Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is a place which does not need any introduction. Yet for those who need an introduction, Shantiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, approximately 180 kilometres north of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). It was made famous by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose vision became what is now a university town (Viswa-Bharati University) that attracts thousands of visitors each year during various times of the year.

Santiniketan is a popular tourist attraction and a weekend destination for people living in Kolkata. Though house of Rabindranath is a place of historical importance, yet there are many other attractions for the tourists.

A Baul performing on the train

One do not need to have special preparation to visit this place. Bolpur is the railway station for Shantiniketan and it takes around two to three hours by train from Kolkata. Trains like Gana Devta Express, Shantiniketan Express, Visvabharati Fast Passenger, Darbhanga Passenger are some of the most convenient trains. It can also be reached by road. Train journey can be made interesting with the Baul songs(folk songs) of the local bauls and home made sweets (which is sold by local hawkers).


Temple at Kenduli


Festivals notable in and around Shantiniketan:
1. Paus Mela - Which starts on the 7th day of the Bengali calender month of Paus
2. Vasanta Utsav - During the time of Holi
3. Rabindra Jayanti - To celebrate the birthday of Rabindranath aTagore
4. Baul Mela - At Kenduli


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