Shantiniketan, Information about Shantiniketan, Shantiniketan Tour

Shantiniketan is situated at a distance of 164 km form Calcutta. Shantiniketan was founded by Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, who also established an ashram here, later known as the Abode of Peace. In 1901, his son started an experimental place of learning with a classroom under the trees and a group of five pupils. This place later became to be known as Vishva Bharati University in 1921 which attracts students from all over the world and aspires to be a spiritual meeting ground in a serene, culturally rich and artistic environment. Today, Shantiniketan is a great centre for higher studies in arts and known for the famous Vishva Bharati University. The whole place is steeped in the memory of the great poet, Rabindranath Tagore.

Festivals of Shantiniketan

Paush Mela is the most important fair of Shantiniketan. This fair is held in the month of December and coincides with the Shantiniketan's foundation day. The dance, music and drama programmes are organized in this fair. The Convocation of the University is usually held in the month of December which is presided by the Prime Minister of India. Basanta Panchami, Varsha Mangal and Saradotsava marks the end of the term before the Pujas. Various programmes of dance, music and singing are held during the festivals.

Tourist Attractions in Shantiniketan

Vishva Bharati University
Vishva Bharati University was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. In this university, the classes are held in the open-air, which is very unique. There are faculties in all major disciplines and the humainites and performing arts dominate over the philosophy, Sanskrit, art, Indian music and drama. The Vishva Bharati University is dedicated in cultivating lofty human ideals and cultural values in the students. This university has various Bhavans like the Kala Bhavan, the school of the arts; Sangit Bhavan, the institute for music and dance; China Bhavan, related with Chinese studies and Vinaya Bhavan, the teachers training college. It also has agriculture and cottage industries, that provides employment within the campus. Satyajit Ray, Indira Gandhi and the Mahari of Jaipur are some of the famous personalities who have also studied here. There are also various sculptures, frescoes, paintings and murals of Rabindranath, Nandalal Bose and Ramkinkar that can be found in the campus.

Uttarayan Complex
The Uttarayan Complex where the poet, Rabindranath Tagore lived consists of several buildings in a distinct architectural style. There is also a Prayer Hall, founded in 1863 where Brahmo prayers are held on Wednesday. It has a polished marble floor usually decorated with alpana designs and is surrounded by glass doors with patterns picked out in stained glass. In a house known as Vichitra, his manuscripts, paintings, different editions of his works, his Noble Prize Gold Medal, and other objects associated with him are kept.

Sriniketan
Sriniketan is situated about 3 km. away from Shantiniketan. It is a sister institute and dedicated to rural development programmes. This institute has a Department of Rural Construction where the country's socio-economic problems are studied and is also a College of Agriculture. It has a wide range of activities including weaving, leather craft, pottery, Kantha embroidery and Batik.

How to get here

By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Kolkata.

By Rail:
Bolpur is the nearest railway station from Kolkata. Bolpur is connected to Kolkata by rail from both Howrah and Sealdah.

By Road:
Shantiniketan is about 2 km. away from Bolpur and connected with Kolkata, Vishnupur and Durgapur.