1. Rabindra Sarovar Lake
Located in southern part of Kolkata, it may also be regarded as the "Heart of Kolkata" due to its greenary & rich diversity. The Dhakuria Lake at this beautiful location is home to a large number of birds, spanning from the most common species to winter migrants. Few birds found here including the migratory birds are Asian Openbill, Shikra, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Paradise-Flycatcher & many more.
Location: One can reach Rabindra Sarovar Lake via Train, Metro or Bus. Nearest Railway station is Tollygunge Railway Station & the nearest metro station is Rabindra Sarovar. In bus the nearest stop is similar to metro i.e Rabindra Sarovar.
2. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
This is a tiny sanctuary of 17 acres of land. If you love birding and want to experience the nature, then this place should be in your check list.Wide number of bird species can be seen here including Oriental Honey-buzzard, Slaty-legged Crake, Scaly Thrush, Eurasian Woodcock, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Tickell’s Thrush, White-eyed Buzzard, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Little Spiderhunter, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Large-billed Reed Warbler, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo.
Location: Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary which is also known as 'Koyaler Bagan' is located in South 24 Parganas, very close to the Rathtala Bus stop. The sanctuary is approx 10 km form Ruby General Hospital and can be reached by buses and auto-rickshaws from Garia. The sanctuary is near Ramakrishna Mission, Narendrapur
3. Chupi Char, Purbasthali
Purbasthali is very popular for its wide number of bird species that forms the most important attraction of the huge oxbow lake created by the River Ganges. Some of the rarest species of birds found here are Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeons, Little Ringed Plover, Northern Pintail, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Intermediate Egret, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pond Heron and Common Kingfisher among a lot of others.
Location: Purbasthali is located some 120 km from Kolkata, in Kalna subdivision of Bardhaman district. You can also visit Purbasthali by taking a direct train from Howrah heading towards Katwa. Catch a rickshaw from the station to reach the Chupir Chor area.
4. Basipota
Boshipota is a tiny village located near Dankuni and is a very popular site for bird watching. The surrounding of Boshipota is the home to a large number of bird species like Indian silverbill, Common rosefinch, Pied harrier, Yellow bellied prinia, Black shouldered kite and a whole lot of others.
Location: It is located near Dankuni. Boarding a train to Uttarpara and then taking an auto-rickshaw will take you to Raghunathpur Bazaar. Then take a walk of 10 minutes & you will reach Basipota
5. Indian Botanical Garden
The Indian Botanical Garden in Shibpur covers some 270 acres of land, located by the Hoogli River and is approx 230 year old. This place is indeed a paradise for bird-watchers as it houses a wide variety of bird species that also includes a small percent of water-bird species as well. Birds found here include Stork-billed Kingfisher, Rufous Woodpecker, Brown Hawk Owl, Bronzed Drongo, Black Bittern, Greenish and Yellow-browned Warbler, Lineated Barbet, Booted Eagle and Black-naped Oriole. Also some rarest species of birds like Black-capped Kingfisher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Red-breasted Parakeet and Eurasian Cuckoo can also be spotted here.
Location: The Indian Botanic Gardens is located in Shibpur, Howrah district with Howrah Station being the nearest railway station. This particular place can be reached by boarding a ferry service from Bichali Ghat in Metiabruz or by crossing the Vidyasagar Setu that will lead to the garden.
