Top 5 Lakes Near Kolkata For Perfect Boating Adventures

India.com

23-05-2025

India's cultural capital known as Kolkata continues to stand out because of its dynamic historical background alongside its deep cultural legacy and active daily urban activities. Despite its busy character Kolkata offers peaceful havens which allow people to escape from urban pressures. Boating and picnics along with peaceful time with nature can be experienced through the exploration of peaceful lakes that lie near Kolkata. Residents of Kolkata along with visitors can both find lakes serving as ideal weekend destinations. The following list includes the top lakes surrounding Kolkata which offer boating experiences combined with delightful picnic occasions.
1. Rabindra Sarobar (Southern Park)
Location: Tollygunge, South Kolkata
Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 6 km
The recreational area of Rabindra Sarobar maintained its popular heritage as Dhakuria Lake before becoming Kolkata's celebrated location for leisure activities. Early during British rule British authorities created this 192-acre artificial lake which bore Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as its name. The surrounding trees and vegetation of the lake provide a picturesque environment for families to enjoy their picnics.
People who visit Rabindra Sarobar can enjoy boating through the lake by using either paddle boats or rowboats. A tiny island located in the lake exists as 'Nazrul Island' in tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam who was Bengal's rebel poet. The fresh air of trees covering walking trails invites families to enjoy their packed meals during their visits to the space. More than one place in the park functions as a shaded picnic zone where visitors can find resting benches and restroom facilities to support all-day usage.
2. Santragachi Jheel
Location: Santragachi, Howrah
Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 20 km
Nature enthusiasts should visit Santragachi Jheel in the industrial area of Santragachi located within Howrah district. During winter this natural freshwater lake attracts Northern Pintail and Gadwall and Common Teal birds making it a sanctuary for migratory birds over 75 acres of water. Birdwatchers love this location although visitors can also take pleasure in boating at the site.
The peaceful waters at Santragachi Jheel support both rowboats as well as pedal boats. Visitors can obtain boats from local stalls which provide them with the opportunity to explore the lake while appreciating scenic vistas of the landscape. The surrounding region containing Santragachi Jheel offers suitable open land so people can use their mats to eat homemade food during their outings. People should schedule their visit to Santragachi Jheel during pleasant morning hours to experience engaged bird activity.
3. Sukhna Lake
Location: Bidhannagar (Salt Lake), Kolkata
The location sits in the boundaries of Kolkata.
Sukhna Lake in Salt Lake hides as a valuable human-made lake within the urban boundaries of the city though it is smaller than other lakes covered here. The man-made supply lake serves as an attractive relaxation spot for residential locals who seek harmony within the residential neighborhoods. Sukhna Lake becomes a preferred destination each evening because visitors enjoy walking through its gardens and manicured lawns and having casual picnics along its paths.
Although only few boating options exist compared to wider lakes the tranquil atmosphere provides an adequate trade-off. People from local families commonly visit this area after weekends to relax through various activities including waterside relaxation and game playing. Much like sunset sunlight refracting from the water's surface, Sukhna Lake presents an attractive view of itself. Sukhna Lake maintains perfect accessibility because it sits in a central area which eliminates the need for extensive travel.
4. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary (Lake Area)
Location: Narendrapur, South 24 Parganas
Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 25 km
The bird sanctuary of Chintamani Kar brings visitors to its tranquil water body that enhances the total attraction throughout this area. The wildlife sanctuary at Narendrapur welcomes more than 100 species of birds that includes kingfishers and cuckoos and herons among others. Numerous aquatic birds move toward the lake found within the sanctuary thus boosting biodiversity across the region.
The sanctuary becomes accessible through scheduled tours and visitors can participate in boat excursions operated by regional operators. Boating stands as a secondary activity at this location although visitors can experience enchantment from the blend of dense forests with bird songs and lake reflections. Visitors can find many picnic areas across the sanctuary for families who want to dine with nature surrounding them. Birdwatchers must remember to bring their binoculars with them.
5. East Kolkata Wetlands
Location: Eastern fringes of Kolkata
The location of specific East Kolkata Wetlands wetlands varies away from the main city of Kolkata.
East Kolkata Wetlands received Ramsar site recognition as it contains both natural and artificial water features across its territory. The various functions of East Kolkata Wetlands encompass wastewater management alongside fish farming activities and agricultural production. Recreational boating combined with picnics is possible due to suitable lake conditions found throughout this expansive area.
The Eco Tourism Park (Prakriti Tirtha) in the wetlands provides boating amenities through a sizable lake. Tourists can select from paddle boats or motorized vessels for their exploration of all waterways. Food stalls and seating arrangements exist in specific picnic areas that visitors can make use of at the park. People who aim to blend educational experiences about the environment with recreational activities will find the East Kolkata Wetlands highly satisfying.
Tips for Visiting These Lakes:
The most favorable times to visit these destinations are between morning to afternoon because they yield both fewer crowds and milder weather conditions.
What to Carry: Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles. Ensure to bring supplies for your picnic since limited dining facilities exist.
Wearing life jackets is mandatory while boating and boat operators have to be followed for safety.
Environmental Responsibility Includes proper trash disposal with no littering activities to safeguard the unspoiled beauty of these locations.
Conclusion
The lakes surrounding Kolkata provide residents with an excellent choice to appreciate nature because they remain within comfortable driving distance of the city core. Each place offers distinct travel opportunities between the central location of Rabindra Sarobar and the crucial East Kolkata Wetlands ecological site which provides specialized experiences based on individual preferences. All types of travelers will find suitable lakes that accommodate their preferences between water-based exploration and relaxation in nature and memorable family moments. You must prepare your travel bags to join your friends and family for fresh experiences at these lakes which reside near Kolkata.