Quick answer: Millennium Park is a riverside park that runs for about 2.5 km along the Hooghly on Strand Road, near BBD Bagh in central Kolkata. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) opened it on 26 December 1999 as a millennium gift to the city, and it is known for its views of the Howrah Bridge, its lawns, children’s rides, food stalls and boat rides. KMDA does not publish its timings or entry fee online, and published figures disagree, so check at the gate.
Millennium Park at a glance
| Detail | What we verified (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Location | Strand Road, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly, near Fairlie Ghat and opposite the Railway Club; BBD Bagh area |
| Length | About 2.5 km along the river |
| Opened | 26 December 1999 |
| Managed by | Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) |
| Timings | Not published officially; check at the gate |
| Entry fee | Not published officially; travel sites disagree on whether a small charge applies |
| Time needed | One to two hours |
An earlier version of this article gave two different sets of hours (10 am to 6:30 pm, and 10 am to 8 pm), an entry fee of ₹10, ride prices of ₹20 to ₹100 and boat rides at ₹300 to ₹400. Travel sites today still disagree with each other, and none of these figures is published by KMDA, so we have removed them. Please check the current rates at the park.
History of Millennium Park
The park was created by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, then also known by its older name, the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), and was inaugurated on 26 December 1999 to mark the new millennium. It was the first phase of the Kolkata Riverside Beautification Project, which set out to give the city a green, open space along the polluted riverfront.
Correction: an earlier version of this article said the park “gets its name from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority”. The name refers to the millennium, the year 2000, which the park was opened to celebrate. The earlier version also described it as an “exclusive” or “private” park; it is a public park run by a government authority.
Things to do at Millennium Park
Walk along the river
The park’s main draw is its long riverside walkway, with landscaped lawns, trees, lights and plenty of benches facing the water. The view of the Howrah Bridge from the park is one of the best in the city, and late afternoon into sunset is the most pleasant time for a stroll.
Children’s rides
A separate kids’ zone has a playground and small rides; past descriptions list a toy train, a pirate-ship ride and bumper cars. The earlier version said the rides start in the afternoon; check on the day which rides are working.
Boat rides on the Hooghly
Boat rides on the river leave from the park area. Prices depend on the type of boat and the length of the trip, so agree the fare before you board, and wear a life jacket if one is offered. The earlier version also mentioned weekend “Mayurpankhi” boat cruises and private river cruises that start near the park; check current operators and schedules locally.
Food stalls
A food court with around eight stalls serves snacks and drinks, with seating looking out over the river.
How to reach Millennium Park
- Landmark: BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square). The park is on Strand Road, close to Fairlie Place and the old Metcalfe Hall.
- By metro: the Green Line’s Mahakaran station serves the BBD Bagh area, and Esplanade (Blue and Green Lines) is a little further away; walk or take a short taxi ride to Strand Road.
- By suburban rail: B.B.D. Bagh station on the Kolkata Circular Railway is close to the park.
- By ferry: ferries cross the Hooghly between Howrah and the Kolkata ghats. Fairlie Ghat is next to the park; ask at Howrah’s ferry ghat for the current services.
- From Howrah station: the Green Line runs under the river from Howrah to Mahakaran, or take a taxi across the Howrah Bridge.
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the late afternoon for sunset over the river and cooler air.
- Kolkata’s monsoon (roughly June to September) can bring heavy rain, and boat rides may stop when the river is rough.
- Carry some cash for tickets, rides and snacks.
- Weekends and holidays, including Valentine’s Day, get crowded.
Places to visit nearby
Eden Gardens, Kolkata’s historic cricket stadium, is a short way south along the river. Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence, is near BBD Bagh, and the open Maidan lies beyond it. If you are planning a day out as a couple, see our list of romantic places to visit in Kolkata.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Millennium Park Kolkata entry fee?
KMDA does not publish the fee online, and travel sites give different figures, from free entry to a few rupees. Check the current rate at the gate.
Who built Millennium Park in Kolkata?
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), which opened it on 26 December 1999 as part of the Kolkata Riverside Beautification Project.
How long is Millennium Park?
It stretches about 2.5 km along the eastern bank of the Hooghly on Strand Road.
Can you see the Howrah Bridge from Millennium Park?
Yes. The park faces the river near the bridge, and the view of the Howrah Bridge is one of its main attractions.
Details checked in October 2026 against published records of the park and Kolkata Metro line information. KMDA does not publish timings or fees online, so check at the park before you plan around them.
