Santiniketan
The writer's abode
Santiniketan Tourism
A small town near Bolpur in Birbhun district of West Bengal, Santiniketan is home to the brilliant Indian poet and writer, Rabindra Nath Tagore. Known to few, the town is located at a distance of 80 kms from Kolkata. Today, the town is home to Visva Bharati University established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore and later expanded by his son Rabindranath Tagore radically changed the concept of education of India. The gracefully laid out campus is an excellent example where knowledge and aesthetics merge.
Things to do in Santiniketan
1.Uttrayan Complex
134 kilometres from city centre
The gracefully delicate complex with green avenues, paved courtyards and exquisite gard...
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2.China Bhavan
0 kilometres from city centre
Visva Bharati teaches a lot of languages. Situated next to Hindi Bhavana, China Bhava...
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3.Prayer hall- Upasna Ghar
1 kilometres from city centre
One of the most beautiful buildings in Santiniketan, the prayer hall is made from stun...
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4.Sangeet bhavan
0 kilometres from city centre
Situated right next to Kala Bhavan, located inside the Visva Bharathi University, Sang...
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5.Chattimtala
0 kilometres from city centre
Considered to be very sacred, this place was the meditation spot of Tagore’s father, M...
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6.Kankalitala
6 kilometres from city centre
The small temple town of Kankalitala is situated at 8 kms from Santiniketan at takes ...
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7.Tagore's ashrama
141 kilometres from city centre
Known as Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore’s abode, the Tagore ashram is a must visit plac...
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8.Kala Bhavan
0 kilometres from city centre
Kala Bhavan is well known as the distinguished centre for Visual Arts practice and re...
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9.Amar Kutir
4 kilometres from city centre
Located at the banks of Kopal River, about 15 kms from Santiniketan, Amar Kutir, once ...
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10.Rabindra Bhaban Museum
1 kilometres from city centre
Located within Santiniketan, the museum is a place which best showcases the life and ...
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11.Poush Mela
1 kilometres from city centre
Poush Mela is one of the most celebrated events of the year in Santiniketan. The Mela...
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12.Deer Park
1035 kilometres from city centre
The deer park is situated 3 kms from the main campus in the Ballavpur forest, the par...
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13.Khoai Mela
2 kilometres from city centre
This is a weekly fair Santiniketan is famous for the bauls, folk singer and ethnic cr...
Read moreSantiniketan Photos
Santiniketan can be visited throughout the year. The three- day Poush Mela which is a major tourist attraction here brings in a lot of artisans, artists, folk singers, dancers and tourists from all over. Vishwa Bharati University, Tagore’s Ashrama, Upasana Ghar, Rabindra Bhaban Museum, Amar Kutir, Deer Park are the major tourist attractions in an around Santiniketan.
How to reach
Santiniketan is well connected with other cities by rail and road.
How to Reach by Flight
Santiniketan cannot be reached directly via airways due to the lack of air connectivity. If you plan to reach by flight, you can first fly to Kolkata international airport and then travel by road. Santiniketan is at 200kms from the Kolkata International Airport.
How to Reach 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.
How to Reach by Bus
Santiniketan is well connected by buses from all around. From Kolkata, if you want to go by bus, then you have to take Kolkata-Asansol bus or Kolkata-Suri bus. For Asansol bound bus you have to get down near Panagarh and for Suri bound bus you have to get down near Ilambazar and for both cases, you have to catch another bus for Santiniketan.
How to Reach by Road
Santiniketan is well connected by roads. Buses from major surrounding areas like Kolkata, Guwahati and Durgapur are available at nominal prices.
How to travel within
Commuting in the city is mainly done with tourist cars and cycle rickshaws. You can also hire bikes and cycles for yourself in the region for under 2,000 for 2-3 days.
Local Cuisine
Santiniketan has a variety of cuisines to offer. The university has a number of small to medium restaurants. Even though the beer and wine shops are rarely found, Rice beer found here is popular during all the fares
Famous restaurants in Santiniketan include:
· Shakunthala (Bengali Cuisine)
· 9 x 9 Restaurant (Indian, Asian, Chinese)
· Kasahara (Indian, Asian, Chinese)
· Atithya (Indian, Asian)
· Sonajhuri Resturant
· Whispering woods Restaurant (Indian, Chinese)
Santiniketan Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Visva Bharati University
- Afternoon: Uttarayan Complex, Rabindra Bhavana
- Evening: The deer park, Tagore's Ashram
Note: Visit during Saturdays to witness the weekly fair Khoai Mela and if you plan to spend more than a day, devote an entire day to enjoy the University and if the time permits do travel to Kankalitala.
