Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, an ideal spot for the lovers of nature, is located in Rathtala area, near the reputed Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Narendrapur, an integral part of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, and just a few minutes drive from the Garia Kavi Nazrul Metro Station in the southern fringe of the city of Calcutta. However, despite the name, it is not actually an ideal bird sanctuary, but a forested area with an abundance of huge mango and other big trees, floral species of medicinal importance, ferns and orchids, and home to several mammals, reptiles and insects, along with a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

The wildlife of the Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary includes, among others, jungle cat, civet cat, jackal, mongoose and water monitor lizard, while it is a home to around 150 species of beautiful birds, which include the commonly observed Asian Koel, Spotted and Emerald Dove, Rock Pigeon, Indian Pond Heron, Fulvous-breasted and Rufous Woodpecker, Black Kite, Stork-billed and White-throated Kingfisher, Shikra, Crested Serpent Eagle and many more.

In addition, several rare species like, Blue throated Flycatcher, Eurasian Woodcock, Oriental Magpie Robin, Black Hooded Oriole, Coppersmith and Blue-throated Barbet, are also observed in the area during the peak season. However, the recent recording of the Large-billed Reed Warbler rediscovered the bird in India after more than a century.

Before it earned the status of a sanctuary in 1982, it was a huge abandoned private mango orchard, known as Kayaler Bagan, covering an area of around 27 acres, and containing mainly mango trees, several of which are around 100 years old.

Apart from that, also containing several other big trees, like jackfruit, coconut, tamarind, guava, fig, along with several shrubs, creepers and indigenous floral species of medicinal importance, Kayaler Bagan was a beautiful urban green island to harbour a rich repository of biodiversity, surrounded by wastelands and water bodies.

At the instance and relentless pursuit by Chintamani Kar, a renowned Indian sculptor, and recipient of several civilian awards from the country and abroad, supported by several NGOs and the locals, the government of West Bengal acquired the orchard from the private owners in 2005, to convert it into a bird sanctuary.

However, by that time, the garden was already named Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary on 8th September 2004 and was reduced or confined to an area of only 17 acres. Nevertheless, subsequently it was renamed as Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary on 21st October 2005, in honour of the celebrated sculptor, for his contribution for converting the private orchard into an Abhay Aranya or a protected forest for the safety of the wildlife, and also maintaining the biodiversity of the area, as well as to the delight of the visitors.

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful and interesting place to spend a day amidst a peaceful forest, located almost in the city, but far away from its hustles and bustles. Although an early morning or evening visit is recommended, it is better to avoid a visit during the monsoon months, and carry water, as well as insect or mosquito repellants for the protection of uncovered body parts. The visitors are also advised to stick to the trails, because moving away from the trails could be unsafe due to overgrown patches in the forest. Interested persons may also visit the museum recently opened near the sanctuary, displaying several works of Chintamani Kar.