You should include a trip to Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary if you are planning a vacation to West Bengal, India. A haven for birders as well as curious observers, this sanctuary in the city of Kolkata is the ideal setting to experience India’s rich natural landscape and view the beautiful birdlife. Formerly known as Calcutta, this easygoing city offers old-world charm, a captivating colonial past, and an ambiance that is more laidback than many of India’s other bustling towns. Established in 1982, Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary encompasses 17 acres (6.8 hectares) of exotic lush terrain. If you are eager to learn more about this popular tourist attraction, like things to do and helpful travel tips, check out our guide to Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, Kolkata.
Things to do / Highlights
See the lush flora
This sanctuary was once an abandoned orchard, so the entire area is a wonderful blend of fruit groves, striking bamboo plants, gentle water bodies, and expansive wasteland. Feast your eyes on an abundance of huge mango trees that are scattered prominently across the landscape along with the occasional coconut palm, tamarind, guava, jackfruit, ficus, and more. You can also see delicate orchids at this sanctuary.
Spot common and rare birds
From everyday varieties to exotic species, Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to see myriad feathered creatures. It is a paradise for any bird lover. Try and spot birds like common hawk, cuckoo, emerald dove, and large-tailed nightjar at this sanctuary. Marvel at rare species like Tickell’s thrush, scarlet-backed flowerpecker and little spiderhunter. Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars and your camera, ideally a long-lens one, to capture amazing shots of the birds.
Observe colorful butterflies
If your interest leans towards butterflies, you can see even these winged creatures at Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary. Check out dazzling Peacock Pansies, Striped Tigers, Redbase Jezebels, Common Leopards, and many other butterfly species.
Glimpse intriguing wildlife
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is home to more than just birds and plants. You can also glimpse small and intriguing wildlife such as jungle cats, jackals, civet cats, monitor lizards, and more at this sanctuary.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I have forever been a person who loves the serenity of the woods and forests, and my visits to Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary were primarily driven by this love. I remember visiting the place with my cousins when I was young and once with my friends in college on an excursion. I did see exotic birds but for that, I had to walk a little more into the woods. There will be a few birds to greet you, especially if you are visiting during wintertime. A word of caution: mosquitoes will be a bother, and it's best to carry an Odomos while you are here.
Travelers tips
Posted by Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary on Sunday, 15 May 2016
No disturbing the surroundings
Visitors should not disturb birds or other wildlife under any conditions. It includes refraining from touching the plants and trees present here. It is also recommended that you should not approach any nests or pursue birds when taking photographs.
No picnicking
Resist the urge to have a picnic at Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary. You may bring bottled water to the sanctuary but no food items are allowed here. This sanctuary is about preserving the pristine forested landscape.
Mobile phones
Phones are allowed but you must keep them on silent mode while visiting the sanctuary, so that the tranquility of the area is not disturbed.
Monsoon season
The climate in Kolkata offers lots of sunshine and a humid atmosphere. However, be aware that severe rainfall hits hard and fast during the monsoon season, which takes place from mid-June to September.
Peak times and busy days
The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is during the birding season in the spring and winter months. In March and April, you can find a few birds nesting on treetops. The sanctuary hosts a number of migratory birds such as tiny cotton teal, long-legged pheasant-tailed jacana, and quacking gadwall during winter.
If you want to avoid crowds, do not visit on Thursdays and Fridays. Those days tend to be very busy and 7am to 8am is the busiest hour of the day.
How to get there
Rent a car
For travelers who plan to rent a car and drive to Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, you can locate it along Hogulkuria Rajpur Road that can be reached via the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass road.
Train
This attraction is situated about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from Kolkata’s city center, in the district of South 24-Parganas. The closest train station is Sonarpur on the Sealdah-Diamond Harbour Line. After exiting Sonarpur station, travelers can catch a taxi or autorickshaw and take a 20-minute ride to the sanctuary.
You can also opt to arrive at the metro train station, Kavi Nazrul, in the Garia Bazar area of the city. The train station address is 56, Nayabad Main Rd, Garia Bazaar, Rangapara, Garia, Kolkata, West Bengal 700094, India. Then, hail a taxi from outside the metro station to take a 10-minute ride to the Rathtala neighborhood. From Rathtala, the sanctuary’s main entrance is a five-minute stroll away.
Bus
This sanctuary is near the Rathtala, Rathola, and Rajpur Kalitala bus stops. If you’re staying in Howrah, direct buses are available to take you to the sanctuary. Hop on the Howrah-Harinavi bus and disembark at Rathtala.
Taxi or autorickshaw
The easiest way to get to this attraction is to hail a taxi or the popular autorickshaw off the streets or arrange for a pick-up if you prefer.
Uber
Uber is available in Kolkata. Just tap the app to receive an affordable ride to this attraction.
Parking information
Parking is limited at the main gate of the sanctuary. Street parking is available but it may involve a bit of walking to reach the entrance.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
A short drive away from the sanctuary lies the restaurant, Haveli. It was a great find for me, especially because I like North Indian cuisine, kebabs, and tandoori. Whenever I visit, I am sure to polish off the yellow dal tadka with aloo achari and naan. The phulkas served are hot and fresh, with dollops of butter over them, and I like to pair them with chili paneer. I will recommend the delicious lassi after you have had your fill.
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How to get tickets
You can obtain your tickets for Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary from the onsite ticket office. It is the only way to get tickets since an online ticket booking facility is not available at this attraction.
Kolkata Tour Guide
Nibedita Sen
A hearty WELCOME to our page Happiness Activist. We are here to solve the problems of foreigners who come to explore India. Firstly, we suggest them to stop visiting the wonders and mundanes of social media advertisements about overrated traveling. We provide them the basic needs and guidelines that the audience requires when they first step into an unknown land which we have already explored. Secondly, we are not like any other travel guides. If you are here to explore the museum, zoo, or places that you can easily google about Kolkata then Sorry, we are not the right one to help you. Our USP is to guide those travellers who are offbeat and craze for the undiscovered and less travelled places in India, Egypt and Israel. Through our eyes, 'WE WILL MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF'
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Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary information
Address: Hogulkuria Rajpur Road, Ramchandrapur, Narendrapur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700103, India
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
Cost: 1 USD
Department of tourism: West Bengal
History
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