Introduction
Shantiniketan – On one side is the memorial ashram of Rabindranath Tagore, on the other side is a living exhibition of the culture, folk art and education of Bengal. This peaceful city in the Birbhum district of West Bengal is still protecting the dream of Rabindranath Tagore – ‘Visva-Bharati’. Shantiniketan is a unique confluence of nature and culture.
Where is peace?
Santiniketan is located on the outskirts of Bolpur town in Birbhum district of West Bengal. It is for the famous Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University, where education and culture meet.
How to get to Shantiniketan?
On the railway:
Bolpur Shantiniketan Station: About 150 km from Kolkata
Trains: Santiniketan Express, Kaviguru Express, Visva-Bharati Fast Passenger
On the road:
4-5 hours by car from Kolkata on NH-2 and then on SH-6
Bus services are available from Esplanade and Dharmatala.
On the Airline:
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport.
Places to visit in Shantiniketan
1. Rabindra Bhavan and Museum
This ashram built by Vishwakavi was the center of his thought and creation. Here it is:
Items used by Rabindranath Tagore
His Letters, Poems and Papers
Photographs and travel documents
2. The Prayer Hall
Built of white marble, this prayer hall is located amidst trees. There is no idol here, there is a quiet meditation between light and nature.
3. Visva Bharati University
Visva-Bharati, built on the idea of “where the world will be one nest,” is unique even today:
School: Teaching under the open sky
Kalabhavan: Centre for the Arts
Sangeet Bhavan: The Basis of Rabindra Sangeet and Dance Education
Special note: At present, there are times and conditions for entering the university for security reasons.
4. Chitrabhavan and All India Industrial Association
A wide variety of paintings, sculptures and sculptures can be seen here.
5. Immortal Cottage
Handicrafts Centre where local products made of jute, leather, wood and cloth are available
Job opportunities have been created for the local tribals
6. Kapotaksha River and the Nature of Shantiniketan
In summer or autumn, nature’s form becomes unique here. The colours of the sky, the clouds, the clouds, the clouds, the red earth.
Festivals and Festivals
The Spring (December)
7 Pausha (23rd December)
An amalgamation of handicrafts, folk music, Baul songs and tribal dances
Foreign and domestic tourists
The Spring Festival (Holi)
Wearing yellow clothes, singing, poetry, festival of colors
The festival was started by Rabindranath Tagore himself
Baisakh (Rabindra Jayanti)
Special cultural events are held at Visva-Bharati
Places to stay in Shantiniketan
Hotels and Resorts:
The Garden Bungalow
Mark & Meadows Resort (swimming pool and modern facilities)
Hotel Camellia (budget-friendly option)
Shantiniketan Homestay (local culture and food experience)
Shantiniketan food
Try it:
Entire Bengal thali: Rice, shukto, potato poppy, fish curry
Baul Dhaba – Local fusion food
Local sweets: Chittaranjan Sandesh, Gur Rasgulla
3-day trip to Shantiniketan
Day 1
Check-in at the hotel in Bolpur
Rabindra Bhavan, House of Worship
Buy handicrafts from Amar Kutir
Day 2
Visva-Bharati Visits (Pathabhavan, Kalabhavan)
Painting, folk dance
Join in the music of the evening
Day 3
Local village tours, kashbans, spending time by the river
In the afternoon leave for Kolkata or the next destination.
Travel tips
Best time to visit is during December-March.
Find out when you enter the university.
Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes / sandals.
Help local artists buy handmade products
Bring your camera and power bank.
Why are you going to Shantiniketan?
The cultural centre of Bengal
The poet’s silent presence
The deep connection of nature, poetry and art
Ideal place for children’s educational excursions
A rewarding experience of self-exploration with travel
The conclusion
Shantiniketan is not just a tourist destination, it is a journey of the mind. Every tree, every path here is like a verse of Rabindranath’s poetry. If you do not come here, it is not possible to understand how nature and art can touch the mind together.
If you want to feel the heart of Bengal, get lost in poetry, immerse yourself in art – then definitely visit Shantiniketan.
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