“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.
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.
IndulgenceThe 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.
West Bengal 731204
The Ballavpur forest serves as a storehouse for naturally bred large family of deer. The inhabitants of the park can usually be seen feeding or engaging in a peaceful banter with their fellow companions further imbuing the environ with a tranquillity that remains unfound in the cities.
The Ballavpur forest is situated at a distance of 3km from the main campus.
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.
The nature walks allow a unique solidarity with nature and usually leaves a tourist imbibing the serenity of the forest.
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.
Rabindranath Tagore’s Patha Bhavan, whose centre of attraction was learning in nature turned into a University in the year 1921.
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.
The one building that should be included in your tour is the Udayan complex where Tagore lived.
Santiniketan, 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.
Chattimtala was the reservoir of spiritual congregations when Shantiniketan was initially build and continues to be that till date.
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.
Ethnic souvenirs like leather bags, earthen wares and paintings are the goods that must be taken back from this Mela.
Suri - Bolpur Road, West Bengal 731204
Tagore added a Bengali touch to the festival of Holi, celebrated in March. While the students of Vishwa Bharati dance and sing through the nooks and alleyways of Amrakunja, a host of cultural programmes occupy the rest of the day. The streets filled with cheerful folks dressed in traditional attire, adorning themselves with vibrant colours is a sight to behold.
Santiniketan is fully packed during Basanta Utsav and prior planning is a must to find the accommodation and experience that you desire.
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.
Prayers are mainly conducted on Wednesdays in this Kaanch Mandir.
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.
‘Santiniketan: The Making of a Contextual Modernism’, an exhibition curated by R. Siva Kumar, was shown at the National Gallery of Modern Art in 1997.
Kabi Mohanpur, West Bengal 731204
This restaurant gives you the feel of dining away from the concrete jungle, in a hut. The menu keeps changing and that’s what adds the exciting element of surprise. When seamless Bengali rice and curry is served piping hot in lotus leaves and clay pots, the taste and experience of a simple ethnic dining becomes more vivid and lively.
NH 2B, Opp. Bolpur Municipal Corp, West Bengal 731204
A breakaway from the traditional Bengali food otherwise found everywhere in this town, Rasna Hotel is a place where you can go to get Chinese and Indian too. They offer an array of dishes that are sure to delight the food lover in you!
Nepal Road, Bolpur, West Bengal 731204
The most reliable place to eat at is the Vishwa Bharati Campus Cafeteria which serves good Indian food and is open to all visitors. Because it is situated within the campus it allows you to have the whole university experience, entwined in Tagore’s philosophy and in nature.
RMC Building, Bolpur, West Bengal 731204
The restaurant serves mouth-watering dishes to those who have a palate for the Indian cuisine. With a comfortable ambience, good hospitality and large servings, the place sees quite a few visitors who believe it to provide value for money which keeps them revisiting here.
Pravat Sarani, Bolpur, West Bengal 731204
Ghore Baire supplies some of the most delicious Bengali dishes in beautiful hand-painted tableware. The subtle sweetness of the Chingri (prawn) Malai curry and the spicy Chicken Kosha infused with traditional Bengali spices is sure to bombard your mouth with flavours, while the menu still has more scrumptious fare coming for you.
Tourist lodge, Pravat Sarani, Bolpur, West Bengal, India
With its quirky décor, relaxed ambience, and food from around the world, you are in for a treat in this multi-cuisine restaurant. The spicy chicken Manchurian with wok-tossed Hakka noodles and saucy chicken Kathi roll is a must-eat. 9x9 also serves a variety of ice creams and pastries to soothe your sweet tooth.
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.
Except Wednesdays and Saturdays, this museum is open on all other days for you to take a trip down Tagore’s memory lane.
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.
It is often perceived as one of the perfect examples of Tagore’s most preached philosophy due to its congenial existence with nature.
Shantiniketan Road, Bolpur, West Bengal 731235
Poush Mela held in December offers you a shopping experience unlike another. As far as the eyes can see all that will be visible is stall upon stall of leather items, terracotta, oxidised jewellery, tanth sarees, jute products, clay showpieces, handloom garments and whatnot! It’s a sea of colours where traditional handcrafted goods are on display and so are the delicacies of Bengal, ready to be bought by you.
Handicrafts, katha stitched clothes, jute products, teracotta
Shantiniketan - Sriniketan Rd, Bolpur, West Bengal 731204
Srijani Shilpagram is a cultural village that houses buildings representing the states of eastern and north-eastern India, each displaying their own singularities. It offers tourists a chance peek into the culture and lifestyle of these states and also buy their specialties.
Souvenirs from the different states
Bolpur Suri Rd, Ballavpur, Sriniketan, West Bengal 731236
A 20 minute rickshaw ride away from the main town of Shantiniketan, Amar Kutir holds everything that you’ll want to take back from here all under one roof. Kantha stitch, a simple yet intriguing art of patchwork on clothes was born in Shantiniketan. This unique embroidery is a stunning speciality this place has to offer. The low prices and quality products make them the perfect things to shop for.
Katha stitched clothes
Bayradihi, West Bengal 731204
Renowned for its intricately fashioned crafts, Basundhara Arts & Crafts will offer you the opportunity to descry through its varied options and take back goods that are sure to remind you of the talents displayed in the store.
Paintings, sculptures, arts & crafts
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.
Handicrafts, brassware
Spring forms the transition between the chilly winters and the hot summers so it’s a lovely mix of the extremes that can be used to explore the hinterland. The flowers are in bloom and make for a scenic getaway in the countryside.
The Basanta Utsav is celebrated during this time and sees the university town decked in vivacious colours.
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.
Tagore’s birthday in May is celebrated with much flourish and fanfare that would be a one of a kind experience for all who revere the man.
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 weather is delightful and best suited for the visitor to explore the destination.
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.
October heat may strike at times but mostly it’s a pleasant season to visit Shantiniketan.
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.
This is when the city is enveloped in happy glow of colours and cheerful faces due to the Poush Mela being celebrated.
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.
