GARDENS & PICNIC SPOTS OF CALCUTTA

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
The zoo at Alipore has one of the finest collections of birds, animals and reptiles and there is also a children's zoo. The aquarium in front of the zoo contains some rare species of fish.
Timings Fri-Wed 9am-5pm, Thu Closed.
Cost of ticket Rs. 5.

HORTICULTURAL GARDENS
South of the zoo on Alipore Road are the pleasant and quiet horticultural gardens, ideal for a walk. No picnics allowed. 
Timings Garden 6am-7pm. 
Sale of plants Fri-Tue 7am-11am and 1pm-5pm, Wed 7am-11am, Thu Closed.

EDEN GARDENS
In the north west corner of the maidan are the small and pleasantly laid out Eden Gardens with a small lake, and a pagoda brought here from Myanmar in 1856. The Ranji Stadium, the world's second largest venue for test matches is also within the gardens.

RABINDRA SAROBAR
In the south of the city is a park and picnic spot with a central lake. Added attractions are the rowing club, the Japanese Buddhist temple and a public swimming pool. Beside the park is the Ramakrishna Mission.

INDIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS
On the west bank of the Hooghly, 9 km from Calcutta, the Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1787 are the largest of its kind in India and houses specialties like the palm house, the orchid house, and the cacti area, with plants from all over the world and the famous 250 year old Great Banyan tree.
Timings 7am-5pm.

NICCO PARK
A family entertainment centre offering a mix of fun and thrills for people of all ages- toy trains, paddle boats, striking cars, tilt-a-whirl, cable car and other rides and games. The highlight is the river cave ride.
Timings l0am-8pm. Cost Rs 25 inclusive of 10 specified rides.

SCIENCE CITY
On the crossing of the eastern by-pass and JBS Halder Avenue, Science City provides 'edutainment' for the complete family. It covers every aspect of science and technology and has interactive exhibits. There is also a designated picnic area.
Timings 9am9pm. Entry ticket Rs 10.Extra for space theatre and time machine.