Shantiniketan: Where the Songs of Tagore Come Alive
“Let your life lightly dance on the edges of
Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.”
-Rabindranath Tagore
These beautiful words of Tagore inspire one to appreciate life in a more meaningful and magnificent way. The Nobel laureate who dedicated his life to the service of mankind is no longer with us, but his presence can still be felt in every corner of Shantiniketan.
Situated nearly 180 km away from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a small town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Travel to Shantiniketan to witness the living epitome of Bengal’s art and culture. It is a historically significant site and an ideal destination for educational tours and experiencing rural Bengal.
Sightseeing in Santiniketan includes a prayer hall, museum, garden, library, handicraft shop, wildlife sanctuary, and River Kopai. The destination is perfect for those who want to explore Tagore’s contribution to Indian art, culture, and literature.
Earlier known as Bhubandanga, the area was endowed to the Tagore family. In 1862, Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, renamed it Shantiniketan and established a small ashram. Later, Rabindranath founded a school for five students called Patha Bhavana, which eventually evolved into the world-famous Visva Bharati University.
Do not miss tasting the sweet morabba during your visit. You can also purchase delicious and authentic Bengali pickles, one of the specialities of the region.
Following are the main travel attractions of Shantiniketan
Visva Bharati University: Established by Rabindranath Tagore in 1901, this university is the lifeline of the town. Tagore described it as the place ‘where the world makes a home in a nest.’ Open-air education is the hallmark of this institution. It has produced several eminent personalities of India such as Amartya Sen and Satyajit Ray.
Tagore’s Ashram: Also known as the Shantiniketan Ashram, its foundation was laid by Debendranath Tagore in 1863. This historic site is where Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his most celebrated literary works.
Upasana Grih: This beautiful prayer hall was established by Tagore’s father in 1863. It features colourful Belgian glass and white marble steps on all sides. Every evening, the hall is illuminated with candles, creating a stunning visual effect.
It is popularly known as ‘Kancher Mandir’, meaning ‘Glass Temple’. Sitting here in quiet reflection is a calming and soul-stirring experience.
Uttarayan Complex: This complex consists of several buildings where Rabindranath Tagore lived at different stages of his life. The buildings include Udayana, Shyamali, Udichi, Punascha, and Konarka.
Udayana: The largest building in the complex, built between 1922–1925. It was designed by Rathindranath Tagore and Surendranath Kar. Rabindranath stayed here until 1941 before leaving for Kolkata for medical treatment.
Shyamali: A unique clay-and-tar structure designed by Ramkinkar Baij and Nandalal Bose. Tagore shifted here on his 74th birthday in 1935. Several eminent personalities, including Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, also stayed here.
Udichi: Inaugurated in 1938 on Tagore’s birthday, the building was earlier named ‘Sejuti’ but renamed Udichi as it stood on the northern side of the complex. The rose garden planted by Tagore still blooms near the building.
Punascha: Located east of Shyamali, it was built on Tagore’s request and he moved into it in 1936.
Konarka: Constructed between 1919–1922 on the northwest side of the complex, it was built by Rabindranath Tagore for his son Rathindranath and his wife.
Kala Bhavan: A renowned department of Visual Arts at the university, founded in 1919. Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art, was its first Principal.
Chatimtala: Opposite the Uttarayan complex, this is a major landmark of Shantiniketan. Debendranath Tagore meditated here during his travels in 1862. Moved by the serenity of the spot, he decided to build Shantiniketan in this location.
Chitrabhanu: Located south of Uttarayan, this building served as Rathindranath Tagore’s office. The ground floor, known as the “Cave House,” resembles a cave from outside but looks like a ship’s cabin from inside. The upper floor, Chitrabhanu, housed the studio of Pratima Devi, Rathindranath’s wife.
Bichitra: Also known as Rabindra Bhavan, it was built in 1961 on Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary and inaugurated by India’s then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
The building contains a museum and a library showcasing Tagore’s manuscripts, letters, photographs, and paintings. Towards the northeast stands Humber, Tagore’s personal car.
Excursions from Shantiniketan: Murshidabad (78 km), Boranti (85 km), Ambika Kalna (87 km), Howrah (137 km), and Kolkata (142 km) are ideal nearby getaways.
Shopping in Shantiniketan: Visitors can buy elegant hand-made leather bags, purses, and clutches. Jute bags and mats are also specialities. Kantha-stitch dress materials, saris, blouses, and batik fabrics are highly recommended. Beautiful jewellery made of sea-shells, brass, and bamboo is widely sold in nearby villages.
Do try the delicious and spicy aloo-chap, a North Indian snack made of fried potato cake stuffed with onion, ginger, and spices.
When to Reach: Shantiniketan can be visited throughout the year, but October–March is the best time due to the pleasant weather. Tourists can also plan their visit during the famous Poush Mela celebrated in December—a 3-day festival marking the beginning of the harvest season.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is in Kolkata, about 200 km from Shantiniketan.
Rail: Bolpur Railway Station (3 km) is the nearest railhead with connections to major cities of Bengal and Bihar.
Road: Regular buses operate from Kolkata to Shantiniketan.
Relax, rejuvenate, and refresh your soul. Book a Shantiniketan Tour Package today and experience the rich literature, art, and intellect of West Bengal.
