The park is officially known as Banabitan, which translates to 'Forest House'.
It houses one of the city's few dedicated butterfly gardens designed to support local species.
The central lake functions as a seasonal sanctuary for migratory avian species arriving from colder regions.
The park grounds contain a specialized cactus house featuring a curated collection of arid-climate flora.
It acts as an ex-situ conservation site for various indigenous tree species found in West Bengal.
Central Park, officially known as Banabitan, is a sprawling 100-acre urban forest and biodiversity park located in the heart of Bidhannagar, Kolkata. The park features a central water body that serves as a habitat for migratory birds during winter months. It contains a diverse botanical collection, including a rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a cactus house. Managed by the West Bengal Forest Department, the site functions as a significant green lung for the densely populated Salt Lake area. The landscape incorporates winding walkways through dense vegetation, offering a contrast to the surrounding concrete urban development. It serves as an educational space for botanical studies and local wildlife observation.
The wooden footbridge spanning the central lake provides a comprehensive view of the water and surrounding greenery.
Apply insect repellent before entering, especially if planning to visit during the monsoon or dusk.
Stick to the marked paved paths to avoid stepping on sensitive ground cover or disturbing nesting sites.
Bring binoculars if you intend to visit the lake area for bird watching.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of the afternoon in the summer months as the trails have limited canopy density in certain sections.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance and upkeep.
No loud music or plastic waste allowed; stay on designated paths; picking plants or feeding animals is strictly prohibited.
