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Places To Visit in Shantiniketan

Last Updated At: 10-Jan-2024

8 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Shantiniketan 2024

Welcome to Shantiniketan, a cultural haven that holds the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize-winning poet, philosopher, and polymath. In 1901, Tagore founded Shantiniketan as an experimental open-air school, which would later evolve into the renowned Visva-Bharati University. As you wander through the streets of Shantiniketan, you'll find echoes of Tagore's profound influence on art, literature, and education. Our journey will introduce you to the simple beauty of the Kopai River and the soul-soothing Upasana Griha, a place that will undoubtedly calm your soul. Let's embark on this exploration together, where culture and peacefulness converge to create a perfect story, and discover the enchanting places to visit in Shantiniketan.

Wondering about the best time to visit Shantiniketan? The ideal time is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor excursions. Located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, Shantiniketan is easily accessible from major cities like Kolkata. Whether you're a literature enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, Shantiniketan offers a unique blend of culture and serenity that beckons you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage. So, are you ready to join in on this journey of discovery?

List of 8 Best Places To Visit in Shantiniketan

Ever wondered where creativity meets peace? What if I told you there's a place where Rabindranath Tagore's inspiration comes alive in every corner? Today, we're unveiling the answer to your curiosity– presenting the top 8 Shantiniketan travel destinations!

  • Tagore's Ashram | Peaceful Haven
  • Rabindra Bhavan Museum | Art Echo
  • Bolpur Deer Park | Serene Meadows
  • Singha Sadan | Majestic Bell and Clock
  • Kala Bhavan | Palette Paradise
  • Upasna Griha | Harmony Hub
  • Amar Kutir | Eternal Abode
  • Chhatimtala | Verdant Retreat

1. Tagore's Ashram | Peaceful Haven

Tagore's Ashram in Shantiniketan is like a time machine back to when Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet, lived. His dad, Maharishi Devendranath Tagore, started this special place in 1863. It's a heritage site, super well-kept, and like a big memory of Gurudev. The place keeps Tagore's life story– his writing, awards, daily things he used, and his love for nature. It still teaches students, not inside boring buildings but in nature. Get a taste of Bengali culture and explore the best Shantiniketan sightseeing spots at Tagore's Ashram.

Top Attractions:
  • Tagore's Ashram
  • Rabindra Bhavan Museum
  • Deer Park
  • Singha Sadan
  • Kala Bhavan
Timings:
  • Winters: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
  • Summers: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Summer and Puja Vacations (May-June and September-October): 7:30 am to 11:00 am
  • Remains closed on Wednesdays
Things to Do:
  • Check out the cool museum.
  • Visit the artsy Kala Bhavan.
  • Attend classes under trees at Amra Kunja.

2. Rabindra Bhavan Museum | Art Echo

Step into a special place where old stuff from a long time ago is kept safe. It's like a cosy home for things that belonged to Tagore, a very important person. This home is called the Rabindra Bhavan Museum, one of Shantiniketan cultural landmarks, and was made in 1961. Inside, there are Tagore's writings, letters, drawings, important papers, and even a shiny prize he got called the Nobel Prize Medallion. If you're in Shantiniketan, you have to see this place. It's like going back in time and being part of Tagore's amazing stories.

Top Attractions:
  • Original Manuscripts
  • Letters and Documents
  • Paintings, Certificates, and Photographs of Rabindranath Tagore
  • Nobel Prize Medallion
Timings:
  • 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Remains closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Things to Do:
  • Marvel at Manuscripts
  • Immerse in artistic splendour
  • Explore Tagore's Correspondence
  • Stand in Awe of the Nobel Prize Medallion

3. Bolpur Deer Park | Serene Meadows

Settled in Bolpur's red soil, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is like a special home for nature and animal lovers. It's also known as "Deer Park" because many deer roam around. Imagine a big, green space between Damodar and Ajay rivers, where you can see deer having their meals. In Ballavpur, you'll find different kinds of animals and enjoy the beautiful riverbanks. The place is also close to tribal areas, making it unique. It's like a little paradise where nature and wildlife come together. If you're wondering where to go in Shantiniketan, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions:
  • Diverse Fauna
  • Enchanting Riverbanks
  • Ethnic Tribal Areas
Timings:
  • 9:00 am and 4:00 pm
Things to Do:
  • Walk by the river and enjoy the view
  • Learn about tribes and their culture
  • Watch deer eating (8:00 am and 3:00 pm)
  • Take pictures of nature and animals

4. Singha Sadan | Majestic Bell and Clock

Imagine a quiet corner in Shantiniketan where time itself seems to pause. That's Singha Sadan for you– a special building with a big bell and clock that's been there since 1927. It's like a storyteller, whispering tales from the past. When the sun wakes up, so does Singha Sadan. It's not just a tower; it's like a friend helping everyone in the ashram stick to their daily plans. Among things to see in Shantiniketan, Singha Sadan stands out as a unique experience, offering a glimpse into the ashram's history.

Top Attractions:
  • Bell Tower
  • Clock Mechanism
  • Historic Architecture
Timings:
  • 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Things to Do:
  • Gaze at the Bell
  • Watch the majestic clock
  • Explore architectural details

5. Kala Bhavan | Palette Paradise

Kala Bhavana, one of the Shantiniketan historic attractions, is a cool place where artists learn and make beautiful things. Rabindranath Tagore started this place long ago, and now it's filled with famous artists' wisdom. People like Nandalal Bose and Benodebehari Mukhopadhyay made it special. It's like a modern art hub where artists express themselves in today's world. Students here learn lots of artsy stuff and know about art history. They have cool classes, talks, and shows where artists grow their skills.

Top Attractions:
  • Nandalal Bose gallery
  • Benode Behari Mukhopadhyay sculpture garden
  • Ramkinkar Baij studio
  • Contemporary art exhibitions
  • Kala Bhavana archives
Timings: 
  • 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Things to Do:
  • Engage in studio workshops
  • Attend art history lectures
  • Participate in open discussions
  • Explore outdoor sculpture installations
  • Immerse Yourself in Contemporary Art Exhibitions

6. Upasna Griha | Harmony Hub

In Shantiniketan, there's a special place called Upasana Griha, or the Kanch Mahal– a beautiful Prayer Hall. Shri Debendranath Tagore, Gurudev's father, built it in 1863. This hall is like a colourful palace made of special glass from Belgium, and it has marble steps on all sides. Something important happened here on the seventh day of the Bengali calendar month Poush (usually on December 23rd). Gurudev's dad changed his beliefs from Hinduism to the Brahmo religion. This day also kicks off the Poush Mela celebration every year.

Top Attractions:
  • Kanch Mahal
  • Coloured Belgian glass display
  • Marble Steps
  • Poush Mela Celebrations
Timings:
  • 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Things to Do:
  • Witness spiritual transformations
  • Marvel at the intricate glasswork
  • Climb the majestic marble steps
  • Immerse in Poush Mela festivities

7. Amar Kutir | Eternal Abode