A dollop of Bengal – Nicco Park

N could have been Naxalbari in Siliguri famous for Naxalite – Maoist insurgency, Nabanna – the building in Howrah which is houses the state secretariat of Bengal, Narayan Debnath – the cartoonist attributed for the creation of characters like Bantul the great, Handa-Bhonda & Nonte Fonte, Nalban boating complex famously referred to as lovers paradise with some great options in food in their food park as well and Nandan, Rabindra Sadan – the film and cultural hub of Kolkata. However my pick up for the day is the largest amusement park in Eastern India also known as the Disneyland of Bengal – Nicco Park.

Nicco Park –

Nicco Park is an amusement park located in Salt Lake City, Kolkata. Presently, the 40 acre park is home to over 35 different attractions. Sheroo – the tiger is the mascot of the park.

Rides –

Nicco Park has approximately thirty-five rides that include the Toy Train, Tilt-a-Whirl, Magic Carpet, Paddle Boat, Water Chute, Water Coaster, Carousal, Lazy river ride, Crazy Tea Party ride, Pirate Ship, River Caves, Merry go round, Sky Diver, Caterpillar, Flying Saucer, Cyclone and Moon Raker. The Giant Cyclone, added in 2003, is among Asia’s largest ride with 750 meters in length, has seven drops and goes as high as 55 feet.

Other attractions –

Attractions such as the park’s Cable Cars and Eiffel Tower provide panoramic views of the park from above.

Haunted House provides a scary fun experience to the people who want to experience horror.

Oceania is a unique exhibition of under water life with seventy-five live marine animals.

Natural attractions include a rose garden and a forty feet high waterfall.

There’s also a 4D movie theatre.

A decommissioned MIG-21 fighter aircraft from the Bagdogra Airbase is on display serving as an attraction with educational value.

Food –

There is a large food park selling North Indian, Bengali, South Indian and Chinese fast food. Kiosks run by various restaurants of the city like Wow Momo are also located here.

Shops –

Sheroo Bazar and Souvenir Shop of Wet-O-Wild are the shops where accessories such as T-shirts, coffee mugs and key chains can be purchased.

Water Park –

The park has also constructed a water park Wet-O-Wild inside. The five acres of water area with a winding river, a gigantic 50-ft high waterfall, simulated sea beach with rolling waves, wave runners, water slides and a large splash pool has become a spot for attracting tourists.

Bowling

A bowling alley – Super Bowl has four bowling lanes, four pool tables, an air hockey table as well as a derby game.

Bowler’s Den –situated on the rooftop of Nicco Super Bowl is an indoor 50-seater restaurant with a beautiful view of the water park.

Timings –

The park is open on all days except Holi.

Gate:    10:30 AM to 06:30 PM

Rides :  10:45 AM to 07:30 PM.

Entry Fee –

Rs. 185.00 per head

(Includes 12 Specified Free Rides & Attractions in the Main Park – Mirror Maze, Crazy Tea Party Ride, Toy Train, Family Carousal, Paddle Boat, Eiffel Tower, Merry Go Round, Water Merry Go Round, Children’s Corner, MIG21, Lazy River, Pirate Ship.

Package –

Rs. 600.00 per head (Rs.415.00 + Entry Rs.185.00).

This package includes all rides in the Water Park and Main Park. Shows & Games are not included in this Package.

The personal angle –

The Park opened its doors to visitors in 1991. During the summer vacation at my maternal grandparents house in Kolkata in 1993, I had visited the park for the first time.I came back mesmerized and awestruck. Despite multiple visits to Nicco Park and various other amusements parks over the country, the place never failed to bring out the happy child in me.

Last year December when we took my two plus year old toddler for the first time to this park, his happiness knew no bounds. While he couldn’t enjoy all the rides, he had taken an instant liking towards the crazy tea party ride and the toy train. However what stole the show was this unbelievable connection with the dinosaurus model that he kept having a conversation with.

Enjoy the ride until we meet tomorrow for more outings.