IISER Kolkata is an institute of national importance in India which houses almost 1500 students from UG level to post docs, faculties, staff and numerous animals including dogs, jackals and birds. There are lots of tress and greenery in the campus. The most exquisite and favorite of all places for me is a small lake in the campus popularly called the Lover’s Lake. It has some ethereal beauty and it might seem impossible to believe but the beauty of this place increases as the daylight decreases. (Weird physics at play!)
On a foggy winter’s night, if one can endure the chill and come to this place at around 1.00 am, they will be enthralled to see the mist flowing over the lake surface and the water seems frozen. On a regular night, one can hear the owls hooting and see the shadows of lovers sharing warmth after a busy day on shady benches on the lake. The road beside the lake is also arrayed by trees and neon street lamps.
On the mornings after night-long storms and rains, the lake looks serene. There are a few free-ranging dogs living in the vicinity of the lake and seldom coming to greet the visitors with great enthusiasm. Though they look small, they have a big heart!
Overall, the lake is the perfect place to get charged, go with friends and chat or observe nature. I feel that every residential campus should have such a lake.
P.S. I have no clue why some the 2nd picture got rotated but the original version is horizontal. I cannot edit it and correct the orientation. I would request help on this matter.