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Although Calcutta has few open spaces, there have been, of late,
efforts to improve the quality of some of the parks.
Botanical Gardens
Formerly known as Royal Botanic Garden, the gardens were founded in
1787 by the East India Company. Botanics, as the locals call it, is
famous for its huge collection of bamboos, orchids, palms and the
plants of screw pine genus. The 270 acres in size and houses over
1700 plant species. The Central National Herbarium of the Botanical
Survey of India located here has 2,500,000 dried plants in its collection.
Maidan
The main open area in central Calcutta, and the lungs of the city,
is the Maidan. Beautification efforts after the construction of
the underground Metro include small ornamental gardens sponsored
by corporate houses. In spite of the pressures of a burgeoning population,
the Maidan remains a place for walkers and joggers in the morning;
callisthenics and yoga groups can be seen everywhere.
Zoological Garden
2, Alipore Road,
Calcutta 700027.
Not far from the Maidan is Alipore. The Zoological Garden (est. 1875)
is located here. It is one of the oldest zoos in India and sprawls
over 45 acres. It has special enclosures for tigers and bears, a reptile
house and a section for birds. There is a small aquarium across the
street. The tigon (hybrid of tiger and lion) is still one of the big
attractions. During winter, migratory birds from all over the world
are the special attractions.
Agri-Horticultural Society of
India
Alipore Road, Calcutta 700027.
Also in Alipore is the Agri-Horticultural Society of India (Garden
& Green House). Established in 1820, it has a flower garden,
greenhouses, a research laboratory and a library. It organizes annual
flower shows and imparts training in horticulture.
The Rabindra Sarobar.
Rabindra Sarobar
Dr. Meghnad Saha Sarani. Located in Dhakuria, in South Calcutta,
the Rabindra Sarobar is another large open space. With its lakes
and gardens it gives some breathing space to this part of the city,
and an elegance to Southern Avenue. The park has several clubs,
a stadium, and two auditoriums in its vicinity.
Millennium Park
Strand Road.
Recently, a two-and-a-half kilometer stretch of landscaped gardens
along the river was presented to the city on the Strand, along the
river Hoogly. Christened the Millennium Park, it has come up at
the site of the old abandoned Calcutta Port Trust warehouses.
Aquatica: Kochpukur
A water park known as the Aquatica was recently inaugurated in Calcutta.
Located near Rajarhat at Kochpukur, it has several attractions like
the Black Hole, the Wave Pool and the Aqua dance floor.
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