SHANTINIKETAN
Shantiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum District of West Bengal. Shantiniketan emerged into eminence when Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore gave shape to Viswa Bharati University, a unique seat of learning unparalleled in the world. Presently Shantiniketan attracts thousands of visitors every year, not only in pursuit of education, but also to seek inner peace. Shantiniketan was earlier known as Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local outlaw) was owned by the Tagore family. In 1862, on a boat journey to Raipur, the poet’s father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore spotted this landscape of red soil and lush green paddy fields and decided to build a house amidst verdant surroundings. He bought the property and founded an Ashram (Hermitage) in 1863 – His Shantiniketan, an Abode of Peace. 48 years later in 1901, Rabindranath chose a vast plot of land nearby and started a school called Brahmachary Ashram, modelled after India’s ancient gurukul system which was later expanded and upgraded to a university. It was renamed as Viswa Bharati University that was described by the poet as ‘where the world makes a home in the nest’. This took shape after the Poet was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. This abode of peace embodies Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a place of learning is unfettered by religious and regional barriers. Shantiniketan grew into the Visva Bharati University in 1921, attracting some of the most creative minds in the country, after Tagore received the Noble Prize. In this university tourists will find a unique setting for imparting education, with classes held in open. Situated in the lush surroundings, this university is a veritable abode of peace and tranquillity where with prior appointment one can spend time with students and teachers to learn more. Shantiniketan is also a repository of exotic sculptures, frescos, murals and paintings of Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij, Binodbihari Mukhopadhyay and many other artists of international fame.
Facts File of Shantiniketan:
Temperature: Summer 34 to 39 degree Celsius and winter 15 to 12 degree Celsius.
Season: Throughout the year.
Clothing: Summer – cotton/ tropical, winter – woolens.
Language spoken: Bengali, Hindi and English
Around Shantiniketan:
Visva Bharati University: This quiet place was chosen by Rabindranath Tagore as a suitable location for study. Since then the Viswa Bharati University at Shantiniketan has gained a steady reputation for excellence in teaching and learning. Viswa Bharati University is a blend of both Indian and Foreign culture and education. Along with providing education to the students the local authorities also looks after other developments of the students.
The Uttarayana Complex: It is the place at Shantiniketan where the poet once lived and it consists of several buildings such as Udayana, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi those are the other buildings on the campus.
Cheena Bhawan: This is the institute of Chinese language and cultural center located at Shantiniketan founded in the year 1937. The Cheena Bhawan at Shantiniketan focuses on studying of Chinese Culture, traditions and language and it is also regularly visited by Chinese Scholars as well. Though the structure is not very large, but the exterior is beautifully made with intricate patterns. The main hall of the Cheena Bhawan is decorated with frescoes on the walls created by world-renowned artist Nandalal Bose and his students.
Hindi Bhawan: Hindi Bhawan at Shantiniketan was built in the year 1939 to promote Hindi language among students of Visva Bharati University. The library here at Hindi Bhawan has books about the Hindi writing and scholarly works. The walls of Hindi Bhawan are also decorated with frescos and wall paintings.
Nippon Bhawan: This is the department of Indo – Japanese language and culture at Shantiniketan. It has a library of its own consisting of books, mostly in Japanese, but also in English and other languages.
Kala Bhawan: This is College of fine arts and crafts at Shantiniketan that also has a museum (It is an open air museum where most pieces are on display) exhibiting sculptures, frescos and murals and a library of art books. Kala Bhavan is a panorama of Indian art and is a must see place in Shantiniketan that has Thousands of art pieces are on display including the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Nand Lal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij and Benode Bihari Mukherjee.
Path Bhawan: Path Bhawan at Shantiniketan was earlier known as Brahmacharya Ashram which was established by Rabindranath Tagore with 05 students. Later this became Path Bhawan which is now a secondary school is of particular interest, being an example of the traditional school. Students from worldwide come here in order to get the education. Path Bhawan an open area with multiple tree based open classrooms established in 1901 and is a must visit spot at Shantiniketan.
Sangeet Bhawan: Sangeet Bhawan at Shantiniketan is the College of music and dance set up within the periphery of Visva Bharati University. The Sangeet Bhawan started functioning as a part of Kala Bhavana in 1919 but later separated as individual institution in 1933.
Vidya Bhawan: The Vidya Bhavan at Shantiniketan is the Humanities section of Visva Bharati University. Tourists can visit here for educational purpose.
Siksha Bhawan: The Siksha Bhawan at Shantiniketan is the College of science of Visva Bharati University. The Siksha Bhawan was developed during 1961 – 1963.
Vinaya Bhawan: The Vinaya Bhawan at Shantiniketan was established in 1948 as Art and Craft and Music Teachers Training Centre and subsequently developed as a full-fledged Teachers Training College in 1951.
Siksha Satra: Siksha Satra is a secondary school located at Sriniketan at Birbhum District. It was established in 1924 and functions under Visva Bharati University of Shantiniketan.
Sriniketan Campus: Sriniketan is located around 03 km to the south west of Shantiniketan and this campus has two Bhabans. When Rabindranath Tagore started this University, he has two visions in his mind – one is to spread education and another is rural reconstruction. Sriniketan Campus is for rural reconstruction and this work starts from Sriniketan along with the nearby villages. Here students and farmers are taught the process of developing their production. Apart from this practice of handicrafts experiments are carried out here. On the 06th of February every year the annual festival based on education, rural reconstruction, village education and culture are showcased here. Many also claimed this festival as ‘Farmer’s Festival’. In this festival the farmers, craftsman and other artisans showcased their best of the best products. Numerous locals of Sriniketan sets their make shift stalls where they sell different types of items like Dokra art sculptures, terracotta idols, clay idols and others.
Chatimtala: One of the important travel attractions in Shantiniketan is Chatimtala, the place where Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore used to meditate. Prayers are held usually at convocation time. Successful graduates of the Vishwa Bharati University are presented a branch of five leaves each from the Saptaparni trees which abound in the area. From here within close proximity lies Upasana Temple.
Excursions:
Fullora (30 km): Located near Labhpur, Fullora is famous around Shantiniketan for being the place where one of the most venerated Shakti Shrines in India is located. Legend has it that following the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice and the Rudra Tandava of Lord Shiva, parts of Sati’s body fell at several places throughout India and these places are revered as Shakti Peethas. The lip of Sati is said to have fallen at this spot. The temple is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
Bakreshwar (58 km): A famous pilgrimage destination near Shantiniketan for the Hindus, the place is also famous for hot springs. The place is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The forehand and eyebrows of Sati is said to have fallen at this spot. The hot springs of Bakreshwar are said to contain some medicinal properties which helps in the cure of several diseases.
Massanjore Dam (78 km): Constructed on Mayurakshi River, Massanjore Dam is located in Dumka district of Jharkhand. It is 2170 feet long and 155 feet high. The spot is covered by hills and thick natural vegetation from all sides and is an ideal place for a weekend trip from Shantiniketan.
Nanoor (23 km): Located in the Birbhum district in West Bengal, Nanoor is the birth place of famous Vaishnava poet Chandidas. The place is home to several temples built in the 17th to 18th century. Some of these temples are famous for exquisite terracotta sculpture.
Nalhati (104 km): A famous pilgrimage destination for the Hindus, the place is also famous for hot springs. The place is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The throat of Sati is said to have fallen here.
Tarapeeth (80 km): If you want to dwell deeper into the spiritual mystery, then Tarapeeth, a place in West Bengal is a place to be. Located near a funeral ground, the place is famous for its Tara Temple attracting visitors in thousands. On some eventful day, at night the funeral ground buzzes with activity. Worshippers and cremation exists side by side. One of 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara.
Kankalitala (07 km): This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and it is believed that at Kankalitala the hip portion of Sati felt and is located to the north eastern side of Kopai River and the place is known as Kopobati. There is a protected Kund or pond beside the temple where the hip portion of sati is settled. The temple at Kankalitala was established by Saint Jagadish Baba in the year 1969 and is a single roofed and without any architectural designs.
Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary: Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary popularly known as Deer Park was established in 1977 and is located around 2.5 km away from Bolpur, Shantiniketan. Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is spread on area of 200 hectares and is an ideal location for migratory birds which are spotted during winters. Along with that this sanctuary is also home to wild animals like Spotted Deer, Black Bucks, Jackal and others.
Fairs and Festivals of Shantiniketan:
Famous for its festival, the grand Poush Utsav at Shantiniketan is celebrated on the Foundation Day of the University.
The colourful Basant Uatsav is celebrated on the occasion of Holi.
The Nandan Mela, which was originally started to raise money for a poor student, is today an event where university students display and sell their art.
Other events like the Sarodotsav (Autumn Festival).
Maghotsav (Founding day of the Sriniketan Campus).
Briksharopan Utsav (Tree planting Festival) is also celebrated with great pomp and favour.
Not to mention the Baul Mela at Joydev and the Kenduli Festival.
Shopaholics and souvenir collectors will find cottage industries that specialise in pottery, leatherwork, batik print and woodwork.
Today, this beautifully laid out university and small sleepy town have acquired the status of a unique tourist haven.
Getting there:
Rail: The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 02 km away from Shantiniketan. Trains connect Bolpur with Howrah and Sealdah (Kolkata). Tourists can opt to avail Visva- Bharati Fast Passenger or Rampurhat Express from Howrah to reach Bolpur within 2.5 hours.
Road: An excellent road connects Shantiniketan with Kolkata (212 km). If one follows the Durgapur Expressway, it takes approximately 04 hours to reach Shantiniketan. Buses to Bolpur are available from Esplanade bus terminus in Kolkata.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Shantiniketan is during monsoon and winter months from July to February.
WBTDCL – SHANTOBITAN TOURISM PROPERTY – EARLIER (SHANTINIKETAN TOURIST LODGE)
Shantobitan Tourism Property also known as Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge is a state run government lodge or guest house maintained by WBTDCL Tourism department. Shantobitan Tourism Property or Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge is located 02 km away from Bolpur railway station. Shantobitan Tourism Property or Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge is a well maintained staying option for tourists visiting Shantiniketan. Shantobitan Tourism Property or Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge is spread over a vast area with beautiful flowering gardens in the exterior area. There are well appointed rooms and cottages with big lawns and helpful staffs. Being located to Visva Bharati University tourists can have good access to all the tourist spot around Shantiniketan from Shantobitan Tourism Property or Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge. The restaurant attached with the property offers great delicacies (specially the Bengal cuisines) to tourists.
Amenities available:
Well-appointed rooms with attached bathrooms.
In house restaurant facility.
Vehicles available for local sightseeing.
Rooms are equipped with AC facilities.
LED TV in all rooms and cottages.
Room service available.
Running hot and cold water.
Tariff:
A.C. Deluxe Double Bedded Room With Balcony (GR or 1st or 2nd Floor): 3200/-
A.C. Large Double Bedded Room (GR or 1st or 2nd Floor): 2800/-
A.C. Standard Double Bedded Room (GR or 1st or 2nd Floor): 2000/-
A.C. Suite Double Bedded Room with Balcony (GR or 1st or 2nd Floor): 3500/-
Cottage A.C. Deluxe: 2900/-
Cottage A.C. Standard: 2300/-
Taxes as applicable, payable at spot.
20% discount from Senior Citizens
20% for extra person
HOW TO BOOK: Call 9831311606 , 9830381306 and get the current rooms availability status or use the query form below.
Or visit us at 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003, near Manindra Chandra College. Or drop your query by Whats app in the above numbers.
