Eco Tourism Park, Kolkata, was developed around a large existing water body in New Town. The project reflects WBHIDCO’s broader vision for a sustainable urban green space in the city. Designed as an ecological park, it showcases how water bodies, wetlands, and vegetation support a healthier urban environment. It also offers a recreational escape from the pace of the city beyond its gardens.
Some visitors still know it as Eco Park, Calcutta, a name that reflects the city’s former English name before its 2001 renaming. Today, the landscaped gardens and expansive lake give the park a distinctly natural character throughout. That natural feel makes it easy to forget the careful planning behind this stretch of New Town.
Eco Tourism Park reflects a thoughtful approach to Kolkata’s urban growth, planned rather than left to chance. New Town grew rapidly into one of the city’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods over the following decade.
Water bodies, wetlands, and green spaces still stayed central to the area’s master plan throughout. Nature was never treated as an afterthought, and the park instead shows how ecological landscapes can expand alongside a modern city.
Its significance extends well beyond its size alone, reaching into the everyday life of the neighbourhood around it. Birds and other wildlife find habitat across its themed gardens and open water, a small pocket of biodiversity worth protecting.
The park sits on Major Arterial Road, inside New Town’s Action Area II, developed and managed by WBHIDCO.
Getting here usually means a longer drive than most Kolkata attractions, since New Town sits well outside the older city core. Biswa Bangla Sarani, connecting the park to the rest of the city, was built as part of New Town’s planning.
The wider, modern road makes the extra distance feel shorter than it looks on paper.
Getting There by Road:
- From the Airport: Approximately 7 km, taking around 18 minutes via Biswa Bangla Sarani.
- From Park Street: Approximately 22 km, taking around 42 minutes via Biswa Bangla Sarani.
- From Howrah Junction: Approximately 19 km, taking around 55 minutes via Biswa Bangla Sarani.
Spread across 480 acres, Eco Tourism Park brings together themed gardens, open lawns, and a large central lake.
The whole layout reads as a thoughtfully planned landscape rather than a collection of separate zones. Many of the walking paths follow the edge of the water, offering frequent lake views between attractions.
Its generous layout also allows themed gardens, recreational areas, and open spaces to coexist while giving each zone its own distinct character.
Walking through the Seven Wonders zone means passing scaled-down versions of the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty. The Pyramids of Giza and its Sphinx sit close by, all within the space of a short walk. The Colosseum of Rome completes the confirmed replicas, each small enough to photograph in full but still instantly recognisable.
Step inside the Butterfly Garden next, a domed enclosure where butterflies flutter among flowering plants. Visitors can also learn about the butterfly life cycle as they move through the enclosure. Nearby, the Bamboo Garden showcases a variety of bamboo species, offering a peaceful change of pace. Different heights, textures, and shades of green create a striking display throughout this quieter corner.
Continue on to the Rose Garden, where landscaped pathways and decorative fountains frame colourful rose beds. Its structured layout makes it a natural stop for photographs before the path continues toward the lake. Hop aboard the toy train next for a slow loop around the grounds, a welcome break for tired feet. Non-AC seats cost Rs 150 per person, while AC seats cost Rs 250, with each round running 30 to 40 minutes.
Step onto the water next, where boating offers a different perspective of the park than the surrounding walking paths allow. A family Shikara carries up to 4 people for Rs 300 over half an hour, gliding across the water. Paddle boats cover the same ground for Rs 200, putting riders in control of their own pace instead. Speed boats are the quicker option for solo visitors, with rounds priced at Rs 50 per person.
Activity Rates:
- Duo Cycling: Rs 150 for 2 people over 30 minutes
- Kayaking: Rs 150 per person for a 10-minute round
- Land Zorbing: Rs 150 per ride
- Water Zorbing: Rs 150 per person for a 10-minute round
- Archery: Rs 70 for 5 arrows, with air rifle shooting priced separately at Rs 50 for 10 shots
The Children’s Eco Park rounds out the activity zone with play equipment suited for younger visitors. That area sits apart from the more physical rides nearby, better suited for families with small children.
An island named Sabuj Sathi sits at the centre of the lake, reachable only by boat. A glasshouse on the island offers panoramic views across the lake while creating one of the park’s most distinctive landmarks. Nearby, the Musical Fountain combines choreographed water jets, music, and colourful lighting during its evening performances. It is best seen after dusk, once the show begins and the lights come on across the water.
Biswa Bangla Haat, located within the park, showcases West Bengal’s handloom, handicrafts, and artisan products. Permanent and rotating stalls make it a rewarding stop for exploring the state’s traditional craftsmanship.
Winter, from November to February, is generally the best time to visit Eco Tourism Park. Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity make it comfortable to explore the themed gardens, walking trails, and lakeside paths. Early mornings are ideal for nature enthusiasts hoping to enjoy quieter surroundings and softer light. The golden hour before sunset offers some of the best conditions for photography around the park.
Families often prefer late mornings or early afternoons, when most attractions are fully up and running. Couples, meanwhile, may enjoy the calmer atmosphere and illuminated landscapes during the early evening hours. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends and public holidays, making them a better choice for visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.
Park Timings (Current Winter Schedule):
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Ticket Counter: Closes at 7:00 PM
Planning Tips:
- Quieter Visits: Choose weekdays for a quieter experience
- Best Light: Arrive early or stay until late afternoon to catch the day’s softest natural light
- Before You Go: Check the official Eco Park website beforehand, as seasonal timings and operating hours may change
A few practical details, from tickets to food, make it easier to plan a visit around Eco Park.
Practical Tips:
Practical Tips:
- Book Online: Book tickets online through BookMyShow for a smoother entry, especially on weekends and public holidays.
- Check the Fee: Check the latest entry fee before your visit, as ticket prices may change.
- Food and Drink: Food kiosks and cafes are available throughout the park, though outside food and beverages are not permitted.
- What to Carry: Carry a reusable water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park’s attractions are spread across 480 acres.
A day spent exploring Eco Park’s gardens, lakes, and attractions often ends with tired feet and an appetite for a slower evening. Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata, sits within a comfortable driving distance of Eco Park, ready for exactly that kind of return. Our central address also puts the city’s historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and shopping districts within easy reach. That makes it simple to fold a New Town day into a wider Kolkata itinerary.
That return usually starts with our well-appointed rooms and suites, a quiet space to settle into before the evening properly begins. Modern in-room comforts make it easy to recharge here, right in the heart of the city, before heading back out.
That return usually starts with our well-appointed rooms and suites, a quiet space to settle into before the evening properly begins. Modern in-room comforts make it easy to recharge here, right in the heart of the city, before heading back out.
Evenings often end with dinner, and the choice here comes down to 2 distinctive venues. Aromas serves Indian and Continental favourites well into the night, a reliable choice after a long day. Vietnom offers authentic Vietnamese and Pan-Asian cuisine instead, for guests wanting something lighter or a change of pace.
Either way, warm service and hospitality tie the stay together, a fitting end to a day among Eco Park’s gardens and lakes.
Either way, warm service and hospitality tie the stay together, a fitting end to a day among Eco Park’s gardens and lakes.