Tour Details:

A day trip to Shantiniketan, located about 160 km from Kolkata, is a delightful escape into Bengal’s cultural and artistic heritage. Known as the home of Rabindranath Tagore and his visionary Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan offers a serene blend of art, literature, and nature. Visitors can explore the university's open-air classrooms, the Rabindra Bhavan Museum with Tagore's manuscripts and artifacts, and the vibrant Sonajhuri Forest, which hosts a charming weekend market with local handicrafts and Baul music performances. A visit to Amar Kutir, a hub for rural artisans, adds to the experience, while the tranquil ambiance and authentic Bengali cuisine make it a refreshing cultural retreat. Perfect for art lovers and peace seekers, Shantiniketan provides an enriching and memorable day out.

Tour Heighlights:

• Visva-Bharati University
• Rabindra Bhavan Museum
• Sonajhuri Forest
• Amar Kutir
• Authentic Bengali Cuisine

Tour Itinerary

06:00 AM KOLKATA - SHANTINIKETAN
Pick up from your hotel in Kolkata and drive towards Shantiniketan. Shantiniketan is located around 179 km north of Kolkata. It takes usually 3 to 4 hours to reach Shantiniketan from Kolkata. A Road lead to Shantiniketan is very smooth and wide. It is an absolutely enjoyable drive.

10:00 AM ARRIVES SHANTINIKETAN
On arrival at Shantiniketan, day trip to Shantiniketan starts.

DAY TOUR OF SHANTINIKETAN:

Shantiniketan is a small town near Bolpur located 179 km north of Kolkata. Bolpur is the main train station for Shantiniketan. It comes under the district of Birbhum district of West Bengal. This place was made important by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who founded a Bramhacharya school here in 1901. The school was later expanded into a University called Visva Bharti after he received Nobel Prize in 1913.It was declared a central university in 1951. It has produced an alumni like Indira Gandhi (Former Prime Minister of India), Satyajit Ray (A great film maker) and Amartya Sen (a Nobel laureate and a world renowned Economist).

Shantiniketan was also called as Bhubandanga in past time. Santiniketan has the distinct identity of culture and heritage, which gives the place a unique soft touch. This is one of the prime attractions of the town. While driving down all the way from Kolkata, you also come across some interesting places enroute such as Singur, Bardhaman, Godda and Bolpur.

TOP ATTRACTIONS OF SHANTINIKETAN:

Tagore's Ashram:
When you walk through the area, you will see the first building was actually a guest house built by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore (a father of Rabindranath Tagore) in 1863. It was named Shantiniketan. This entire place was later named after Shantiniketan. Numerous buildings here are associated with Tagores such as Shantiniketan, Nutan Bari, Dehali and Amra Kunj where school’s main functions are held.

Visitors can explore the iconic Upasana Griha (Prayer Hall), a glass structure built for meditation, and admire the simplicity of the surroundings that inspired many of Tagore’s works. The ashram's tranquil environment, enriched with trees and open spaces, embodies the principles of harmony with nature that were central to Tagore’s philosophy. This site provides a profound insight into the poet’s legacy, making it a must-visit destination in Shantiniketan.

Timings: It is closed on Wednesday.

Chhatimtala:
Chhatimtala is a tranquil spot located in Shantiniketan, deeply connected to the life and work of Rabindranath Tagore. This peaceful grove is named after the chhatim trees (also known as the Devil Tree) that surround it. According to local legend, it was here that Tagore’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, spent time meditating and sought spiritual solace. Rabindranath himself often visited Chhatimtala, and it became a place of reflection and inspiration for him.

The site is also known for its Samadhi (memorial) of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, where his followers and admirers pay their respects. Surrounded by nature and the rustling of the chhatim trees, Chhatimtala is a serene, spiritually charged space that invites visitors to reflect on the legacy of the Tagore family and their connection to the land. It remains a quiet yet significant part of Shantiniketan, symbolizing peace, introspection, and the deep-rooted spiritual practices of the Tagores.

Upasana Mandir:
The Upasana Mandir in Shantiniketan is an important spiritual and architectural landmark, associated with the Tagore family and their deep connection to the pursuit of peace and meditation. Built by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, this prayer hall was designed as a place for meditation and spiritual reflection. The simple yet beautiful structure is made of glass and features a unique circular design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty.

Uttarayan complex:
The Uttarayan Complex is one of the most significant landmarks in Shantiniketan, closely linked to Rabindranath Tagore and his family. This sprawling complex consists of several buildings, including Tagore's personal residence, where he spent much of his later life. The complex is set amidst lush greenery and is a beautiful example of how Tagore blended his love for nature, architecture, and art into his living space.

The Uttarayan Complex is made up of five interconnected buildings, each with its own charm and significance. Among these, the 'Konark' building stands out as Tagore's residence and reflects his unique aesthetic tastes. Another important building is 'Udayan', which served as his writing room and the place where he composed many of his works. Visitors can explore these homes, which are filled with personal memorabilia, paintings, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into Tagore’s life and creative process.

Timings: It is closed on Wednesday

Rabindra Bhaban Museum:
The Rabindra Bhaban Museum in Shantiniketan is a cultural gem dedicated to the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore. Located within the Visva-Bharati University campus, the museum houses an extensive collection of Tagore’s personal artifacts, including manuscripts, paintings, photographs, and letters. Visitors can explore his literary works, his philosophy, and his artistic expressions through displays of his original handwritten manuscripts, paintings, and memorabilia from his travels. The museum provides a unique opportunity to connect with Tagore’s legacy and understand his significant impact on literature, music, and art.

Timings: 10.30AM to 4.30PM. It is closed on Wednesday.

Amar Kutir:
Amar Kutir is a prominent cooperative society located near Shantiniketan, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional rural crafts. The organization was established by Rabindranath Tagore and his followers to support artisans and provide a platform for their handmade products. The center showcases a wide array of Bengali handicrafts, including handwoven textiles, leather goods, pottery, and traditional garments. It also promotes handicraft-based livelihood for rural artisans, helping them sustain their crafts and provide for their families.

Visitors to Amar Kutir can not only purchase unique, locally made items but also experience the artistry and skill involved in the creation of each product. The cooperative embodies Tagore's vision of blending art with social upliftment, creating an atmosphere that celebrates Bengal's rural craftsmanship. It remains an important cultural and economic hub for the region, offering both a place for learning and a unique shopping experience.

04:30 PM RETURN TO KOLKATA
After seeing the major attractions of Shantiniketan. Drive back to Kolkata.

08:30 PM ARRIVE BACK TO KOLKATA
Arrives Kolkata. On arrivals, drop at your hotel.