The North 24 Parganas ranks second as the most populated district in India. It divides into the Barasat (District Headquarters), Basirhat, Bangaon, Bidhannagar (or the Salt Lake) and Barrackpore. Several rivers like Ganga, Ichhamati, Jamuna, Bidyadhari, etc., flows through the district. It entertains a tropical climate with dry winters and humid summers. Since, the economy of the district depends mostly on the fishing, farming and the other agricultural activities, monsoon plays a significant role in the district. The famous Sundarbans National Park locates in the regions of the North 24 Parganas and the South 24 Parganas. Learn more about the South 24 Parganas and its top picnic spots from this website. The awesome experience of a weekend getaways near the riversides keep one refreshed for long. Given below, some of the wonderful riverside picnic spots of the north 24 Parganas.
The Mancharanga Dweep
In English, the name means Kingfisher Island. A unique picnic spot lying at the bosom of the Ichapur river in the Hasnabad. Similar to this picnic spot, the Sabuj Deep picnic spot of the Hooghly/Hugli district lies at the bosom of Hooghly river. Without any doubt, these two picnic spots are the top picnic spots in their respective districts. Learn more about the Sabuj Deep picnic spot and other best picnic spots of the Hooghly/Hugli district from this website. The India-Bangladesh international border lies beside the islet. The Hasnabad Panchayat Samiti maintains the spot. During the monsoon, the islet gets submerged into the river waters. However, during the winter, the spot gets active with visitors flocking to the region.
To reach there: One may board the Hasnabad local from the Sealdah Station, Kolkata to reach the Hasnabad Station. The ferry ghat locates within the 10 minutes of walking distance from the station. The electric steamers from the ferry ghat carry people to the islet. As a precaution, one should leave the spot before the evening. For staying at the cottage, one needs to get permission from the Panchayat Samiti and the BSF (Border Security Force). For more details, one may contact the Hasnabad Panchayat Samiti.
The Taki Town
Besides the Mancharanga Dweep, several other spots flourish in the north 24 Parganas. Taki, a town in the north 24 Parganas, located 80 kilometers away from the Kolkata. A noteworthy spot, famous for the Durga Puja idol immersion. Since it lies in the India-Bangladesh border, boats from both the countries ply on the river to immerse the Goddess Durga idol. This activity attracts visitors to the region during the Bijaya Dashami festival. Moreover, during the winter, people gather in the region by groups for small picnics. Several picnic spots including the Panchayat and the private spots cover most of the region. Sachindra Banabithi picnic spot of the Taki Municipality locates at the banks of the river. People also enjoy the boat riding across the river.
To reach there: To reach the Taki Station, one needs to board the Hasnabad local from the Sealdah Station, Kolkata. The Eco-tourism park, the Mini-Sundarbans, now open for the visitors. It has the thick growth of the Sundari and the Palm trees. For boating activity, inside the park, visitors need to pay RS 10 per person.
The Parmadan Deep Park
People also know it as the Bibhutibhusan Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies in the Bangoan region under the Bagda Police Station. The forest area covers more than 90 hectares and locates 36 kilometers from the Bangoan Police Station. The natural forest greenery, the Mini zoo, boat riding makes it a noteworthy place among all the age groups. The deer, monkeys and birds of different species set the atmosphere for the visitors.
To reach there: One may board a local train from the Sealdah Station, Kolkata to reach the Bangoan Station. Next, buses available from the station takes one to the Naldungri bus stand. The park locates within minutes walk from the bus stand. Besides, suitable parking space available for parking vehicles. The Forest Department Tourist Lodge available for the visitors. For detail information, one may contact the Forest Department Office at Barasat. The entry fee per person is RS 45
The Sangati Park
Ashokenagar, a city in the Barasat, has the Sangati park and the Millennium park for the visitors. The former park gaining in popularity as an ideal picnic spot. The Kalyangarh Municipality maintains the park.
To reach there: Trains like the Bangoan local and the Habra local from the Sealdah Station, Kolkata available for the Ashokenagar station. Rickshaws and autos available from the station to reach the park. One may enter the park by paying an entry fee of RS 10. Toy trains and boats are the other attractions of the park. Besides, eatables available from the restaurants inside the park. Suitable spots for picnic available outside the park.
The Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary dedicated to well-known Bengali writer, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. It lies at the banks of the Ichhamati river in the Bangoan. A three-hour journey from Kolkata takes one to the natural kingdom of wildlife. It has deer, birds, snakes, monkeys, tortoises, etc. Trees like the Bamboos, Arjuna, Manjiri surrounds and decorates the park.
To reach there: Board a local train from the Sealdah Station, Kolkata to reach the Bangaon Station. Buses and autos available to reach the spot.