Kolkata is an amalgamation of many things; all beautiful in their own sense. The rich cultural heritage, the keen artistic sensibilities of the locals, the iconic yellow taxis, and the oh-so-amazing cuisine…everything about Kolkata speaks volume for why both locals and tourists love the city! And yet, the city like any other in the world can be too much at times and you may feel the urge to escape somewhere peaceful and relaxing. Well, the good news is that there are many places you could go for a picnic near Kolkata, ideal for families, groups of friends, and couples. Check out these 12 serene picnic spots in and around Kolkata perfect for your next weekend getaway.
Picnic Spots in Kolkata
1. New Town Eco Park, Kolkata
New Town Eco Park | #1 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Kolkata
Sprawled over 480 acres, New Town Eco Park is probably Kolkata’s best picnic spot today. The list of things to do in Kolkata and see in this extraordinary park seems endless with inclusions like Butterfly Garden, Bamboo Garden, Tea Garden, Eco Island, Grass Land, Fruit Garden and many more! The park was built with the vision to give the city dwellers a place to leave behind all the worries and be one with nature. A picnic here with your favorite people would make you feel just that.
- Location: Major Arterial Road, New Town, Kolkata
- Timings:
Summers – Tuesday to Saturday: 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Sundays & holidays: 12 pm to 8:30 pm
Winters – Tuesday to Saturday: 12 pm to 7:30 pm, Sundays & holidays: 11 am to 7:30 pm
Closed on Mondays - Entry Fee: Rs.20
2. Alipore Zoological Gardens, Kolkata
Alipore Zoological Gardens | #2 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Kolkata
Alipore Zoological Gardens opened in the year 1876, making it one of the oldest zoos in the nation. It is home to over 1000 species of animals and is known for its conservation practices. Alipore Zoo is Kolkata’s one of the most popular picnic spots wherein you can spend the entire day with your family and friends in the shade of umpteen trees and the company of various animals.
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (Closed on Thursdays)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 25, Rs.30 on Weekends and Government holidays, Rs.10 for children up to 5 years old
Read Also: Places to visit in Kolkata
3. Nicco Park, Kolkata
Nicco Park | #3 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Kolkata
An amusement park is always a good idea for a picnic and Nicco Park in Kolkata is better than good! The park is complete with thrilling rides, a 5-acre big water park, a super-cool bowling alley, and a full-fledged restaurant – all of these await you in Nicco Park. With many fun things to do, this one is without a doubt one of the best picnic spots in Kolkata.
- Location: Salt Lake City, Kolkata
- Timings: 10:45 am to 7:30 pm (Gate open at 10:30 am and closes at 6:30 pm) Closed on Holi.
- Entry Fee: Rs.200 onwards
Read Also: Waterpark in Kolkata
4. Science City, Kolkata
Science City | #4 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Kolkata
A day out at Science City doesn’t have to be only educational and insightful; you can also give it a fun twist by having a picnic here with your loved ones. Oh yes, there is a dedicated picnic spot within the premises. There is even the facility of a kitchen space which you can use to heat up your food but make sure that you make a booking for it prior to visiting.
- Location: Mirania Gardens, East Topsia, Kolkata
- Timings: 9 am to 8 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs.60
5. Captain Bherry Eco and Aquatic Hub, Kolkata
Built upon 30 acres of East Calcutta Wetlands, Captain Bherry Eco and Aquatic Hub is a genius use of space and a wonderful place to organize a picnic. The area is made up of both land and water, which serves to add a special charm to this place. You can easily find a spot in the vast grounds of Captain Bheri Eco and Aquatic hub to place your picnic mat and lay out your food and beverages and have a good time with your special ones.
- Location: Tapuriaghata, E.M Bypass Road, Kolkata
- Timings: 11 am to 7:30 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs.25
Picnic Spots near Kolkata
6. Jawahar Kunj Garden, Barrackpore
One of the closest picnic spots near Kolkata, Jawahar Kunj Garden in Barrackpore is perfect to enjoy a day out. The town itself is a tourist destination and holds immense historical value for the Indian rebellion of 1857 also known as the First War for Independence took place here. It is also dotted with many significant monuments dedicated to Indian freedom fighters, including Gandhi Ghat and Mangal Pandey Park. Sitting by the river and enjoying the spectacular sunset is also one of the soul-enriching experiences that you can gain here.
- Distance from Kolkata: 33 km
7. Gadiara
Located on the convergence of three rivers – Hooghly, Damodar, and Rupnarayan, Gadiara is a picnic spot near Kolkata that offers you tranquil experience via its beauty and serenity. This is one of those places where you can effortlessly relax and feel rejuvenated. There isn’t much to do here apart from taking in all the charm that surrounds you and that’s what makes it so perfect for a peaceful retreat. If you must do something, walk around the village, sit down to witness the idyllic sunsets and sunrises, or just take a ferry down to Garchumuk or Geonkhali.
- Distance from Kolkata: 79 km (via NH 16)
8. Taki Picnic Spot, Taki
Situated at the bank of the River Ichamati, Taki Picnic Spot is one of the most loved picnic spots near Kolkata. Along with having a typical basket picnic with your loved ones, you can also enjoy activities such as sightseeing, boating, and canopy walk here. If you decide to take a boat ride on the river you will get to meet Bangladeshi citizens as they also have the privilege of accessing the waters of Ichamati. Major tourist attractions of town of Taki include Ramakrishna Mission, Jora Sahib Mandir, General Shankar Roy Chowdhury’s Adi Bari, and houses of the zamindars. For the canopy walk, you will have to take a boat to Henry’s Island and from there a rickshaw to Golpatar forest.
- Distance from Kolkata: 68 km (via Basanti Highway)
9. Falta
Falta is a small town located on the banks of River Hooghly. The major attraction in this charming town is Bose Bigyan Mandir. It is the farmhouse of the renowned scientist Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose. The grounds of this farmhouse are open for public to enjoy picnics. Falta jetty is also a popular spot to watch the ferries going down the river and to enjoy leisurely walks in the evening.
- Distance from Kolkata: 52 km (via Nainan Road)
10. Sunderban Tiger Reserve
Sunderban Tiger Reserve | #10 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Kolkata
If your idea of picnic includes thrilling experiences, Sunderban Tiger Reserve is just the place for you. You can explore the vast grounds of the reserve. The possibility of getting to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger is quite real here. Even if the big cat doesn’t want to come out you can always access the watchtowers here to witness breathtaking views of the jungle.
- Distance from Kolkata: 99 km
11. Deulti
A simple yet beautiful village, Deulti is everything you could want from a rejuvenating picnic spot near Kolkata. Paths made of clay, houses with thatched roofs, and coconuts tree covering the area are some of the aspects of Deulti that will draw you in and give you an instant feeling of being at peace. You will also love the fact that there are many fishing ponds in the village.
- Distance from Kolkata: 62 km (via NH 16)
12. Machranga Dweep
Also known as Kingfisher Island, this picnic spot is lesser known than others. That means it is also much more peaceful. The island is located on River Ichamati with India on its one side and Bangladesh on the other. You can enjoy a long picnic here, take walks among the trees, go a boat ride, or even go swimming in the river. If doing nothing at all what rejuvenates you, do sit back and enjoy the glorious sunset here.
- Distance from Kolkata: 73 km (via Basanti Highway)
- How to reach: Train, bus, or drive to Hasnabad and motorboat from there.
With so many options to choose from which one do you think is going to be your favorite? Fret not because all these picnic spots in and near Kolkata are equally amazing!
This post was last modified on 17-Aug-2023