About Shantiniketan
Welcome to the town which is known for its literary and artistic heritage, for its colourful festivals and culture, for Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Mrinalini Sarabhai….
A unique blend of education, art, and culture, nestled in the serene landscapes of West Bengal – Welcome to Shantiniketan! A town that embodies the rich legacy of art, literature, and education. As we journey through the captivating narratives of Shantiniketan, we invite you to experience a place where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly. Allow us to guide you through the intriguing history, remarkable landmarks, vibrant culture, and academic excellence define this extraordinary destination – Shantiniketan.
“Santiniketan is a university town where people live and work together in harmony with nature.” – Rabindranath Tagore
Sonajhuri Haat
Sonajhuri Haat, also known as Sonibarer Haat or Khoai Mela, is a renowned open-air market that comes alive every Saturday on the banks of the Khoai River in Santiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal, India. Nestled amidst the Sal, Sonajhuri, and Piyal trees, the market exudes a tranquil rural charm. This marketplace is a treasure trove for shoppers, offering a plethora of contemporary and stylish products. From handmade artifacts to clothes, bags, shoes, toys, jewelry, and a myriad of gift items, the market is a showcase of the craftsmanship of local artisans. Sonajhuri Haat is not just a market; it’s a celebration of East Indian culture, with a special emphasis on tribal and folk traditions.
We are just 7 mins drive from this renowned open air market.
Visva Bharati University
Visva Bharati University, located in Santiniketan, is governed by an Executive Council and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields such as humanities, social sciences, science, fine arts, music, and more. The university has also collaborated with several foreign universities to promote cultural exchange and academic cooperation. With a focus on student development, Visva Bharati University has become one of the top schools in India. The university’s founder, Acharya Rabindranath Tagore, envisioned a holistic approach to education that prioritizes the well-being of students.
We are just 10 mins drive from this university.
Kankalitala Temple
It is one of the Sati Peethas where the waist (or kankal in Bengali) of Parvati fell which is at present the Kankalitala town. Goddess Parvati is the residing deity of the Kankalitala Temple. Such is the prominence of this Temple that it forms a part of the most important Hindu-pilgrimage circuit of India.Unlike other Sati Piths, Kankalitala Mandir has no deity statue. Even through the centrally-placed icon of Kali located within the mandir appears to be the focus of Kankalitala, the most sacred object present at this Sati Pith is the Kund located next to the temple which is in fact the original form of the goddess at Kankalitala – a pond which has been worshiped since ancient times.
We are 9 kms away from this temple.
Deer Park
About 3 km from the main campus is the Ballavpur forest. The forest shelters a naturally bred large family of deer. It is now known as the deer park. The beautiful park is the perfect example of the contrast between the man made university and nature crafted forest. The Deer Park is a beautiful natural destination for the visitors. It is a large wooded region with breathtaking green grasslands and exotic variety of flora and fauna. The park is home to different species of deer along with some wild animals and birds. The natural green forest and lush green landscapes make it a favorite haunt for the amazing variety of bird species and also attract nature lovers and bird watchers to enjoy a short walk across the deer park.
We are just 10 minutes drive from this park.
Raipur Rajbari
Located just 6km south-west of Bolpur in Birbhum, Raipur is today a relatively nondescript sleepy village on the banks of the Ajay river. But it was once home to a magnificent palace, the decaying remains of which can still be visited and explored today. The Palace of Raipur, also known as Raipur Rajbari, Jomidari, or Lord Sinha Palace is testament to the wealth and power of the Sinha family dynasty, who’s influence spread far and wide, extending far beyond the limits of Bengal on to the global stage.
The very sight of the dilapidated Raipur Rajbari of Birbhum does evoke a sense of rare pride and sorrow combined.
Its a 6 km journey from our place
Rabindra Bhavan musuem
Nestled amidst the serene surroundings of Santiniketan, the Rabindra Bhaban Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. Set amidst lush gardens and shaded pathways, the museum is housed in a stately building that echoes the architectural style of the region, with its red-brick walls and terracotta accents. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated to showcase Tagore’s multifaceted talents and his contributions to literature, music, art, and education. Display cases hold rare first editions of his literary works, handwritten manuscripts adorned with his elegant script, and letters exchanged with luminaries from around the world.
We are 10 minutes drive from the musuem.
Sangeet Bhavan
An abode of music and dance. It is a privilege to enter the Sangeet Bhavan and be amazed at the kind of talent flourishing there. Not without reason did Tagore give equal prominence to music and dance while setting up Viswa Bharati. It is situated right next to Kala Bhavan.
Kala Bhavan
Kala Bhavan is the Fine Arts department of the Viswa Bharati University established by Rabindranath Tagore. It celebrated 100 years of its existence in 2019. It has now two main sections- the Kala Bhavan and the Sangeet Bhavan. Thousands of art pieces are on display at the Kala Bhavan and include works of the giants. It is a panorama of Indian art. One doesn’t need to enter the classrooms as the talent of these students aren’t confined within the 4 walls.
