Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, Kolkata- A Detailed Review
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, or Kayaler Bagan as the locals call it, was named after a renowned artist of the same name. The sanctuary, which is located in Kolkata, India, is home to numerous species of avifauna and Entomofauna. This ranges from insects to birds and butterflies to reptiles and mammals and beyond.
It is in the middle of a bustling city, yet it is nevertheless home to many types of local flora, such as orchids, ferns, epiphytes, and trees such as mango, jackfruit, coconut, tamarind, guava, Dumur, ficus, bamboo yards, Safeda, Chatun, etc. Because of this, the urban green island has become a sanctuary for several animal and plant species.
The Narendrapur-Rathtala region is home to a 17-acre bird sanctuary that was founded in 1982. More than 150 different kinds of birds have been spotted at the sanctuary.
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary Address
Hogulkuria Rajpur Road, Ramchandrapur, Narendrapur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700103, India
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary Contact Number
+91-9804426569
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary Timing
07:00 am - 04:00 pm
Bus Station
Rathtala More
Parking information
The main entrance to the sanctuary has a small parking lot. If you park on the street, you'll have to walk a little distance to get inside.
Kolkata's Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Has A Long And Storied History; Come Learn About It
As a private mango plantation, the land that is now the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary was famed for its towering mango trees. Prior to its designation as a sanctuary in 1982, it was encircled by abandoned land and water. More than a few of the trees here are likely to be over a century old. The government was only able to secure 17 acres of the initial 27-acre plot set aside for the orchard.
It was formerly privately owned until 2005 when the state government of West Bengal bought it. When the state government acquired the land on October 21, 2005, it has been renamed Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary instead of the previous name, Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary. Before September 8, 2004, people had been calling the garden by its old name. The region was previously known as Kayaler Bagan, but it has been renamed to honour the great sculptor and artist Chintamani Kar, who diligently pursued and fought to have it designated as a sanctuary. Support for his efforts came from both international NGOs and local residents.
Many hundred bird species, both common and exotic, make their home in Kolkata's Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary. It is possible to witness a wide variety of birds in the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a birdwatcher's delight because it is home to around 150 different species of birds, ranging from the ordinary to the unusual. The most common birds in Asia are the Asian Koel, rufous woodpecker, shikra, white-throated kingfisher, stork-billed kingfisher, common kingfisher, black kite, spotted dove, emerald dove, rock pigeon, Asian palm swift, common iora, Indian pond heron, sunbird, munia, brown fish owl, and ashy starling.
Some of the more uncommon birds that can be seen during the peak season include the blue-throated flycatcher, Tickell's thrush, scarlet-backed flowerpecker, Eurasian woodcock, Chestnut-trained sterling, little spiderhunter, oriental magpie robin, oriental white eye, lineated barbet, coppersmith barbet, blue-throated barbet, and black-hooded oriole.
Some of the Other Gorgeous Creatures that Call Kolkata's Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Home
You may see a variety of butterflies, including the common leopard, the crimson jezebel, and the brilliant peacock pansy. Also, you can possibly see beetles alongside the butterflies. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is home to a decent number of animals but not in a huge variety. Animals like civet cats, jungle cats, monitor lizards, snakes, mongooses, jackals, and so on are all easily spotted.
Location, And Admission Rules of Kolkata's Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary charges INR 50 per person as an entrance fee.
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Timings
The sanctuary's summer and winter hours are different. Opening hours in the winter are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while those in the summer are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Overnight stay is strictly prohibited.
How to Go to the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary?
Because of its proximity to both the Sealdah and Howrah stations, the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is a breeze to visit from any point in the city.
You Can Take the Train
The closest stations are Howrah Junction and Sealdah Railway Station. From the Howrah and Sealdah terminals, interstate buses and minibuses make the journey to Kolkata easy. The distance between the airport and the train station is short enough that you could easily hire a taxi or reserve a cab from one of the best vehicle rental firms in Kolkata and make the trip that way. Passengers bound for Sonarpur on the Diamond Harbour line can catch the train at Sealdah. From Sonarpur railway station, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the sanctuary.
Get There by Bus
Simply get off at the Rathtala stop, which is on the route to Garia and Baruipur. In the event that you are unable to find a bus that takes you to Rathtala, you can alight at the Garia stop and take a taxi the rest of the way. Rathtala is serviced by minibus 113 and bus routes 80, 80A, and 80B.
Via Air
We recommend flying into Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, the closest airport. To get to Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary quickly and easily, you should take a taxi.
Via Metro
If you're taking the subway, the Kavi Nazrul station in Garia Bazar is the closest stop. You can take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to the refuge from here.
The Best Way to Enjoy Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary in Kolkata
In order to catch a glimpse of the birds, you should head out either extremely early in the morning or very late at night. When the sun rises, the birds are more difficult to identify because they hide in the canopy of nearby trees.
The lush woodland makes it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so prepare accordingly by packing insecticides and wearing long sleeves and pants.
Don't go home without your camera or binoculars if you're like that sort of thing.
The sanctuary is closed from the middle of June until the beginning of September due to the heavy and frequent rainfall that occurs in the city during this time. Seeing much of anything other than reptiles and maybe a few bird species may be challenging during the monsoon.
The surrounding wildlife may be disturbed by your phone's ringtones or notification tones, prompting them to remain hidden and spoiling your experience. Please consider turning your phones to silent. Don't play your instrument loudly or make any other noise.
No food or drink may be brought inside the place of worship. Nonetheless, bottled water may be made available to you. It's for the sake of keeping harmful substances like plastic and chemicals out of the forest in Kolkata.
Follow the marked trails so you don't have to worry about getting lost in the woods or exposing yourself to any hazards.
Wildlife photography should be done from a distance to avoid disturbing the animals in their natural habitat. Keep your hands away from the nests and any plants or leaves that could be easily damaged.
The Ideal Time to Visit the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary In Kolkata
The spring and winter seasons are peak birding times for Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary. During the months of March and April, migrating birds such as the small, long-legged pheasant-tailed jacana, cotton teal, and quacking gadwall make the bird sanctuary in Kolkata their temporary home.
Chintamani Kar Sculpture Museum
There is an art collection by Chintamani Kar as well as a museum that is dedicated to the sculptures of Chintamani Kar. Bhaskar Bhavan is the name of this particular museum. This museum is also home to the Department of Culture for the state of West Bengal's government. The only thing that can be done there is to have a picnic, but it is the ideal weekend getaway in West Bengal. This birdhouse is quite secure and offers a lot of comfort for a variety of avian species.
Places to Visit Near Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is a must-be-visited place among the places to visit in Kolkata for all bird and nature lovers. It is situated in Sonarpur Rajpur, one of the best bird sanctuaries in West Bengal. In 1982 the place was recognized as a bird sanctuary under Sundarbans Biosphere. Narendrapur Rathtala Kayaler Bagan is another name for this wildlife sanctuary in Kolkata.
Places to Visit Near Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Kolkata within 50 KM
Here are some of the sightseeing in Kolkata that you can do
1. Chintamani Kar bird sanctuary review
2. Floating market Patuli Kolkata
3. Tripura Sundari temple
4. Narendrapur Ramakrishna mission ashrama
5. Jora Shiva Temple Rajpur
6. House of the Zamindar Nabin Chanda Ghosh
7. Hainavi Banga Natya Samaj
8. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Paternal House
9. House of the Salil Choudhury
10. Bipadtarini mandir in Rajpur Kolkata
11. 500 years old Chakrabarty’s Kali Mandir
12. Sonarpur Book fair
Other Similar Attractions in Kolkata
Let’s talk about some famous sightseeing near Kolkata and about the top 10 tourist attractions in Kolkata:
The Jorasanko Thakurbari
Victoria Memorial
Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity
Kalighat
St. Paul's Cathedral
Indian Museum
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Belur Math Shrine
M.P. Birla Planetarium
Howrah Bridge
What Hotels Are Near Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary?
Hotels near Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary:
(0.00 km) Hoi Choi Guest House
(0.66 km) Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass
(0.40 km) Green Edge Regency
What Restaurants Are Near Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary?
Restaurants near Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary:
(0.00 km) Delight India
(0.00 km) Raj Darbar
(0.21 km) Manzilat's
(0.40 km) Homemade Delights
(0.57 km) Absolute Barbecue Ruby Crossing
Personal Accounts of The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
An observer agrees that the area is superb for avian species. Pleasant, serene, and well-kept best describes this location. Morning and evening are the best times to see birds.
Another person claims that on a Saturday he went to the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary (CKBS) and had an adventure of a lifetime. When he learned that this wonderful tourist destination was also a sanctuary, he couldn't believe how close it was to Kolkata and falls among the best place in Kolkata. There are many public transportation options, including private buses, autos, and Totos, and the closest metro station, Kavi Nazrul, is located nearby in the Garia Bazar District. Taxis wait right outside the subway entrance, and the trip to Rathtala shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. The cost of the trip is 11 rupees.
The shortest distance between Rathtala and the CKBS gate is no more than five minutes. There is Rs. 50.00 (about $6. A wide variety of bird species can be observed there. It's hard to realise that this woodland is actually tended by man. As he entered, he met up with three other people who were also interested in bird watching. Several of the shots were firsts for him, and he is still going through them.
Tourist reviews consistently mention how reasonable the prices are. Facilities for relieving oneself are available inside. The birds in this type of woodland are most active in the mornings, and you won't see them after the sun has fully risen. Beautiful for a stroll first thing in the morning, with lots of lush vegetation despite its city location.
It may come as a shock to some that a bird sanctuary can be found in the middle of a bustling metropolis like Kolkata, but for others, this is just the beginning. While you are free to spend as much or as little time in the garden as you like, it attracts a wide variety of visitors, including avid amateur photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. In the midst of stunning natural scenery, you'll be able to relax and unwind in perfect harmony with nature. Several migrating bird species can be spotted, and many of them cluster around bodies of water. A beautiful and energising experience. Must be seen to be believed.
It's a great spot for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and other environmental enthusiasts. It's hard to believe such a tropical paradise exists so close to the hustle and bustle of Kolkata. There are numerous tree species here, including some stunning orchids. Many species of birds visit this area, while others make it their permanent home. Winter is the ideal time to visit this location. You absolutely, positively, positively must get up early in the winter if you want to see any birds at all in the sanctuary, despite the fact that different birds arrive during the various seasons. In addition to birds, there are many different kinds of insects, such as butterflies. In all, it's a true natural paradise.
According to reviews left by tourists, Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is the best site in Kolkata to see birds. The eccentric haven is a one-of-a-kind spot for some quality time in nature and relaxation. There are many different kinds of birds and butterflies, and the area is covered in lush vegetation. Ferns, epiphytes, and even orchids can be found here. The area is home to a wide variety of birds, some of which are more commonplace than others, such as the Common Hawk, Cuckoo, Emerald Dove, and Large-tailed Nightjar. Also, if you're lucky, you might see some really unusual birds like Tickell's Thrush, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Tiny Spiderhunter, and so on. The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary has all the trees and wildlife you could want in a quick day trip from the city. Feel free to bring your camera and spend some time here taking pictures in the peace and quiet.
Conclusion
The Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary in South 24 Parganas is a great area to watch a wide variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. There are also sculptures and paintings by the late Chintamoni Kar on display here at the museum. We hope you've learned everything you needed to know about Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary from this thorough post.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary
1. Which place is best for bird photography in Kolkata?
The Chintamoni Kar Aviary, located in a southern suburb of Kolkata, began as a public effort to protect an orchard that had previously belonged to a private owner. As a tribute to a renowned sculptor from Bengal, it bears his name. Birds, butterflies, spiders, small creatures, etc., are among the park's many attractions. In close proximity to Narendrapur's Ramakrishna Mission is where you'll find the sanctuary. You need a ticket to get in. The park is usually open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should call beforehand to confirm the current hours.
2. Which wildlife sanctuary is famous in Kolkata?
Towards the south of Kolkata is where you'll find the Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, which is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Kolkata.
3. What time of day is best for bird photography in Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary?
If you want to see the birds, you should go either very early in the morning or very late at night. The birds become harder to spot when dawn breaks because they retreat into the shade of tall trees.
4. Is photography allowed in Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary?
Yes, photography is allowed in Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary.
5. Are there any safety issues in Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary?
If you wander off the routes into the overgrown parts of the forest, you risk becoming lost and possibly hurt.
