You can seek a spot to go if you want to appreciate nature and get away from it all. Then Santiniketan is the perfect destination. Here are the most exciting places to visit in Santiniketan.
Santiniketan is in West Bengal. It has some of the gorgeous views in the whole country.
Santiniketan is a small city located in the Bolpur district of West Bengal. It is home to the world-renowned Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore.
The university attracts students and scholars from all over the world. People who desire to escape the bustle of the metropolis will find the town peaceful and tranquil.
History Of Santiniketan
Santiniketan is a small town near Kolkata in West Bengal. It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and is now home to the University of Santiniketan and Visva-Bharati University.
Santiniketan was originally a Brahmo ashram founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1863. Rabindranath Tagore joined the ashram in 1877 and began to transform it into a center for learning.
He added a school called Visva-Bharati University and an organization to help rebuild rural areas.
The town became known for its unusual way of teaching, which put more emphasis on creativity and intuition than on memorizing facts.
Why Should You Visit Santiniketan?
Santiniketan is a tiny city in India. It is in the district of West Bengal. It is best known as the place where Rabindranath Tagore started Visva-Bharati University.
The town is also famous because of its many cultural and historical attractions.
Here are four reasons why you should visit Santiniketan:
1. To learn about the life and work of Rabindranath Tagore.
2. To see the beautiful campus of Visva-Bharati University.
3. To experience the unique culture and atmosphere of Santiniketan.
4. To visit some of the town’s important historical landmarks, such as the Kanchana Gachi Memorial Museum and Rabindra Bhavan Museum.
15 Best Places To Visit In Santiniketan
Here are top 15 best places to visit in Santiniketan:
1. Visva Bharati University -Places to visit in Santiniketan
Founded by Rabindranath Tagore in Shantiniketan, Visva Bharati University is a unique institution. This modern and traditional institution draws students from India and throughout the globe.
Students, scholars, and artists from all over the world live on the vast university campus. In addition, the university offers various subjects, from the humanities to the sciences.
Santiniketan is also home to many research institutes, making it an ideal place for students who want to pursue higher studies.
Visva Bharati University is truly a unique place of learning.
This is your place if you want a modern and traditional education.
2. Tagore’s Ashram
Tagore’s ashram is surrounded by Bengal’s natural beauty, where visitors may discover the poet’s life and work. The 1863 ashram is now a university town where Indian students study.
The ashram grounds are dotted with sculptures and buildings designed by Tagore himself. People can walk through the gardens, the museum, or the auditorium to see a show.
There is also a library on site that houses some of Tagore’s original manuscripts.
For those interested in learning more about Tagore and his work, Santiniketan is an ideal place to visit. The ashram gives a unique look into one of India’s most famous poets’ minds.
3. Amar Kutir
Amar Kutir is a haven for those who love Indian culture and history. The complex comprises several buildings, each housing various artifacts from India’s past.
The first thing that visitors will notice is the beautiful architecture of the buildings. They are all made with traditional Indian materials and methods and are stunning.
Inside, the collections are just as impressive. There are items dating back thousands of years and are all exceptionally well-preserved.
Amar Kutir is more than a museum; it connects tourists to India’s culture and history. Everyone interested in this nation should experience it.
4. Kala Bhavana
Kala Bhavana is a world-renowned center for learning in the arts, set up by Rabindranath Tagore himself. It attracts international students who desire to study with India’s top artists.
The campus is beautiful, with its red oxide flooring and traditional architecture. Students often work on projects together, and the atmosphere is one of creativity and teamwork.
The professors are passionate and eager to teach.
Kala Bhavana offers an outstanding education in the arts that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. So, if you truly want a place to nurture your creativity, this is it!
5. Chhatimtala – Places to visit in Santiniketan
Tagore’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, came here to meditate. Scholars believed meditation and self-reflection were vital to success and global improvement.
Every graduate is given a branch of the Saptaparni tree in Chhatimtala to feel related to the area.
The prayer hall, one of the most beautiful places in Santiniketan, is close by. Therefore, people think of the place as holy and give it a lot of respect.
6. Patha Bhavan
Rabindranath Tagore founded Patha Bhavan Santiniketan in 1901. The school follows the education-for-all concept, and its students are global.
The school has a beautiful campus, and its buildings are designed to blend with nature.
The school’s lessons are based on the idea that you learn best by doing. Therefore, students are encouraged to learn by doing and are given many chances to find out what they are interested in.
The school strongly emphasizes arts and culture, and its students have won many prestigious awards.
Patha Bhavan is an exceptional place, and its students are lucky to have the opportunity to learn in such a unique environment.
7. Prakriti Bhavan
Prakriti Bhavan in Santiniketan is a Tagore museum. The museum has nearly 3,000 of the poet’s artworks, papers, and personal things.
Visitors can see firsthand how Tagore lived and worked in his final years. The museum also has to change shows by modern artists influenced by Tagore’s life and work.
Anyone interested in one of India’s most renowned poets should visit Prakriti Bhavan.
8. Prayer hall- Upasna Ghar
One of the most beautiful buildings in Santiniketan is the prayer hall. The hall is made of Belgian glass and called Kanch Mandir, which comes from its walls filling with glass (kanch means glass in Bengali).
Prayers are held every Wednesday, and candles are lit every night to make the hall even more beautiful.
9. Deer Park
The Ballavpur forest is about 3 km from the main campus. A big family of deer that grew up in the forest lives there. Now, people call it the deer park.
The beautiful park shows how different the university people made from the forest created by nature.
10. Surul Rajbari – Places to visit in Santiniketan
In the heart of West Bengal sits the Surul Rajbari, a beautiful palace once home to the royal family of Santiniketan. Today, the palace is a major tourist destination.
Visitors to the Surul Rajbari can explore the many rooms and corridors of the palace, which are filled with antiques and artwork. However, the tour’s highlight is the glimpse into the private lives of the royals who once lived here.
The Surul Rajbari is a must-see for anyone visiting West Bengal. It offers a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture and a chance to see royalty up close.
11. Kankalitala
Kankalitala is a temple in West Bengal. It is in Bolpur, which is part of the Birbhum district.
This temple is so important that it is included in India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage route.
This is one of the Shakti Peeth, where Parvati’s waist (or “kankal” in Bengali) fell. That spot is now the town of Kankalitala. The Kankalitala Temple is the home of the goddess Parvati.
Sati’s waist landed at Kankalitala. It made a hole in the ground that was later filled with water to make the sacred Kund.
People keep saying that the body part itself is now underwater.
12. Poush Mela
The Poush Mela in Santiniketan is a much-anticipated yearly event. It’s a time of music, dancing, and feasting, and everyone’s excited.
This year’s Poush Mela is undoubtedly even more unique, with many new events and activities planned. So mark your calendars and visit Santiniketan for an unforgettable experience.
13. Uttrayan Complex
The Uttrayan complex is like a trip down memory lane for Tagore. Udayan, where Tagore lived, is the most exciting place to see. The beautiful historic building is kept in great shape.
There are also Konark, Shyamali, Punascha, and Udichi to see. The Rabindra Bhaban Museum is close to the complex and has beautiful gardens.
It costs Rs 5 to enter both. There is no room for cameras or handbags. On Wednesdays, the complex stays closed.
14. Khoai Mela
Khoai Mela, or Shonibarer Haat, is a weekly market set up by local craftspeople in Santiniketan on Saturday afternoons. For over 20 years, the Khoai Mela has been part of Bengali culture.
Every Saturday, it takes place on the Khoai or Kopai River bank. The Mela is named after this area and river in Khoai.
This mela is also known as Shanibarer haat, which means “Saturday fair,” because it starts on a Saturday.
15. Kopai River
The Kopai River, also known as the Sal River, flows into the Bakreshwar River. It flows through Santiniketan, Bolpur, Kankalitala, Kirnahar, and Labhpur.
It is a small river during the dry season, but it flows over its banks during the monsoon. Alongside this river is a village called Chhora. This river also affects Nichinta, Rupuspur, Perua, and other places.
How To Travel Safely In Santiniketan?
Santiniketan is a prominent tourist destination in West Bengal because of its environment and culture. However, tourists should be informed of several safety issues before visiting.
Here are some tips on how to travel safely in Santiniketan:
1. Avoid traveling alone, especially if you are a woman. Traveling in a group or with a reputable tour company is best.
2. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe. Pickpockets are common in busy areas. So it is essential always to keep your valuables close to you.
3. Do not accept rides from strangers and only use licensed taxis or rickshaws. Make sure you agree on the fare to avoid getting charged too much.
Is Santiniketan A Costly Place To Visit?
Santiniketan is a small town near Kolkata and is the home of Visva-Bharati University. There are many sights and activities in this lovely city.
However, Santiniketan can be a costly place to visit. Here are some suggestions to assist you in saving costs when visiting Santiniketan.
1. Don’t stay at a hotel – Santiniketan’s many guesthouses are much cheaper than hotels. Some people rent out rooms in their homes.
2. Eat local food – Santiniketan has many great restaurants, but they can be expensive. To save money, eat at the local street stalls or dhabas (small roadside eateries).
How Much Does The Average Hotel Cost In Santiniketan?
In Santiniketan, the average cost of a hotel is around Rs. 1,500 per night. However, hotels can be as expensive as Rs. 5,000 per night.
Many luxury hotels in Santiniketan also offer world-class facilities and services.
What Can You Buy From Santiniketan?
You can buy many things from Santiniketan, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and pottery. You can also find handmade jewelry and wooden toys.
The marketplaces are full of color and life, and you can bargain with the vendors for the best prices.
Santiniketan is the place to go if you want to bring back a unique gift from India. You can find something that fits both your tastes and your budget.
Best Time To Visit Santiniketan
The best time to visit Santiniketan is in October and November. The weather is mild and pleasant at this time. So it’s a great time to explore the town and its surroundings.
Visitors during this time can also enjoy the annual Durga Puja festival, one of India’s biggest festivals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santiniketan is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. With its many museums, temples, and other attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Santiniketan!
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.