“Fall in love with the seamless blend of nature, culture and the arts in the quaint town of Shantiniketan.”
The brainchild of The Bard of Bengal Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is, as the name suggests an "Abode of Peace". Inspired by the refreshing philosophy of learning in an atmosphere "where the mind is without fear ", The Vishwabharati University here epitomizes the art of learning amidst nature whereas, Shantiniketan sums up the art of living amidst the same. It is a potpourri of culture where music, dance, literature, folk traditions, arts and crafts converge offering you a unique slice of Bengal.
Must VisitThe Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav with its festivities – quirky food stalls offering Bengali delicacies and handicrafts specially fashioned by the local artisans bring the town alive and so should be experienced. Exploring the museums is also an indulgence that can transport you back in time.
Best time to visitThe Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav witness art melas and the Baul mystics putting up rustic musical oeuvres that draw the crowds in. Winter is the ideal time to visit Shantiniketan as the weather is chilly and exploring the area is an enjoyable experience. It's when the city comes alive with the Poush Mela as the university town is caught up in the busy humdrum of the festival.
TriviaShantiniketan was initially the name of a house in the land of Birbhum that Maharshi Debendranath bought which inspired him to name the town so.
InterestKnown as the home of Rabindranath Tagore and Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan is a celebration of art, literature, music, and rural crafts, offering a unique blend of education and culture through festivals, traditional performances, and creative expressions.
Shantiniketan With a unique cultural heritage, Shantiniketan's association with Rabindranath Tagore make it an unusual tourist spot. Its serene atmosphere and artistic appeal, attract travellers seeking a peaceful, intellectual escape.
Scenic forest and tranquil surroundings for nature lovers
Unique blend of traditional and modern architecture in serene surroundings
Tribute to Tagore with exhibits of his life and works
Historic site where Tagore's vision for culture and education thrives
Premier art school nurturing creativity and artistic expression
Renowned institution founded by Tagore, fostering global learning.
Spiritual retreat for meditation and reflection amidst serene landscapes
Museum showcasing nature's beauty and Tagore’s environmental vision
A peaceful haven with diverse flora and playful deer
Vibrant fair celebrating local culture, crafts, and traditions
Traditional festival with folk dances, crafts, and festive spirit
Colourful celebration of spring with dance, music, and cultural festivities
Birbhum, West Bengal 731204
A tourist destination, Sonajhuri is situated at a distance of 3.1kms from Santiniketan. It embodies natural diversity in the form of Laalmati (red soil), Sonajhuri (earleaf acacia), eucalyptus trees and eroded soil (khowai) which lends this place an extraordinary scenic beauty. The place derives its name from the Sonajhuri tree and offers respite to travellers.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal 731235
At the heart of the university campus of Vishwa Bharati lies a complex housing five buildings (Udayan, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi) designed in the predominant architectural style of the early 20th century which has a unique tryst with all of Tagore's memories as he lived there.
Road around Ashram-Math, Bolpur, West Bengal 731204
Popularly known as Bichitra, this museum was constructed in the year 1961,Tagore's birth centenary year. It is a storehouse of original manuscripts, letters documents, medallions, plaques, paintings and so much more. The dated objects and their magnificent past is sure to make you reminiscence the events of the years gone by.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal 731235
Known to be the meditation spot of Maharshi Debendranath, Chattimtala is revered not only because it's believed to be sacred but also because those graduating from the university here are honoured with a branch of the Saptaparni Tree found in Chattimtala.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal 731235
Kala Bhavan with its focus on cultivating a love for the arts amongst its patrons, has a wonderfully designed artsy block. Championing the cause of contemporary modernism, it helped shaped modern Indian painting and visual arts of the time becoming the inspiration of many.
Shantiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal 731235
Tagore established a school here in the middle of the pastoral setting in 1901 which later evolved into the Vishwa Bharati University. With liberal arts and the nature being the ultimate focus of this University, it draws students from across the world and is a sanctuary housing Bengal's art and culture.
West Bengal 731204
Rooted in the philosophy of spirituality, the Upasana Ghar does justice to the ethos of Santiniketan. Made from Belgian glass, this prayer hall is surrounded by painted glass allowing the natural sunlight to seep through in varied colours, infusing an aura of calm and beauty that helps focus on the divine. The candles lining the hall every evening accentuate its splendour when its deprived of the morning light.
Amar Kutir Road, Kabi Mohanpur, West Bengal 731204
The only Nature Art Museum in India, Prakriti Bhavan is situated in the Ballavpur area of Shantiniketan. Located in one of the most visually appealing locales of the university town, natural sculptures in driftwood and dry wood with an open-air garden consisting of rock sculptures are a part of this museum.
Kobiguru Road, Kabi Mohanpur, West Bengal 731204
Popularly known as the Saturday fair, this is one of the most artistically proactive platforms which although small-scale, offers talented artisans from in and around an opportunity to showcase their skills. Beginning as early as 4 am on a Saturday, stalls are set by artisans selling handicrafts, clothes, brassware and whatnot. Khoai is the place to get a perfect souvenir that will always keep Shantiniketan startlingly alive in your heart.
Shantiniketan Road, Bolpur, West Bengal 731235
Celebrated with much gaiety and fervour in late December to mark the onset of the harvest season, Poush Mela is a potpourri of culture and fine arts with the flourish of folk dances, music and authentic Bengali delicacies. The myriad colours give the onlooker a chance to step into the cultural haven of Bengal.
Spring is a blend of the cool and the warm and therefore presents a pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches and all its shenanigans. There’s greenery all around to complement the blue waters and the flowers are in bloom.
The months from March to May, witness summer in Shantiniketan. There's a heat ranging from 34 to 42 degree celsius. Relaxing indoors during the day and touring the beautiful locale in the evening is the ideal way to spend a summer holiday in the town. Light cotton clothes are suitable for touring the town.
The months of June - August experience Monsoon in Shantiniketan while July witnesses heavy showers. The spells of rainfall bring out the rustic beauty of the countryside making the environ seem freshly bathed and free from pollution
The months of September to November, is the autumn season for Shantiniketan. During autumn the rains have subsided and the cool winds of winter begin to blow, the aftermath of which makes the destination seem fresh and cool.
The months of December to February are winter months for Shantiniketan. January witnesses quite low temperatures ranging from 12 to 15 degree celsius. It is advisable to carry light woollen clothes to make exploring the hinterland a pleasant experience.
The nearest airport is the Netaji Shubhash Chandra Bose International Airport located 181 km from Shantiniketan. Tourists visiting from the world over visit through this channel. From the airport it takes under four hours to travel to the university town taking the NH 19. As you progress farther out of the town and into the countryside, the greenery will greet you with a sense of calm and peace.
The railway station nearest to Shantiniketan is Bolpur. Many trains run to and fro between Kolkata and Bolpur, some of which are the Gana Devta Express, Shantiniketan Express and Sahid Rampurhat Express which takes the shortest travel time of 2 hours and 20 minutes only. The ride is pleasant and allows you a glimpse into the vast fields that will fill your sight once you travel beyond the borders of the city.
Kolkata is well connected to Shantiniketan via the NH 19 which provides for easy conveyance there. The buses can be boarded from Esplanade or Howrah, which ever lies closest to you and will transport you to Bolpur, Shantiniketan in about 4 or 2 hours respectively.
Touring in the little town of Shantiniketan is never a hassle as auto-rickshaws, rickshaws, cycles and bikes can be hopped onto to continue the exploration of the hinterland. Private tourist cars can also be booked for a smoother ride through the town.
There is no one thing that Shantiniketan is famous for since it itself is an amalgam of many facets of Bengal. Some are drawn to the place for Rabindranath Tagore and the legacy that he has left behind, others for the rich culture the place exudes especially during festivities or its close association with nature through the Sonajhuri forest and the Deer Park. Those particularly interested in art visit Shantiniketan to see the craftsmanship of the local artisans and procure items to take back.
Uttarayan complex which houses five buildings Tagore lived in is usually the top site to be visited in Shantiniketan. Apart from that, Kala Bhavan and the Vishwa Bharati University are also places of both historic and cultural value that see many tourists throughout the year. If your reason to visit is to feel closer to nature then you must stop over at Deer Park and Sonajhuri Forest to witness its serenity.
When in Shantiniketan you simply must tour Rabindra Bhavan which is the main house Tagore lived in that now holds important artefacts and items of historical significance in relation to the man. Experiencing the festivals of Poush Mela and Basant Utsav is a must-do as it will take you to the roots of Bengal’s culture. Meditating in Chattimtala should also be on your to-do list if you wish to feel solidarity with the divine.
If it is the traditional Bengali delicacies coupled with a soothing ambience you seek, the best places to eat in Shantiniketan are Sonajhuri Restaurant, Ghore Baire, 9X9 Restaurant, Shakuntala and Rasna. If you’re looking for slightly cheaper options but good food SK Restaurant and Vishwa Bharati Cafeteria are the way to go.
Items that you must shop for when in Shantiniketan are kantha stitch clothes, tanth sarees, sculptures, terracotta, leather items, brassware, handloom & handicrafts and jute products. The Poush Mela, Amar Kutir, Srijani Shilpagram, Basundhara Arts & Crafts, and Khoai Mela popularly called ‘the Saturday Fair’ are the destinations where you will find your must-buys.
The fastest and cheapest way to get to Shantiniketan is by taking a train from Howrah Station. It roughly takes about 2 hours and costs Rs 1,000 to get to Bolpur Station and take a cab from there to the town center. Another route for railway transport is to take the train from Sealdah. It takes 2 hours 24 minutes to reach Shantiniketan but costs about the same. Buses can also be boarded from either Esplanade or Howrah and take you there in 4 or 2 hours respectively, costing you a maximum of Rs 370. If you want to experience a long road journey then booking a cab or driving there yourself is also a possible and quite enjoyable option, though a bit on the pricier side. It takes 2 hours 21 minutes to get to Shantiniketan and costs about 2,000 to Rs 4,500.
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