A complete travel guide experience of  Bolpur-Shantiniketan

I realized that my stay in Bengal would always remain unfulfilled if I did not understand and experience the vibes of Bolpur-Shantiniketan. This quaint town in the land of palash flower; 212 km from Kolkata is the nerve centre for the literary roots than bind each citizen of this state. I visited Shantiniketan on three occasions and by the end of it, I understood that this town resided in the heartfelt vibes of each Bengali. The sense of the impact that the town and its vibes have imparted is felt on many occasions across the daily lives of the citizens of west Bengal.

Shantiniketan, a small town in the Bolpur region of Bengal is where Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore flourished even before he was recognised as a Nobel award winner. It is here that he gained an insight into the daily lives of ordinary citizens living among nature and composed some of his great works including Poems, Novels and songs.

What is Shantiniketan

I define Bolpur-Shantiniketan as an ideology, as an expression of artistic love which oozes out on several occasions from many a heart and soul. Shantiniketan is where art and love bloomed and I guess it still does.

Where is Shantiniketan located

Shantiniketan remains a popular tourist attraction of international repute. It is famous culturally and is a heritage place of historical importance. Rabindranath Tagore made this place his home and penned most of his literary classics out here. The campus at Shantiniketan is adorned by many sculptures, frescos, murals and paintings of most of the eminent personalities of Bengali history and literature.

How to reach Shantiniketan

The nearest railhead is Bolpur. One can get many trains departing from Howrah to Bolpur like the famous Shantiniketan express. Kolkata to Shantiniketan by road takes close to 5 hours and the road passes through the idyllic fields of Bengal. Visitors get a glimpse of the unhurried lifestyle of rural Bengal.

Where to stay at Shantiniketan

There are many hotels in Shantiniketan. It does get pretty crowded in the winter, so finding accommodation does become difficult. One should look at staying at Bolpur which has more options available for a stay and is close to Shantiniketan as well. There are properties including resorts available in Shantiniketan across the entire range to suit the financial capability.

From the Best resorts to WBTDC properties to Lodges in Shantiniketan, the entire range is available to suit one’s personal needs.

For images, check my Stock Gallery here. These are available for Prints as well.

What is Bolpur-Shantiniketan famous for?

I would say that Shantiniketan is famous for the way of life that Rabindra Nath Tagore established and each visitor who comes here at some point wishes to emulate a similar lifestyle to lead.  

What to see in Shantiniketan

One of the most sought-after events to see in the Basanta Utsav of Bolpur-Shantiniketan. In addition to this visitors also throng to take part in the Shantiniketan Poush Mela.

Viswa Bharati University

Among places to visit in Shantiniketan , the foremost place of interest remains Viswa Bharati University. At its inception, it was called “Patha Bhavana”, established by Rabindranath Tagore himself. Only in 1921, it was transformed into Viswa Bharati university. This transformation happened a few years after Tagore received the first non-European Nobel Prize in Literature in the year 1913.

Among places to visit in Shantiniketan , the foremost place of interest remains Viswa Bharati University. At its inception, it was called “Patha Bhavana”, established by Rabindranath Tagore himself. Only in 1921, it was transformed into Viswa Bharati university. This transformation happened a few years after Tagore received the first non-European Nobel Prize in Literature in the year 1913.

Among places to visit in Shantiniketan , the foremost place of interest remains Viswa Bharati University. At its inception, it was called “Patha Bhavana”, established by Rabindranath Tagore himself. Only in 1921, it was transformed into Viswa Bharati university. This transformation happened a few years after Tagore received the first non-European Nobel Prize in Literature in the year 1913.

In this regard, special mention should go to Cheena Bhavan, Hindi Bhavan, Kala Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavan etc where various art forms are taught.

Sangeet Bhavan offers courses in Rabindra Sangeet, Hindustani classical and various dance forms. Bhasa Bhavan offers courses in Persian, Tibetan, Chinese Japanese etc.

Some parts of the University are open for visitors to visit and soak in the ambience of learning that is prevalent all around.

Upasana Griha

Among the many interesting things that I saw in Shantiniketan, one was the “Upasana Griha”. This hall is where meditation and prayers are held using music as the medium. Made completely from Belgian glass, this is a magnificent sight to behold in the evenings, lit richly by the lamps.

Rabindra Bhavan Museum

This tastefully done-up museum pays homage and acknowledges the life and the works of Rabindranath Tagore. From rare photographs to real-life incidents tracing his life journey and the receipt of the Nobel Prize, a visitor is led through the entire life of the great Nobel Poet. It is a must-visit.

Amar Kutir

If one is a fan of handicraft items from this region then a visit to Amar Kutir is a must. One can find many a most prized possession from among the various handicrafts on sale out here in this store.

Pin this to save this Blog post for Bookmark

Srijani Shilpigram

This is a huge complex developed and maintained by the EZCC (Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre). An amalgamation of the works of various artisans is showcased here. Various cultural programmes are also organised here. The replicas of the traditional houses of the eastern states of India are a must-visit.

Khoai Shanibarer Haat  

A haat(market ) is organised every Saturday and Sunday under the shade of the Saal trees in the Sonajhuri forest. Most of the merchandise which is sold here is cultural and ethnic in nature and made by artisans of the region. In addition to these exclusive handicrafts, one gets to enjoy the Baul music which is played with full enthusiasm by the local singers.

About Bolpur-Shantiniketan

This place offers to tourists who wish to spend some time in an ecosystem of cultural peace and harmony by the banks of the Khopai river. The unique bond between nature and culture has been the focal point of tourists for decades. West Bengal tourism is also doing its bit in actively promoting Shantiniketan as a place to visit. The famous Kankalitala Shakti peeth is also closely for a visit. Do read about Traveldreams by Sumit trip to this temple.

Bolpur-Shantiniketan is truly a place which resonates with peace and harmony and that is what we need to experience in our busy everyday life. Shantiniketan remains a popular weekend destination from Kolkata for many. Travels by Sumit did explore some interesting weekend destinations from Kolkata which included Pathra , the forgotten terracotta town of Paschim Mednipur and Baguran Jalpoi , an incredible sea beach destination.