Barrackpore, Municipality on the Ganges River in West Bengal, India
Barrackpore is a town on the eastern bank of the Ganges, located about 20 kilometers north of Kolkata city center. The settlement covers an area of roughly 11 square kilometers and consists of residential neighborhoods, parks, and historic buildings along the riverfront.
The British established their first military base in India here in 1772, making the place an important garrison town. In the 19th century, the first zoological garden in Asia opened, underlining the importance of the town as a colonial center.
The name comes from the British barracks that were built here, giving the town its military character. Today the area serves as a residential and administrative center for people who commute daily to Kolkata for work.
The local railway station offers regular connections to the Kolkata suburban network, making access straightforward. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, when temperatures are more comfortable.
The zoological garden was founded in 1800 under the direction of Lord Wellesley and was the first of its kind in Asia. The grounds were meant to make exotic animals accessible to the British community in India.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
