A 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.

Travelers tips

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.

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.

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