Kolkata, apart from being a maelstrom of culture, is characterised by the startling reality of chaos and winding bylanes. The two millennia-old city offers idyllic and quiet streets with views of exposed brick wood, pane-less windows and scribbled walls and doors.

The best way to unravel more about the making of this metropolis is by cycling in Kolkata to explore the labyrinths of the lanes.

Scroll through to find out the best routes for cycling in the City of Joy!

While cycling down the narrow lanes of North Kolkata will remind you of the port city's heritage, the below-listed destinations ensure a tranquil pace of life.

1. Rabindra Sarobar

Formerly known as the lungs of Kolkata, Rabindra Sarobar Lake is man-made water body developed to encourage welfare and community. The lake is surrounded by walkway stretches, fountains and well-manicured gardens, adding to its idyllic charm. Besides, it is a top recreational spot comprising 11,000 trees of 50 different species.

• Distance: 3.4 km
• Activities: Walking, photography, bird-watching, regatta, rowing, kayaking, water ballet and many more
• Best Time: Throughout the year

2. Sonar Kella Udyan

Set up in 2017, Sonar Kella Udyan was developed to pay tribute to Satyajit Ray’s thriller “Sonar Kella'', translated into Golden Fortress. The park features ceramic murals on the walls and pillars depicting several sketches made by the maestro. You can also spot the figures of the main characters of the movie, including Feluda, Topshe and Lalmohan Ganguli.

• Distance: 154 m
• Activities: Walking and photography in Feluda’s iconic poses
• Best Time: Throughout the year

3. Eco Park

A city-level recreational open space, Eco Park is known for its role in controlling the unfortunate impact of urbanisation and retaining a healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem. You can take a round of all three sections- Theme Gardens, Open Spaces and Ecological Zone to enjoy one of the well-planned cycling tracks in Kolkata.

• Distance: 1.94 KM
• Activities: Duo-cycling, rifle shooting, land and water zorbing, archery, roller skating and many more
• Best Time: Throughout the year

4. Maidan

Located at the heart of the city, Maidan is a vast open field starting from Raj Bhaban in the north and National Library in the south. It is bordered by landmarks like Victoria Memorial Hall, Eden Gardens, Kolkata Race Course, etc.

At the core of Maida, you will find tram tracks, playgrounds, sports clubhouses and statues of dignitaries like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, and many more.

• Distance: 3.9 KM
• Activities: Outdoor games, biking, picnics and many more
• Best Time: Throughout the year

5. East Kolkata or Rajarhat Wetlands

East Kolkata or Rajarhat Wetlands is a patchwork of small flooded fields surrounded by greenery, lakes, long channels and tiny ponds. The world’s largest organic sewage management system is recycled for agriculture and pisciculture. While cycling in this area, you will find an array of flora and fauna maintained by local farmers and fishermen.

• Distance: 125 KM
• Activities: Walking, bird watching and hiking
• Best Time: Throughout the year

6. Central Park

Situated in the planned city of Bidhannagar, Banabitan, or Central Park, is the 2nd largest urban park in the city after Maidan. It features a hexagonal shape decked with an expansive lake, lawns and trees, making it a favourite haunt for morning walkers and joggers. Other attractions of this park include rose and butterfly gardens, adding to its serenity.

• Distance: 8.87 KM
• Activities: Walking, bird watching
• Best Time: Throughout the year

7. Bantala

Located 20 km away from Kolkata, Bantala is a locality best known for housing the Kolkata Leather Complex and the IT park. Once you enter the Basanti Highway and go towards Bantala, you will witness the serenity of empty roads and quiet localities. There are some narrow and off-road trails also available for all adventure enthusiasts.

• Distance: 16 km from Technopolis to Bantala
• Activities: Walking, bird watching and photography
• Best Time: Throughout the year

8. Dhapa

The Dhapa trail is located in East Kolkata and is considered one of the toughest cycling routes in Kolkata. Dhapa is the place where all of Kolkata’s garbage is dumped and it supplies most of Kolkata’s vegetables as well. It presents a challenging cycling adventure, where you have to maneuver your cycle through the narrow roads within the vegetable plantation.

• Distance: 5.7 km from Nalban Bheri to Bantala
• Activities: Walking, bird watching, shopping for vegetables and photography
• Best Time: Throughout the year

9. Naskar Para To Gopal Ghat

Naskar Para to Gopal Ghat cycling trail will give you the feel of nostalgia. Cycling through the suburbs of North Kolkata, the oldest part of the city, you will witness several colonial and heritage structures. On the trail, you will find places such as Sovabazar Rajbari and Kumartuli.

• Distance: 18 km
• Activities: Watching vintage buildings, eating street food, and visiting the Gopal Ghat
• Best Time: Throughout the year