From 1772 to 1911, Kolkata (Calcutta), a former commercial centre of the East India Company, served as the nation's capital. The capital of West Bengal today is the City of Joy. It was home to Mother Teresa Bojaxhiu, often known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity.

The Eco Tourism Park, which has become synonymous with India's Bengal area, is one of the latest additions to this West Bengal satellite city. This guide to the Japanese Forest and the monestry of eco park Calcutta includes information about the newest addition to Prakriti Tirtha, the largest urban park in India. So, let's dive in.

A world far removed from the urban chaos

The peaceful mix of nature and civilization is instantly apparent when one enters the Eco Park Kolkata. The Japanese Forest is a tranquil sanctuary that transports visitors to a setting far apart from the tumult of the city via paths lined with lush green trees and colourful flowers. The area is filled with flowers, fragrant plants, unique trees and bushes, a three-story pagoda, prayer wheels, monk statues, a monastery, lakes, bamboo plantations, and, yes, some of Kolkata's best Japanese cuisine. 

The practice of "forest bathing" usually entails being around trees and is incredibly beneficial for our general health. By entering through Gate 1 of Eco Park, you may go to the Japanese Forest Garden. As soon as you go inside, you'll notice a large statue of Buddha. The first thing you notice when you enter this wooded hideaway is the tranquil atmosphere. A soothing symphony of nature is created by the rustling of leaves and the lovely chirping of birds. The exquisite attention to detail that has gone into replicating the spirit of Japanese gardens is evident in the artfully designed environment of the Japanese Forest.

The nearby Japanese eatery Fuji is a solitary, one-story facility with ongoing outside sitting configurations, and it is only a short distance away from this location. Also, beside the monastery is a remarkable hallway called the Torii, which has red cylindrical pillars on both sides that are connected at the top. After that, you can continue walking until you reach a tiny lake where a wishing bowl is located. Drop a penny into the bowl to make a wish. In the neighbourhood, there is another gate known as the Moon Gate that is lucky for newlyweds to pass through.

A unique space for reflection and contemplation

Japan has long been a pioneer in the expression of landscape designs. Japanese gardens place a strong emphasis on respecting and appreciating nature.

Inspired by the fundamentals of Japanese Garden design, HIDCO created an alluring Japanese Forest on 3.5 acres of the Eco Park property near the main lake. In addition, a worker discovered an antique Buddha sculpture while performing development work in the site vicinity. As a consequence, it was decided to create a Japanese forest with the design of a monastery in a forest.

As you meander along the meandering trails, you'll see carefully made Japanese features like traditional stone lanterns, bamboo groves, koi ponds, and painstakingly groomed bonsai trees. You are transported to a peaceful setting where nature's beauty is supreme thanks to these components, which have a Zen philosophy-inspired feel.

You'll note the contemplative stillness as you travel along the winding pathways, which are only infrequently broken by toddlers whispering to the koi fish or couples gazing about in contemplation. It is possible to escape from the hectic outer world in the Japanese Forest, which provides a special place for introspection and reflection.

A window to Japan's cultural heritage

A strong feeling of gods and spirits in nature permeated Shinto, the country's indigenous religion. In Japan, worshipping natural phenomena as deities is commonplace. They have created areas in their gardens for reflection and meditation. All of the design's manifestations are firmly anchored in Buddhism.

On the same ideas, Eco Park's Japanese woodland was created. The visitor's five senses are engaged by the landscape design. It features both a subdued and an outspoken use of colour. A welcome visual delight is the variety of vegetation textures. The fascinating monastic bell sounds and a waterfall enhance the release of the developing hormones. Users are invited to stroll barefoot and improve their positive energy "Chi" through the natural textures of the stone and grass.

In addition to its tranquil atmosphere, the Japanese Forest acts as a cultural link, providing a window into the varied customs of Japan. The Eco park Kolakata frequently hosts exhibitions and cultural activities that highlight many facets of Japanese culture, such as displays of ikebana (flower arrangement), martial arts, and tea ceremonies. These activities improve visitors' experiences and promote intercultural understanding by providing a window into Japan's cultural history.

A perfect sanctuary for spiritual seekers

The magnificent Monastery is located within a short distance from the Japanese Forest. This place of worship's construction blends traditional Tibetan and contemporary styles, and its serene surroundings make it the ideal haven for spiritual pilgrims. The Monastery appears to be the ideal antidote to the pressures of an always-connected, always-on lifestyle. It offers a peaceful environment for thought. 

The Monastery serves as a beacon of interfaith understanding

Visitors are encouraged to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and find inner serenity in the monastery's serene atmosphere. It serves as a reminder that, despite the city's commotion, there remains a location where one may discover inner tranquillity and enlightenment. This place almost looks like a mini Japas in Kolkata.

In addition to being a location of spiritual significance, the Monastery in Eco Park Kolkata is also a representation of peace and unity. It is evidence of Kolkata's vast cultural variety, which is seen in the city's embracing of different customs and religious beliefs. People from different backgrounds can assemble at the Monastery to find peace and spiritual direction.

A special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike

More than merely a pleasure area, Eco Park Kolkata's Japanese Forest and the Monastery serve as a representation of the city's dedication to environmental protection and the promotion of community cohesion and harmony among its citizens.

Throughout all four seasons, a diverse array of aromatic plant species fill the area with enticing scents. A sizable gate complex, complete with admission booths and a sizable umbrella for shelter from the rain, marks the park's entry. Numerous Tori garden features, lanterns, small and big Buddha sculptures, stepping stones, waiting areas, etc., along the route, creating an experience for visitors.

Weaving experiences around the garden have sought to incorporate the concepts of harmony with nature, asymmetry, odd numbers, and employing views to modify the depth, distance, and scale perspectives.

The importance & craze of the place

The following are some of the explanations for this location's exceptional significance to both residents and visitors:

Eco Park Calcutta provides a singular getaway from the clamour and bustle in the middle of a busy metropolis like Kolkata, enabling visitors to commune with nature and discover inner serenity. Because of the park's focus on cultural activities and exhibits, people from different cultures may interact and learn more about one another's customs and traditions.

A bamboo forest, an alcove with a little Buddha sculpture, a wisteria arbour, and a water feature are the garden's principal features. Pagoda in the middle of a monastic complex Tori series replica from the movie a Japanese cuisine shop, bamboo lights, a pond, a wish fountain with a demi-god, a forest atop mounds, and a lawn with a lake view.

Once you are there through the aforementioned components, a natural route will guide you. Plantations will be used to embellish the route and the surrounding areas. They will be used to both conceal and show different perspectives of the main pond and other components.

A place where one can escape the chaos

The Japanese forest and the monestry of eco park Calcutta serve as a monument to the peaceful coexistence of nature, culture, and spirituality. It is a location where one may flee the bustle of the city, find calm in the embrace of nature, learn about the beauty of Japanese customs, and find comfort in spiritual contemplation. This undiscovered jewel in the middle of Kolkata serves as a reminder that, despite the rush of city life, there are still pockets of peace and harmony just waiting to be found by those who are prepared to look.