My trip to Shantiniketan took place before the COVID-19 pandemic. Before we proceed, let me explain where Shantiniketan is located and why it is famous. As a native of West Bengal, I can attest to the state's rich traditions in culture, art, and history. Bengal has produced numerous freedom fighters and well-known personalities. Shantiniketan served as a residential school and art center that drew inspiration from ancient Indian traditions and aimed to foster unity among humanity, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned figure, founded Visva Bharati University, and it is also the place where he spent his last days. Another notable personality associated with Shantiniketan is Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who used to reside in the area. Shantiniketan is situated in Bolpur, Birbhum district, approximately 150 km away from Kolkata. The closest railway station is Bolpur, where you can disembark and then take an e-rickshaw to reach Visva Bharati University. To summarize, two days is usually sufficient to explore Shantiniketan.
👉Viswa Bharati University is truly a remarkable place to visit. I have had the privilege of visiting this university twice and I cannot express enough how much I appreciate its vast and lush green campus. The departments and centers within the university exude a charming Gurukul vibe, reminiscent of a traditional learning environment. The classrooms and centers are adorned with beautiful portraits and artwork, creating a visually stimulating atmosphere. One can also witness women gracefully riding bicycles in traditional sarees, adding to the unique charm of the campus.Taking a leisurely stroll around the campus, one can easily spend around 45 minutes captivated by the beautiful art on display. The serenity of the university, surrounded by nature, truly makes it a special place. The paintings adorning the walls of the various parts of the Ashram are exceptionally beautiful and definitely worth seeing. The glass temple, chhatimtala, amra kunja, bakul bithi, as well as the areas of kala bhavan and Sangit bhavan, all possess a nostalgic charm. Viswa Bharati University is not just a place, but a harmonious blend of nature, individuals, and an artistic environment. It is evident that the people who lived here embraced a lifestyle that was in tune with nature and the creative atmosphere that surrounded them. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience the beauty and peacefulness of this university.
👉I wanted to share some exciting news with you regarding the Tagore Ashram. I am delighted to inform you that the ground floor has been completely renovated since my last visit. The renovation work, which had just begun during my previous visit, is now finished. It has been transformed into a stunning museum showcasing the various household items used by Rabindranath and the Tagore family. On the first floor, you will still find the noble laureate's bed and the beautifully airy rooms. Everywhere you look, there are captivating pictures of Rabindranath. Additionally, the building across from the Tagore house, which was previously closed, now has a guard stationed outside. You can even catch a glimpse of the statue of Rabindranath when you peer inside. Furthermore, on the right side of this building, you will find his car on display. I am certain that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to the Tagore house. The renovations have truly breathed new life into this historical place, and I am grateful for the opportunity to witness it. Tagore's idea of a beautiful balance between humans and nature truly comes alive in this place. I recommend setting aside a relaxed half-day in your schedule to fully experience the wonders of the Uttarayan Complex. After that, you might find yourself wanting to return for another round of exploration.
👉The Amar Kutir shop is a great place to spend time. I bought some clothes that were both high-quality and reasonably priced. There is no sense of overpricing here. The staff members are very skilled and treat customers with respect. They offer a wide variety of options for everything you are looking for. The Amar Kutir Hesel Ghar is a wonderful addition. They serve authentic Bengali food on kansa plates with a friendly atmosphere. The serving staff regularly check if you need anything else. Overall, it is a convenient destination that provides everything you need. On our way back from Amar Kutir, we came across a small roadside market where villagers showcased and sold their products. You can explore this market, as it offers a variety of handmade products, including shirts and other wooden items.
👉Rabindra Bhavan Museum is a sophisticated museum that showcases historical exhibits on the life of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
In addition to the aforementioned locations, there are other places nearby such as Sarkar Raj Bari, Siksha Bhawan, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Prakrit Bhawan. The food options are quite average, with multiple local dhabas available. Moreover, one can also find various artifacts and paintings of Rabindranath Tagore. Additionally, I would like to mention that there is another museum located just outside the Bolpur Railway Station, which happens to be the nearest railway station to Shantiniketan.
