Santiniketan Tourism (2024) - West Bengal

Shantiniketan Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: Mid August to March Read More

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Also Refered As:

Santiniketan

"Rabindranath Tagore's Eternal Abode"

Shantiniketan Tourism

Known to few, mainly as Rabindranath Tagore's home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The town comprises mainly of Visva Bharati University.

The University was set up by Rabindranath Tagore's father and later popularized by him to radically change the concept of education in India. Today, this beautifully laid out university and small sleepy town has acquired the status of a unique tourist haven, where lines of knowledge and aesthetic brilliance merge.

Tagore's ashrama

Poush Mela

Amar Kutir

Rabindra Bhaban Museum

Chattimtala

Khoai Mela

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The Tagore Connection

Santiniketan is best known as the residing place of Rabindra Nath Tagore for an extended period. This is the place where his father, Debendranath Tagore, indulged in spiritual pursuits as well. Places like Tagore's ashrama, Chattimtala, Rabindra Bhaban Museum and Uttrayan complex make up for great tourist attraction. They play a significant role as a tie between the present and the history. These places can provide great stimulation to history lovers, as many of the old items related to the Tagores are also available for the visitors.

Restaurants and Local Food in Shantiniketan

Santiniketan has a variety of eating places and cuisines to offer. The campus of Visva Bharati and the surrounding town has a number of small and medium restaurants.
Beer and wine shops are sparsely located but a drink that is worth trying is the rice beer, especially popular during all the fares. It's much lighter than normal beer but is brewed in the region and not easy to find elsewhere.
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Suggested Itinerary for Shantiniketan

Day 1: Reach Santiniketan and freshen up at your hotel. Visit Tagore's ashrama which was built by Debendranath Tagore on his arrival at Santiniketan. Then, go to Chattimtala which is known as his meditation spot. Head towards Rabindra Bhaban Museum which is the home to the remaining valuable items of the Tagore family.

Day 2: Dedicate the day to artistic revelations. Visit Kala Bhavan which empowers artistic ability among students. Then go to Amar Kutir where handcrafted items are exhibited. Go to Uttrayan Complex which was an abode to Rabindranath Tagore. Visit Nippon Bhavan which is dedicated to strengthening India and Japan's diplomatic relations.

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How to Reach Shantiniketan

How to Reach Overview

Santiniketan cannot be reached directly via airways due to the lack of air connectivity. You have to rely on Kolkata's international airport if you are travelling via plane. Santiniketan doesn't have a railway station either, but Bolpur's railway station is quite near Santiniketan and can be used as the deboarding place. Santiniketan has an excellent connectivity via roadways, as taxis and buses are available.

How to reach Shantiniketan by flight

Santiniketan is not equipped with its own airport. If you plan to fly to West Bengal, then Kolkata is the nearest airport from Santiniketan. Cabs are easily available to drive you to Santiniketan, but the drive is a good 200 km and 3 hours long.

How to reach Shantiniketan by road

Travelling by road is another comfortable option. Santiniketan is well connected by roads. Buses from major surrounding areas like Kolkata, Guwahati and Durgapur are available at nominal prices. Taxis and buses take you to Santiniketan from nearby areas at affordable prices. You also have the
option to drive on your own.

How to reach Shantiniketan by train

The most convenient way to reach Santiniketan is by train. The nearest station is Bolpur Station which is hardly 2-3 km away. You can easily hire a bus or a cab to drive you to your accommodation's location.

Local transport in Shantiniketan

Commuting in the city is mainly done with tourist cars and cycle rickshaws. Many of them are pre-arranged for by the guest house you choose to stay in. However, the best way to explore this beautiful, sleepy town is on foot. You can also hire bikes and cycles for yourself from one of the numerous suppliers in the region for under 2,000 for 2-3 days.

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FAQs on Shantiniketan

What is famous about Santiniketan?

Rich in culture. Reflects the heritage of India due to its strong historical roots. Home to gorgeous gardens. Events like Pousmela and Basanta Utsav also attract a lot of tourists.

What is not so good about Santiniketan?

No airways connectivity. Not an all-weather tourist spot. Quite small in area so fewer options for sightseeing. Not easy to reach from other parts of the country directly.

Who should visit Santiniketan?

Santiniketan is the perfect place for those people who like to travel to unpopular places and explore the unknown. It can also stimulate those individuals who like to indulge into history and heritage. Moreover, Santiniketan is the right place for those people who want to understand how different festivals are celebrated in West India.

What is the best time to visit Santiniketan?

Santiniketan, the abode of peace, is best visited during monsoons and winters, i.e., between July and February. Other than the days when there are heavy rains, the climate remains overcast with light showers, making for a decent time to explore the rich culture of West Bengal. The climate remains comfortably cool throughout the day allowing tourists to explore every aspect of the beautiful abode whether it is set indoors or outdoors. Some may even choose to visit during the transitional season of spring which occurs in March. The weather is warmer compared to the winter season, but pleasant and comfortable. Summertime, between April and June, is not recommended to tourists because of the high-temperature the region experiences, making it the most inconvenient time of the year.

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What is the local food in Santiniketan?

What is the best way to reach Santiniketan?

What are the things to do in Santiniketan?

The top things to do in Santiniketan are Tagore's ashrama, Poush Mela, Amar Kutir, Rabindra Bhaban Museum, Chattimtala, Khoai Mela. You can see all the places to visit in Santiniketan here

What are the places near Santiniketan?

The top places near to Santiniketan are Nabadwip which is 76 km from Santiniketan, Bishnupur which is located 76 km from Santiniketan, Kolkata which is located 141 km from Santiniketan, Bardhaman which is located 53 km from Santiniketan, Durgapur which is located 41 km from Santiniketan

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Shantiniketan Reviews

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Devyani Chandra

6 years ago

- The place is beautiful, the local people are honest and unlikely to cheat you. But it is best to stay on the guard, especially with your belongings. It is best to select a hotel once you reach the (Read More)place. Rooms are easily available, so no need to worry. Also staying inside the campus is the safest option.

Partha Khan

5 years ago

Another beautiful weekend destination where you can find cultural heritage meeting with nature's grace. Simply entertaining and relaxing. "Link Hidden"

Saikat Das

6 years ago

Beautiful place for one or two days.

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Shantiniketan Travel Essentials