Description

Shantiniketan has a history that began in 1862. Debendra Nath Tagore, a leader of the Brahma Samaj was so taken by the tranquil beauty of the place that he bought the land, built a guest house and planted trees. His son Rabindra Nath began a school here with just 5 students in 1901 and it went on to become India'a first University with a truly international character. The Tagore museum, the galleries, the prayer hall where Debendra Nath meditated, the classrooms with lively frescoes, the houses such as Udichi and Shyamali that Rabindra Nath lived in, draw a never-ending stream of visitors from around the world. The rustic charm of Khoai that is made of laterite soil rich in iron oxide in the shapes of tiny hills, by the River Kopai is a wonderful sight to watch. The unique Sonajhuri forest of Shantiniketan is a great attraction too.

Duration

Distance: 164km from Kolkata.
Time: 4.5 time by road; 3.5 hours from Kolkata to Bolpur Station.

Best Time to Visit

Winter is the best time to experience the tranquility of nature in Shantiniketan. The festival of 'Poush Mela' also takes place during the third week of December. 'Basanta Utsav' in March is also famous in Shantiniketan. But the weather stays scorching and hot.

Hotel Range

1200/- to 4000/- per room per night.

Tips

Do the shopping from Shanibarer Haat that only takes place every Saturday every week.
Apart from tagore's Ashram, Museum, Chatimtala, Upasana Ghar, Kala Bhavan, etc. Also visit Kankalitala (9 km), one of the 51 Shaktipeeths and Nanur (13 km), the birthplace of the 14th century poet Chandidas.
Listen to Baul sangeet and explore the Santaal culture. You can also visit the Deer Park located close-by.
Visit Jiraan, Banalakshmi, Dwaranda etc.