It is hard to disagree with W. Somerset Maugham’s view that ‘there are few things so pleasant as a picnic lunch’. Even if ants and wasps occasionally join the fun, picnics are the very epitome of innocent pastoral delight.

Winter heralds the beginning of the picnic season when thousands of revellers throng various picturesque spots in and around the city for a day of merrymaking. The weather is just perfect to pack those picnic baskets with loads of goodies and head out into the open to bask under the winter sun. 

Over the years, several places close to the city have emerged as popular picnic destinations. Among the many emerging places steadily gaining in popularity for being dotted with innumerable picturesque picnic spots that suit everyone's taste and pocket is Basanti Highway. 

In this issue of Kolkata on WHEELS, we have handpicked two such picnic spots for you – one which is ideal for the smaller groups and the other which is suitable for large gatherings. These picnic spots on Basanti Highway are close to home yet far from the madding crowd.

It was early December. Winter had already tiptoed into our city and the early mornings were quite nippy. It is so very snug under the covers in bed at this point of the year that getting out of the bed takes some amount of cajoling and a great deal of convincing by our more industrious counterparts before one will acquiesce. Anyway, we braved our way out of the coziness of our homes, hopped into our car and headed east in the bid to discover the best option for picnickers close to home. We had heard a great deal about the picnic spots on Basanti Highway from some of our friends and decided to check out the place. And boy, were we happy we had!

Jalpath
Tucked away in Bantala in the East Calcutta Wetlands, Jalpath is an abode of peace and tranquillity. It is located on the way to Basanti – the gateway to the world’s largest Mangrove Forest – the Sundarbans, which was once part of a navigation route for national and international trade of spices and other essential goods. Because of its proximity and connectivity to Sundarbans, the East Calcutta Wetland region holds a place of distinctive ecological importance. Situated in a rural setting not too far from the city, Jalpath is an ideal picnic spot for smaller groups of 20-25 picnickers.

As soon as you step into Jalpath, you will be greeted by the rustling leaves, chirping birds and flapping butterflies. Once you start following the curvy trail, four architectural structures, each distinct in their external dimensions and appearances, beckon a welcome. They make you curious, you explore them one by one only to be amazed by their quirky assortments and assertions.

Things to do in Jalpath
Weaving Studio:  
A pit loom with jacquard facilities, spinning and designing of cloths.

Dyeing Unit: 
Natural dyeing of thread and fabric using non-toxic natural dyes, handled by Biome.

Wood and Metal Workshop: 
Shape the wood or metal, and express yourself.

Printing Studio: 
Etching press and wood block print facilities.

Pottery Studio: 
Prepare clay, wheel spinning, sculpture and traditional kiln for firing.

Dokra Studio: 
Get introduced to the lost wax process of metal casting and create your own dokra art objects.

Jalpath
Jalpath, Hadia, South 24 Parganas (Near Bantala), Kolkata – 700150
Contact person: 
Rakesh Khanna – 7439348584
Overnight stay accommodation available:
1 Suite (2 rooms - 1 double bed and 1 single bed) – Rs 5200 per night
1 Double Bed Room – Rs 4000 per night
1 Double Bed Room – Rs 3000 per night
Premise and meals have to be pre-booked
Ideal for small groups – 20 to 25 heads max
Car parking space for around 4-5 cars

Prakriti Gardens
Pakriti Gardens is an ideal picnic destination for those who are searching for a picnic spot not very far from home and yet amidst natural surroundings. The large garden is dotted with numerous trees and provides an ideal setting for a leisurely day out with your family and friends. The garden is also home to a huge pond and innumerable birds, adding to the beauty of the garden. This venue is perfect for large groups. There is also a large parking space adequate to accommodate around 8-9 cars. The premises are clean and well organised. The premises can accommodate up to 350 heads. The current per head package rate is Rs 1799 for a minimum booking of 50 heads, which includes rent of the premise, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, music system, chairs, tables and a makeshift shamiana. It is an ideal choice for picnickers.

Prakriti Gardens
Prakriti Gardens, Kheyadah, Bagdoba, Kolkata -700150
Contact person: 
Moitryee Bhattacharjee - 98304 06223 
Dibyajyoti Bhattacharjee - 90078 81322
Minimum booking for 50 heads
Per head package – Rs 1799
Package includes rent of the premise, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, music system, chairs, tables, and shamiana
Can accommodate up to 350 heads
Car parking space for around 8-9 cars