New Town Eco Park, also known as Prakriti Tirtha, is an urban park situated in Kolkata, West Bengal. It spans over an area of 480 acres of land and 104 acres of water body having an island in the centre. The park was conceived by Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, in July 2011. The construction of the park has been coordinated by West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) along with other government organizations which implement different works in the park. New Town Eco Park is categorized under three divisions namely, theme gardens and open spaces; urban recreational spaces and ecological zones like wetlands, grasslands and urban forest. As per the type of flora planted in the park, it has been further divided into different sub-parts. New Town Eco Park was inaugurated by Mamata Banerjee on 29th December 2012.
Lake Front Promenade
The paved promenade is the prime attraction of the Eco Park which is dotted with coconut trees and beautifully adorned for the visitors to enjoy a serene walk along the placid lake in the park.
Rabi Aranya
Rabi Aranya is created in the park deriving inspiration from the spirit and aura of Santiniketan Ashram. This section features the plants and tress which has been mentioned in the literary works of Tagore. Other features of the section include walkways, commemorative pavilion, lotus pond and seating area.
Tropical Tree Garden
In this zone, specifically tropical trees have been planted. It renders an exquisite aura of tropical forest in the middle of a bustling city.
Artist`s Cottage
Artist`s Cottage forms a paradise for the visitors with artistic inclinations. The cottage invites fresh air from the rose garden, overlooking the beautiful lake. It is a perfect destination to nurture the creative urges of poets, painters or singers.
Graffiti Walls
Graffiti Walls are located along the south parking and are beautifully adorned with colourful paintings. Two prominent artists of modern era, Subhaprasanna and Jogen Chowdhury, have painted the two sides of the wall with exquisite artworks.
Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden comprises a large dome enclosing varied species of flowering plants around a circular water body, annual as well as perennial, which attracts a large number of gorgeous butterflies.
Eco Island
Eco Island is another major attraction of the lake of the park. Landscaped pathways, a state-of-the art banquet hall and exotic animals welcome the visitors in this wondrous island.
Other Zones of New Town Eco Park
Apart from these, other zones of the park include Wild Flower Meadow and Formal Garden, Rose Garden, Eco Children`s Park, Formal Garden 2, Play Area, Bamboo Garden, Fruits Garden, Food Court, Adda Zone, Musical Fountain, Tea Garden and Mask Garden.
Activities of New Town Eco Park
New Town Eco Park offers a plethora of intriguing activities to the visitors to enjoy an invigorating time in the park. People here can enjoy Paddle Boating, Shikara Riding, Kayaking, Zorbing and cultural events like open air theatres and dance. In January 2013 and 2014, a kite festival was held in the park for people to cherish a delightful kite flying experience.
