Eco Park lake boating and cycling

Eco Park lake boating and cycling is an easy recreational outing in New Town, about 14 km north-east of central Kolkata. The park, entered from Biswa Bangla Sarani in Action Area II, is run by HIDCO, the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation, and is among the city's largest planned urban parks, with a large central lake, landscaped gardens, themed zones and wide internal paths. Activity type: leisure boating on the lake and cycling along the park's paved tracks, with cycle hire and boat hire operated inside the park. No skill or fitness prerequisites apply beyond basic ability to ride a bicycle; boating is suitable for families and children, who are usually required to wear a life jacket and be accompanied by an adult. Equipment: boats, life jackets and cycles are provided by the in-park operators, so visitors only need a sunhat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle. Reported prices are around ₹30-100 for park entry and ₹100-300 for boating or cycle hire per person, though visitors should confirm current rates at the gate. The visit typically takes three to five hours, which allows time for a boat ride, a cycle loop and a walk through the gardens and bird-watching areas. Getting there takes 35-60 minutes by app cab from central Kolkata; an Eco Park station is planned on the Orange Line of the metro but was not confirmed open in October 2026. Safety and rescue: park staff and security patrol the lake area, life jackets are issued for boating and first-aid support is available at the park, with hospitals nearby in New Town. The park opens year-round except on heavy-rain days and closes one weekday for maintenance, so confirm locally before travelling. The best season is October to March, and visitors usually prefer early mornings or late afternoons to avoid heat and crowds, while weekends and holidays are noticeably busier.