The roots of Alipore Zoological Gardens lie in a private menagerie once owned by Governor General Lord Wellesley in the 1800s. However, it was only many years after he returned to England, that a formal 'Zoological Gardens' was established in Alipore. Inaugurated in 1876 by Sir Edward VII, the Alipore Zoological Gardens was the first of its kind in the country; African Buffalo, Zanzibar Ram, Four-horned sheep, Hybrid Kashmiri Goat, Indian Antelope, Indian Gazelle and Sambar Deer were among the first breeds held here. The zoo was famous for housing the Aldabra Giant Tortoise 'Adwaita' which died in 2006, after 250 years! In the 1900s, the zoo was reputed as a pioneer in captive breeding processes; the Sumatran Rhinoceros was one of the successful breeding projects. However, over the years, it received a lot of criticism for its poor maintenance of animals and the 'Panthera Hybrid Program' (lion and tiger hybrids). Today, Alipore Zoo or Zoological Gardens remains a major attraction of the city, and houses species like Royal Bengal Tiger, African Lion, Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Reticulated Giraffe, Dromedary Camel and Indian Elephant. Spread across 45 acres of land, the zoo also features a Reptile House, Primate House, Panther House and Elephant House. It may take you anywhere between an hour to a day to tour the zoo in its entirety; National Library, Agri Horticultural Gardens and Alipore Jail are in close vicinity. Photography is allowed after a charge of INR 250.
State Archaeological Gallery; established in 1962 is located in Kolkata. The museum has a diverse collection of various artifacts excavated from various sites in and around the country. They have collections from the Gupta period, Maurya period, Shagna period, Medieval ages, Late stone age, etc. They also have wooden sculptures, terracotta and bronze artifacts, manuscripts, stone inscriptions, etc on display.
Kishore Bharti Krirangan locally known as Jadavpur stadium is one of the popular multipurpose stadiums in Kolkata. The stadium is host to regional football matches and has also hosted the Kolkata Premier Division fixtures, which features football teams from all over Kolkata. Besides, it is also used by the local cricket team as a practice ground, and has a separate conference area, a swimming pool, and more.
Central Park has a wonderful rose garden, which is a feast for the eyes when they all blossom. The park is built around a huge water body. It is the second largest open space in Kolkata, Maidan being the first one. It is very close to the Central Park Metro Station and is the favorite among lovers. There are boating facilities in the adjacent lakes, which are mostly full during the weekends. Tourists can also see a number of West Bengal government buildings surrounding the park area. The park has a butterfly garden where you can spot some of the most colorful butterflies. The garden is maintained by Nature Mates Nature Club, supported by the West Bengal Forest Department. There is also a walking track thus making it convenient for morning walks, jogging and evening strolls.
Kolkata Museum of Modern Art; located in Kolkata was established in 2013. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and the main purpose of the museum is to promote young artists.