Sahantiniketan, a small but well planned town in West Bengal, near Bolpur. It was built by the versatile genius Rabindranath Tagore who was not only a famous writer, novelist, dramatist, singer but also a noble prize winner of 1913. Shantiniketan means abode of peace. Tourists generally get attracted by the beauty and charm of the people.
A famous International University, Visva Bharati is located here where thousands of people come to take admission both from India and abroad. This university enhances the beauty of the place. The tranquil atmosphere refreshes the mind of the people. This place is reach in cultural heritage and endowed with natural beauty. Kala bhavan is a world-wide popular college. This place is the cultural hub of West Bengal. The inhabitant of this place is very amicable and helpful.
Poush Mela (mela means fair) is foremost attraction of this place, after Visva Bharati. One must come to this place once to enjoy this colorful fair. It is the annual fair and festival of this place and an eye catching event. Every year people from different corner of the world come here to visit this fair which is generally held in the month of December (last week). In this mela or fair people gather for amusement and entertainment.
Places of interest for the tourists
Tagores ashram- in one word it is best defined as a religious place. This ashram was founded by Rabindranath Tagores father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. This ashram was basically built for the preaching Brahmo Dharma so that the people can have knowledge of Brahma Samaj. The ashram itself signifies peace.
Rabindra Bhavan- this is a museum where the tourist can have the pleasure of seeing Tagores personal collection and the gifts and prizes that he received during his life time. Here one can also find an extravagant collection of his paintings. Entry timing to this place is from 7am-11am and in winter from 10:30am-4:30am. And the entry is totally free of cost. From this place one can gather knowledge about our Noble Laureate and renowned writer Rabindranath Tagore.
Kala Bhavan- it is a complex situated within Visva Bharati and a place famous for its visual art. It is also a study and research centre. Different courses are offered here, both diploma and graduates. Painting, art, graphic designing etc are taught here. Students from different parts of the world come here to take admission. It ensures a bright future to its students.
Sriniketan- it is the centre for rural reconstruction and the socio-economic issues are studied here. It is concerned with the welfare of the people such as their education, agriculture, handicraft, cottage industry etc. it has an agricultural college that offers agricultural course to the students.
Sangeet Bhavan: it anticipates art, dance, music, drama etc. this building is within the university campus. It trains people on Classical Vocal Music, Hindustani Instrumental Sangeet and Rabindra Sangeet. It also trains Kathakali and Manipuri. Research work is also done here and it is an ideal place for the artist lovers.
Siksha Bhavan- it is a study centre for science which offers courses both for graduate and post graduates. Subjects offered here are math, chemistry, biotechnology, zoology and botany.
Patha Bhavan- This place is famous for its Primary and secondary education. It has a very nice educational ground and has a calm and peaceful atmosphere which motivates the students.
Uttarayan Complex- this is the place where Rabindranath Tagore used to stay during his lifetime. The building has a distinct and unique architectural style. It is a huge building with five houses of Tagore.
How to reach
By AIR Bolpur doesnt have its own airport. So the tourists need to arrive at Kolkata airport, which is well connected with all the parts of India as well as abroad. Taxi or cab is always available outside the airport, which would charge around 4,000. It takes around 4hrs approx 2reach the place.
By TRAIN The nearest railway station is bolpur which is only 2kms away from shantiniketan. The bolpur is well connected with all the parts of India .It takes around 3hrs from Kolkata to reach Shantiniketan. The train fare of second class is very cheap.
By BUS Both private and state transports are available. It takes roughly around 4hrs to reach the destination. The bus charges about Rs4/km.
Best time to visit
The climate of Shantiniketan is very pleasant. A moderate type of climate is prevalent throughout the year. Spring is the best time to visit this place. As it has a moderate type of climate so the tourists can visit the place at any time of the year.
