Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary (CKBS) – Kolkata’s Birdwatching Paradise

Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary (CKBS) is located in Kolkata,Spread across 17 acres in Narendrapur, South 24 Parganas, this lush sanctuary is one of the best places in West Bengal for birdwatching, photography, and nature walks.

Often referred to as “Kayaler Bagan” by locals, CKBS is a biodiversity hotspot that shelters over 150 species of resident and migratory birds, exotic orchids, butterflies, and dragonflies. Its proximity to Kolkata makes it a perfect weekend getaway for birders, families, students, and researchers.

Unlike large national parks, CKBS offers a compact yet rich ecosystem where you can spot birds at close range — making it a paradise for photographers and beginner birdwatchers.

Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary

Location & How to Reach

• Location: Narendrapur, South 24 Parganas, ~20 km from Kolkata city center

• Nearest City: Kolkata

• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (~35 km)

• Nearest Railway Station: Narendrapur Railway Station (~2 km)

• By Metro: Kavi Nazrul Metro Station (~3 km from sanctuary)

• By Road: Easily accessible by bus, taxi, or auto from Garia/Kolkata

 Tip: The sanctuary is close to Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Narendrapur — you can plan both visits in one trip.

Birds & Wildlife

Birds You Can Spot: 

• Residents & Migrants:

  • Asian Koel,Black Drongo,Rufous Treepie,White-throated Kingfisher

  • Lineated Barbet,Chestnut-tailed Starling,Brown Fish Owl

  • Paradise Flycatcher (seasonal)

Other Wildlife:

• Butterflies: Common Mormon, Blue Tiger, Tawny Coster

• Dragonflies & Damselflies

• Flora: Orchids, bamboo groves, flowering plants 

Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary

Timings & Entry Fee

• Sanctuary Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily)

• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

• Photography Fee: ₹100 for cameras

Morning hours (7–9 AM) are best for bird activity and photography. 

Best Time to Visit

• November – March: Peak birdwatching season with migratory birds.

• April – June: Summer is good for butterfly and insect photography.

• July – September: Monsoon turns the sanctuary lush green but bird activity is lower.

Things to Do at CKBS

1. Birdwatching – Spot 150+ species across seasons.

2. Photography – Birds, orchids, butterflies, and landscapes.

3. Nature Walks – Peaceful trails under dense canopies.

4. Flora Exploration – Rare orchids and flowering plants.

5. Educational Tours – A great place for students & researchers.

Nearby Attractions

• Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Narendrapur (2 km) – A serene spiritual retreat.

• Dakshinapan Shopping Complex (10 km) – Cultural & handicrafts market.

• Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah (25 km) – Famous for the Great Banyan Tree.

• Kolkata City Attractions (20–25 km) – Victoria Memorial, Science City, Kalighat Temple.

Travel Tips

• Visit early morning for best bird activity.

• Carry binoculars & zoom lenses for photography.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking trails.

• Avoid weekends if you prefer less crowd.

• Respect the sanctuary rules — no littering, no loud noises. 

Travel Quick Facts

Fact	Details
Location	Narendrapur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Nearest City	Kolkata (20 km)
Nearest Airport	Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (35 km)
Nearest Railway Station	Narendrapur (2 km)
Metro Access	Kavi Nazrul Metro (~3 km)
Timings	7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee	₹50 per person (₹100 camera fee)
Best Time to Visit	November – March
Bird Species	150+
Local Name	Kayaler Bagan
Nearby Attractions	Ramakrishna Mission, Kolkata City

FAQ

Q1: Why is Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary famous?
A1: It is famous for its 150+ bird species, butterflies, orchids, and peaceful greenery, making it a top birdwatching spot near Kolkata.

Q2: What is the best time to visit CKBS?
A2: The best time is November to March when migratory birds arrive.

Q3: How far is Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary from Kolkata?
A3: It is about 20 km from Kolkata city center.

Q4: Is photography allowed inside?
A4: Yes, photography is allowed with an additional fee (₹100 for cameras).

Q5: Can beginners visit for birdwatching?
A5: Absolutely! CKBS is a great beginner-friendly birding site due to its accessibility and abundance of species.

Q6: What is the local name of the sanctuary?
A6: Locals call it Kayaler Bagan.