Rabindra Sarobar Lake, Kolkata

Rabindra Sarobar Lake is located in Ballygunge, South Kolkata
covering an area of 76 hectares of land. It is a large manmade lake where people could come and relax out from their busy life.

Also known as Dhakuria Lake, it is also popularly referred to as the ‘Lungs of Calcutta’. The area is surrounded by Southern Avenue to the north, Dhakuria to the East, Russa road to the West and Kolkata Suburban Railway tracks to the south. The Dhakuria Lake was later named Rabindra Sarobar Lake in honor of great Rabindra Nath Tagore. The lake houses an artificial lake, gardens, natural forest, children park and auditorium. The forest of this place is more than 100 years old. In winters thousands of migratory birds visits this lake and the lake also has a large number of fishes. Fishing is strictly prohibited in the area.

There is also a fish sanctuary at the Sarobar Lake under the bridge on the southern part of the forest. It is an ideal place for family outing as well as a good venue for jogger’s paradise. It is also a romantic spot for young lovers to meet. People often visit the place during morning sunrise as to offer prayers to the sun. Having a lot of interesting place inside the lake, it also has an open theater called ‘Mukta Manch’ nearby. It has also been acknowledge as an important water body. You also have the swimming club and the rowing club here. 

There is a number of nearby tourist attractions near Rabindra Sarovar Lake. Let’s talk about a few of them.

Birla Academy of Art and Culture: It was built in 1966 with the motive of the growth of art and culture. The academy is the most significant center of educational and cultural activities. It also maintains a strong bond with the foreign offices to promote the art and culture. With lesser known artists it also organizes Kala Mela every winter. It also holds summer classes for kids and lectures and seminars too.

Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture: The institution started in 1938 in a small rented room in North Kolkata. And now what we see is the magnificent building in South Kolkata. The institute activity includes cultural programmes including debates, lectures, seminars, elocution competitions, etc. The Vivekananda Study Circle encourages the young students to read and learn the Vivekananda literature. School of Languages teaching 14 languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Persian, Sanskrit, etc. the international house, library, Museum and art gallery, prayer room and chapel, research are the other activities of the institute.

Sarobar Stadium: The stadium is located in the Southern avenue of Kolkata. The stadium has been a venue for a number of incidents to remember and can accommodate about 700 persons.

Lake Market: It is located between Deshopriya Park and Rashbehari Avenue. It is the main market for the South Indian people. It is a famous market selling fresh vegetables, flowers, grocery and non vegetarian items like raw meats. The fish market is popular here.

How to reach

By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport is the nearest airport and is 18 kms from here.

By train: The nearest railway station is Dhakuria Railway Station Junction, 1 km away from here. 

By road: The Lake is easily accessible by metro from the adjoining cities. So one can simply take the metro ride and reach the destination.