Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary

Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, located in Narendrapur in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal near Kolkata, covers about 17 acres and was established as a sanctuary in 1982. Originally a large mango orchard known locally as "Kayaler Bagan," it was acquired by the government in 2005 to open it to the public and was renamed in honor of the sculptor Chintamoni Kar, who advocated for its protection.

The sanctuary is home to over 150 bird species, including Asian Koel, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Kingfishers, Crested Serpent Eagle, and rare birds like Tickell’s Thrush and Blue-throated Flycatcher. It also features a variety of trees such as mango, jackfruit, coconut, and tamarind, as well as diverse butterflies, ferns, orchids, and small wildlife like civet cats and monitor lizards.

The sanctuary offers a peaceful green space near the bustling city, best visited during spring and winter months, especially early mornings for birdwatching. Visitors are advised to maintain silence, carry insect repellent, and stick to trails to protect the habitat and have a fulfilling nature experience. Entry fees and visiting hours vary seasonally, with the sanctuary open all days of the week.