urban beautification.

At the core of Eco Park lies a massive 112-acre water body, which adds an element of tranquility and helps regulate the microclimate of the entire park. The lake, with its small islands and boating options, forms the central aesthetic and recreational feature around which the rest of the park unfolds. The surrounding landscape includes themed gardens, walkways, bike paths, cultural exhibits, children's play areas, food zones, and much more.

One of Eco Park’s most captivating features is its diversity of attractions, thoughtfully segmented into distinct zones that cater to various interests and age groups. For nature lovers, the Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden, and Bamboo Garden offer immersive botanical experiences. The Tropical Tree Garden and Herbal Garden are not only visually appealing but also educational, showcasing a variety of indigenous and exotic species along with their environmental importance. Each garden is meticulously designed and maintained, making Eco Park a paradise for photographers, botanists, and casual visitors alike.

For those interested in culture and art, Eco Park presents several unique installations and exhibits. Among the most iconic is the Seven Wonders of the World replica zone, where miniature versions of global marvels like the Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal are recreated with intricate detail. This area attracts huge crowds, especially families and school groups, offering a delightful mix of education and entertainment. The Mask Garden, which displays traditional masks from various Indian states and tribal communities, is another cultural highlight. This open-air exhibition connects visitors with India's rich heritage in folk art and craftsmanship.

Another star attraction is the Replica of Old Kolkata, which transports visitors to the colonial charm of the city’s past. Featuring vintage architecture, street signs, and artistic representations of bygone eras, this section adds a nostalgic flair to the park. The attention to historical accuracy and the ambiance created here make it a favorite spot for photo shoots and heritage walks.

Adventure seekers and families with children will find plenty to engage with in Eco Park’s recreational zones. The Children’s Park includes various play structures, climbing frames, and activity-based installations that are both fun and safe. Boating on the central lake is a popular activity, with options ranging from paddle boats and rowing boats to shikaras and speedboats. For a touch of excitement, visitors can try cycling on dedicated tracks or rent electric scooters to explore the vast grounds. There is also a small toy train that circles part of the park, offering a relaxed ride through scenic paths.

Eco Park is equally welcoming to those who seek peace and relaxation. Several meditation areas, open-air seating zones, shaded gazebos, and quiet walking paths allow visitors to simply unwind amidst nature. Yoga groups, morning walkers, and readers can be seen enjoying these serene corners, especially during early mornings and evenings. The Musical Fountain, a choreographed water and light show held at night, offers a soothing spectacle that combines art, music, and technology. Set...

Overview & Atmosphere

Eco Park, officially Prakriti Tirtha, is India’s largest urban park—spanning 480 acres, including a 104-acre waterbody with its own island . Nestled in New Town, it's a seamless blend of ecological landscapes—wetlands, grasslands, and urban forest zones—interwoven with theme gardens and recreational spaces . Opened in December 2012, it was envisioned to offer eco-friendly tourism at its best .

What Makes It Special

Eco Park boasts a rich variety of attractions:

Themed Gardens: Delightful areas like the Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden, Bamboo Garden, Mask Garden, Tea Garden, Fruit Garden, Sculpture Garden, Rabi Aranya (with Tagore-inspired flora), Formal Garden, and a Flower Meadow overlooking the lake promenade .

Seven Wonders of the World: Creative replicas—such as the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza, Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer, Colosseum, Petra, and Moai statues—serve as quirky photo hotspots .

Eco Island & Glass House: A serene island amid the lake featuring a glasshouse and cottages for dining or events .

Cultural & Artisan Zones: Banglar Haat showcases local crafts, while Baul Gram hosts traditional folk performances. The Urban Museum (Sangraha) exhibits Durga Puja-inspired artwork year-round .

Nature & Wildlife: Bird-watching opportunities and a mini zoo with deer and future expansions into aviary and more . Recently, Eco Park hosted National Moth Week events to promote urban biodiversity and conservation .

Activities & Adventure

Plenty for thrill-seekers and families alike:

Toy Train: A 25–40 minute ride around the park (~₹150) .

Cycling Options: Baby cycling (₹150), or e-bike rides (~₹150 for 10 minutes) .

Boating: Options include paddle boats, rowboats, speed boats, shikaras, kayaking—prices range from ₹50 to ₹300 based on type and duration .

Adventure Sports: Zorbing (land/water ₹70 for 5 arrows), rifle shooting (₹50/hr), and ice skating (~₹150 per 30 min) .

Relaxing Strolls & Walks: Scenic promenades, Graffiti Walls, and the amphitheater’s light-and-sound shows provide a relaxed experience .

Visitor Experience & Practical Info

Affordability: Extremely budget-friendly—entry just ₹30 for adults, with modest activity charges .

Well-Maintained & Vast: Clean, expansive space that often takes more than one visit to fully explore .

Crowd Factor: Weekends and holidays get busy, leading to queues and parking strains—best to visit on weekdays for a relaxed experience .

Accessibility & Amenities: Easily accessible by bus, metro, car, or auto. Parking is available (though tight at peak hours). Ample food options, though some visitors note limited variety or hygiene concerns. There's also an Ayurvedic spa for wellness services .

Food Feedback: While cafés offer local and thematic cuisine (like Café Ekante), some visitors report hygiene issues at certain outlets. For example, a Redditor flagged an outlet allegedly using toilet water for cooking—this suggests exercising caution when choosing where to eat .

Highlights & Suggestions

Best Seasons: Winter (Oct–Feb) offers pleasant weather. Monsoons bring lush greenery but may affect activities .

Must-Do’s:

Morning walk or boating during sunrise.

Photo sessions at Seven Wonders zone—especially at golden hour.

Enjoy Café Ekante’s lakeside dining.

Explore gardens like Butterfly, Rose, and Bamboo at a leisurely pace.

Try cycling, e-bike, or toy train for a fun ride.

Final Thoughts

Eco Park is a well-rounded urban sanctuary—a green oasis offering culture, adventure, relaxation, and eco-education—all at excellent value. It caters beautifully to families, couples, nature lovers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. If you’re in Kolkata, don’t miss including this in...

The Eco Park in Kolkata consists of several ecological gardens spread throughout the park which add to its significance. The Butterfly Garden offers a spectacular view of different species of butterflies, as well as of plants that help the butterflies thrive inside the dome.The site is spread across an area of 194 hectares (480 acres) and includes a 42-hectare (100 acres) water body with an island. The Central Business District (CBD) is located to the east of the site and one of the largest convention centres in the country, Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, has been built to its north.The master plan for the Eco-Park has been prepared with the intent to balance its role as a city level recreational open space, with the need for the park to help mitigate some of the adverse impacts of urbanization of the surrounding area. The Eco-Park has been developed to re-establish a healthy self-sustaining eco-system.Park timings are tues to sun 2:30 pm to 8pm and monday closed.

Nice place for a true environment lover.. So much space for walking and cycling. There are so many rides like duo cycling, speed boat, paddle boat, kayaking etc. We didn't do these . But all are good. Especially the Rose Garden and the Japanese Forest were awesome.This place is also nice for couples who wants to stay together beneath the love of nature.Wonderful place with amazing activities. Come and explore a beautiful day out spot with friends,family or loved one.Very beautiful & serene place. It’s very well maintained. The walkway is very nice for morning walks & also evening walks. You can enjoy the view of the nature, the lake & the peace. The place will make you feel calm.

Eco Park is a large recreation area with a variety of activities to offer, including boating, cycling, a playground, a lake, and gardens.Eco Park is a great place to spend a day or an afternoon. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from relaxing in nature to enjoying the rides and attractions.The entry fee for Eco Park is Rs. 30 per person for adults and Rs. 20 per person for children. There are also discounts available for senior citizens and students.The park is very clean and well-maintained.There is a wide variety of attractions to choose from.The staff is friendly and helpful.The park is a great place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.The park can get very crowded, especially on weekends.The food court can be expensive.Some of the rides and attractions can be a bit outdated.Overall, I would recommend Eco Park to anyone looking for a fun and affordable day out in Kolkata.

Great place to visit. Many things to see. Entry fee Rs. 30/- is reasonable. But inside facilities like cycle riding is open loot. Rs. 150/- for 30 mins ride. Separate 30 rupee ticket to see 7 wonders, but its worth it. Overall great place to visit with family or friends. Take time to cover whole area.

Eco Park in Kolkata, India, is a sprawling urban oasis that seamlessly blends nature and recreation. With its serene lakes, vibrant gardens, and diverse flora, the park provides a refreshing escape from the city hustle. Embarking on a boat adventure at Eco Park in Kolkata adds an enchanting dimension to the experience. Navigating through the serene lakes, visitors can soak in the picturesque surroundings and marvel at the diverse avian life. The boat ride offers a unique perspective, allowing explorers to witness the park's beauty from a different vantage point. As you traverse the waterways, it feels like a journey of discovery, akin to the adventurous spirit of the Seven Wonders, creating lasting memories amid...