Mukutmanipur

Situated at the confluence of River Kangsabati and River Kumari, Mukutmanipur lies about 260 km from Kolkata. It is one of the best natural spots around the city that is noted for its gorgeous reservoir lake. Boasting tranquil surroundings, Kangsabati Water Reservoir makes for a great picnic spot. It is fringed by lush greenery and looks spectacular during sunsets. Mukutmanipur also houses one of the biggest earthen dams in the country.

Mukutmanipur

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary

A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the common species you can spot are chital, gharial, porcupine, jackal, jungle cat and common langur. It is also richly populated with several bird species like parakeets, hawk, barbets, Indian cuckoo etc. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 70 hectare and lies adjacent to a prominent jute producing centre. The Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is on NH 34, located 22 km north of Krishna Nagar.

 Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary

Digha

Located almost 190 km from Kolkata, this beach site is a popular tourist spot that is known for its peaceful and shallow sand beaches that have mild waves around 7 km in length. It is also known as 'Brighton of the East'. From here, one can also visit the nearby Mandarmani. Located in East Medinipur district, towards the north of the Bay of Bengal, this 13-km-long beach is noted for red crabs. The waves here are gentler than Digha and many say it is the longest drivable beach in India.

Digha

Alipore Zoological Garden

India’s oldest formally stated zoological park, this heritage zoo is home to various animals, birds and reptiles. Some of the popular species you can find are Bengal tigers, white tigers, African lions, giraffe, zebra, Galapagos giant tortoise, pelican and pheasant. It also housed the Aldabra giant tortoise, Adwaita. He was said to be over 25 years old when he died in 2006. The zoo is also the site for a captive-breeding project for the Manipur brow-antlered deer. Some rare birds found here include Lady Amherst’s pheasant, Swinhoe’s pheasant, emu, cassowary and ostrich. Recently, tigers have been given a glass enclosure – 10-ft-high and 200-ft-wide. For the birds, a 750 ft aviary has been built. This famous zoo is most visited in the winter months of December and January. The zoo is known by various names like the Zoological Garden, Alipore Zoo and Calcutta Zoo. It was opened to the public in 1876 and was inaugurated by Edward VII, who was the Prince of Wales at that time.

Alipore Zoological Garden