Looking for an oasis smack in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city of Kolkata in India? Then head to the serene Rabindra Sarobar lake to unwind and immerse yourself in nature. Rabindra Sarobar is named after the Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who was from Bengal. Sarobar means lake and this man-made lake in the heart of the city is a welcome relief. Boasting a variety of fauna and flora, Rabindra Sarobar sprawls over 192 acres (77.7 hectares), of which the lake itself occupies 72 acres (29.1 hectares). It is a popular spot to visit for locals and tourists alike and attracts nearly 10,000 people every day. Rabindra Sarobar is perfect for a leisurely stroll or simply relaxing on the benches and gazing at the stillness of the water. Here’s a detailed guide to Rabindra Sarobar in Kolkata.
Things to do / highlights
Rabindra Sarobar is a haven for morning walkers who want to enjoy the serenity and greenery. Rich in biodiversity and surrounded by beautiful birds this artificial lake is the perfect spot for unwinding. A walk around the lake to experience its beauty should be a must-do on every traveler’s list. One of the lake’s islands even has a mosque! There are many things to do at Rabindra Sarobar such as meditating and here’s a look at some more!
Enjoy a relaxing walk, jog, or run
Getting away from the chaotic world around and enjoying the scenic beauty with centuries-old trees and having a relaxed walk is ideal for both the mind and body. The well-maintained pathways make it a jogger’s paradise. The lush greenery with lots of migratory and local birds chirping around the lake makes for a relaxing walk or jog.
Play with rabbits
Rabindra Sarobar also has Safari Park, which is a great spot for kids and adults to enjoy. There are rabbits and guinea pigs that you can feed carrots to. There is also a play area with swings and slides for children, and there are gym equipment for ladies to work out for free.
Paint at the lake
This is a great spot to whip out your brushes or crayons and draw the scenic lake on a winter morning!
Go bird watching
Rabindra Sarobar is home to plenty of migratory birds so whip out your binoculars and go bird watching! You can enjoy seeing kingfishers, parakeets, cormorants, moorhens, sunbirds, and many more.
Go rowing
If you want to indulge in the sport, you can go rowing early morning. There are plenty of clubs in the area that has rowing facilities.
Laugh out loud
There are many laughter clubs here with more than 200 members and you can chortle away with them as you destress! If you love yoga, there is also a Laughter Yoga Club to make practicing yoga enjoyable.
Spruce up your photography skills
Rabindra Sarobar is a great spot to put to test your photography skills and snap up some pictures. You may often find couples posing for a pre-wedding shoot here too!
Salsa in the morning
The open-air salsa classes by the lake make for cheerful Sunday mornings. You do not have to be a dance freak to enjoy Salsa by the Lakes. These classes are free and you can share a laugh with plenty of people grooving to the music, even if you have two left feet!
Traveler's tips
Since childhood, I have been frequenting this lake for swimming classes. Note that you are not allowed to swim in the lake itself, but there are three popular swimming clubs in the area with well-maintained pools - Lake Friends Swimming Club, Indian Life Saving Society, and Calcutta Sports Association. These clubs also allow affiliated swimmers to swim in parts of the lake. I learned swimming in ILSS and have spent hours in the waters here. These clubs offer various short- and long-term memberships that you can opt for.
Travelers tips
What is the best time to go
Go early in the morning at 6am when the Rabindra Sarobar opens to escape the heat in summers or in the evening around 5pm when it is cooler. You should avoid going in the afternoon as it gets quite sunny.
Is there any entrance fees
There are no entrance fees.
How much time will it take to explore
If you are a nature lover, you can spend the entire day at the lake. Else most people would be happy spending two hours here.
Can I take food inside Rabindra Sarobar
No. Food is strictly not allowed inside. You can have tea, coffee, and snacks at stalls outside the Rabindra Sarobar. Do not carry any plastic bags as these are not permitted either.
What about parking
Parking is free in the morning. However, in the evening there is a parking fee.
Is photography permitted and free
Photography is ** and free**.
When do the migratory birds come to the lake
During winter migratory birds from many parts of the world nest here. Even during summer, you will spot local birds aplenty.
Is it wheelchair accessible
You can take the wheelchair inside as the jogging paths are quite wide.
Traveler's tips
If you are craving something spicy, tangy, and sweet, head to the nearby Vivekananda Park and fill yourself up at the famous chaat stalls adjacent to it. Dahi puri, papri chaat, bhel puri - you name it and they have it. The must-have item here is, of course, phuchka, the inimitable Kolkata version of panipuri and golgappa!
How to get there
Rabindra Sarobar lake is only 30 km (18.6 miles) from the international airport of Kolkata. It lies in the southern part of the city. Here are some ways to get to the spot.
Take a taxi
You can take a local taxi or Uber to get to Rabindra Sarobar easily.
Take a bus
Plenty of buses also ply to Rabindra Sarobar throughout the day.
Take the metro
Get off at the Rabindra Sarobar metro station and from there the first entrance to the lake is a two-minute walk.
Drive down
You can easily drive to the spot as plenty of parking is easily available.
Rabindra Sarobar information
Rabindra Sarobar
Address:Dhakuria, Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Cost: Free
Department of tourism: Visit West Bengal
History
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