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{{pagebanner|Santiniketan Wikivoyage Banner.jpg||unesco=yes}}
'''Santiniketan''' is a city in [[Birbhum|Birbhum district]] of [[West Bengal]]. It forms one urban agglomeration with Bolpur.
[[File:Santiniketan-Griha-Southern-View.jpg|thumb|South side of the Santiniketan Griha]]
'''Santiniketan''' ([[Bengali]]: শান্তিনিকেতন ''Śāntiniketan'', [[Bengali phrasebook|SHAHN-tih-nih-keh-tawn]]), also spelt '''Shantiniketan''', is a university town in the [[Birbhum]] district of [[West Bengal]]. It was established by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century, and then developed by his son, Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance, whose vision became what is now a university town with the ancient ''gurukula'' method of learning. It has produced such diverse personalities as Indira Gandhi (once a Prime Minister of India), Satyajit Ray (an Oscar-winning filmmaker) and Amartya Sen (a Nobel laureate) and has been home to great artists and musicians. Santiniketan is also famous for the ''baul'' culture. Around 1.2 million visitors visit Santiniketan annually. It has been designated as a {{unesco}} in September 2023.


==Understand==
==Understand==
[[File:LL-Q9610 (ben)-Titodutta-শান্তিনিকেতন.wav]]
[[Image:Santiniketan 4.JPG|thumb|right|An itinerant baul singer entertaining tourists in Sonajhuri]]
[[File:Clock tower of the old building complex at Santiniketan.jpg|thumb|Gour Prangan]]
In 1863, Debendranath Tagore took on permanent lease {{acre|20}} of land, along with two ''chātim'' (ছাতিম) trees from zamindar Bhuban Mohan Sinha. The leased area was a small village and the den of a gang of notorious dacoits. After the leader of the gang surrendered to Debendranath, they started helping him in developing the area. Debendranath built a guest house there and named it Santiniketan (literally the "abode of peace"). Gradually, the whole area came to be known as Santiniketan.


In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore established a school in Santiniketan, called ''Brahmacaryāśram'' (ব্রহ্মচর্যাশ্রম), which became the Visva-Bharati University in 1921. A brainchild of Rabindranath, the '''[http://www.visva-bharati.ac.in/ Visva-Bharati University]''' is a unique learning centre in the sense that the education takes place under a tree, instead of in a classroom. It got the status of a central university by 1951.
The town is home to '''Visva Bharati''' founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. It was declared a central university in 1951. It has produced such diverse personalities as Indira Gandhi and Amartya Sen. It has been home to great artists and musicians.


Several artists are also closely associated with Santiniketan other than Rabindranath Tagore and his father, including Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij and Benode Behari Mukherjee. Their works can be found throughout the town.
==Get in==


===By train===
===Climate===
{{Climate| units = Metric
| janhigh =24.7
| febhigh =28.2
| marhigh =33.4
| aprhigh =36.6
| mayhigh =36.7
| junhigh =34.9
| julhigh =32.9
| aughigh =32.5
| sephigh =32.4
| octhigh =31.6
| novhigh =29.5
| dechigh =26.1


| janlow =11.6
Bolpur is the railway station for Santiniketan. It is two to three hours by train from [[Kolkata]]. Convenient connections are 13017/13018 ''Gana Devta Express'' departing Howrah at 06:05, 3015/3016 ''Shantiniketan Express'' departing Howrah at 10:05 (this is the only train which originates/terminates in Howrah and Bolpur, so one has a better chance of finding seats on this train rather than the other trains if one buys unreserved tickets. If you are buying reserved tickets, then it won't make a difference), 2347/2348 ''Sahid Rampurhat Express'' departing Howrah at 12 noon (and taking only 2 hours 20 min - the shortest time ), 3011/3012 ''Malda Inter-city Express'' departing Howrah at 15:25, 5657/5658 ''Kanchenjunga Express'' departing Sealdah at 06:45, 2345/2346 ''Saraighat Express'', 215/216 ''Visvabharati Fast Passenger'', 3071/3072 ''Jamalpur Express'', 209/210 ''Darbhanga Passenger'' are other good trains.
| feblow =14.7
| marlow =19.3
| aprlow =23.3
| maylow =25.0
| junlow =26.0
| jullow =26.0
| auglow =26.0
| seplow =25.3
| octlow =22.5
| novlow =17.3
| declow =13.0


| janprecip =11.6
For schedules check with Indian Railways [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/].
| febprecip =25.1
| marprecip =33.2
| aprprecip =52.0
| mayprecip =113.8
| junprecip =229.7
| julprecip =343.2
| augprecip =296.7
| sepprecip =267.5
| octprecip =87.7
| novprecip =10.5
| decprecip =9.0


| description = Source: [https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf IMD]
If you are female and taking the train, look for designated "Ladies Cars" to enjoy a more comfortable and hopefully less crowded ride. If you are travelling with significant amounts of baggage, be aware that even in reserved cars you may struggle for space, and hiring a car may be a better alternative to reach Santiniketan.
}}
The climate of Santiniketan is moderately warm, with summer temperatures at around 35–42 °C (maximum) and winter at 10–15 °C (minimum). Summer is felt for three months, March, April and May. December, January and February are the winter months. June, July, August and September see heavy rainfall. The annual average temperature is 26.2 °C. About 1480 mm of rain falls per year, with 76 days seeing the rain.


===By bus===
===Read===
* ''Rabindranath, Santiniketan, Sriniketan'' by Tapan Kumar Basak. Available locally.


==Get in==
Santiniketan is well connected by buses from all around. From Kolkata, if you want to go by bus, then you have to take Kolkata-Asansol bus or Kolkata-Suri bus. For Asansol bound bus you have to get down near Panagarh and for Suri bound bus you have to get down near Ilambazar and for both cases you have to catch another bus for Santiniketan.
[[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|Upasana Griha (Prayer Hall)]]
===By plane===
The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport ({{IATA|RDP}}) at [[Durgapur]], but flights are infrequent. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport ({{IATA|CCU}}) in [[Kolkata]] is the nearest major airport that is close to Santiniketan.


===By car===
===By train===
{{See also|Rail travel in India}}
Santiniketan is two to three hours by train from [[Kolkata]]. Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express offer the fastest service. For schedules check with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ Indian Railways].


There are two railway stations in Santiniketan, namely {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Bolpur Shantiniketan|city=india|er}}|wikidata=Q25549462}} (BHP) and {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Prantik|city=india|er}}|wikidata=Q39056176}}. Most express trains stop at Bolpur Shantiniketan.
Santiniketan is connected with Kolkata by an excellent road (Around 60% road is excellent 4-lane freeway. But then around ~70kms starting from Panagarh is of narrow and bumpy roads with traffic jams round the clock). From Kolkata travel to Dankuni and take the Durgapur Expressway. It is now part of NH2. It will bypass Saktigarh and Bardhaman. At Panagarh (Darjeeling Mor) turn right. After the highway crosses the Ajay river take the road to the right at Ilambazar and proceed towards Bolpur. At the Santiniketan-Sriniketan junction (also called Surul Mor) take the road to the left. Santiniketan is 212 km from Kolkata by road. Good drivers can cover the distance in about 3 hours.


If you are travelling with a lot of baggage, you may struggle for space even in reserved cars, and hiring a car may be a better alternative to reach Santiniketan.
==Get around==


Express trains that stop at Bolpur Shantiniketan:
[[Image:Santiniketan 1.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Buddha by Ramkinkar Baij]]
* From [[Howrah]], Kolkata (HWH): Ganadevta Express, Jamalpur Express, Kavi Guru Express, Malda Intercity Express, NJP Shatabdi Express, NJP Vande Bharat Express (fastest, non-stop), Saraighat Express and Shantiniketan Express (the only train that originates and/or terminates at HWH and BHP, so you a better chance of finding seats on this train if you buy unreserved tickets).
[[Image:Santiniketan 2.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Fresco by Nandalal Bose at Sriniketan]]
* From [[Kolkata|Sealdah]] (SDAH), Kolkata: Darjeeling Mail and Kanchenjunga Express.
[[Image:Santiniketan 3.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Typical Santiniketan leather craft]]
* From [[New Jalpaiguri]] (NJP), [[Siliguri]]: Darjeeling Mail, Howhrah Shatabdi Express, Howrah Vande Bharat Express and Kanchenjunga Express.
[[Image:Santiniketan 4.JPG|200px|thumb|right|An itinerant baul singer entertaining tourists in the Khowai area]]


===By bus===
Cyclerickshaws are the most convenient means of transportation as hired cars and taxis are not always readily available. If you are a tourist, don't get on the cycle rickshaws in front of the museum that are manned by the persistent teenagers as they will take you on a farcical circuitory route to make you spend more. Use the older guys. Or just walk round the town. Although there are a few to be found, auto-rickshaws are not yet common in this area. See map of Visva Bharati complex online [http://www.visva-bharati.ac.in/map/university_map.htm].
From Kolkata, there are two options: The [[Asansol]] bus (alight near Panagarh) and the [[Suri]] bus (alight near Ilambazar). From both places, local buses are available for Santiniketan.


* {{go
If you are planning an extended stay, it may be worth your while to purchase a bike from one of the many local cycle shops. A brand new bicycle will run you between Rs 2,200-2,600, (about US$45-55).
| name=Bolpur Bus Stand | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.6658 | long=87.6813 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=
}}


==See==
===By car===
Santiniketan is {{km|212}} from [[Kolkata]] by road. Good drivers can cover the distance in about 3 hours.


Santiniketan is connected with Kolkata by an excellent 4-lane expressway. From Kolkata, travel to Dankuni and take the '''Durgapur Expressway''' (NH 19). It will bypass Saktigarh, [[Bardhaman]] and Panagarh. At Panagarh (Darjeeling More), turn right. After crossing the Ajay River, take the road to the right at Ilambazar and proceed towards Bolpur. At the Santiniketan–Sriniketan junction (also called Surul More) take the road to the left. Coming from the direction of Kolkata, one can also take the NH 114 route via Talit, Guskara, Bhedia and Surul More by taking a right turn from the Durgapur Expressway just after crossing Bardhaman on the right (where the Renaissance Township is on the left) and taking this route via Nababhat More. It saves time and the distance is less from the above route by about 50 km.
* '''Tagore's ashrama''', Closed on Wednesdays. One has to walk through the area. Guides are generally available outside Uttarayan Complex/Rabindra Bhaban, otherwise one has to follow the crowd. The first building in the area was a guest house built in 1863 by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore. It was named ''Santiniketan'' and thereafter the entire place acquired that name. Hermitage created with a Trust Deed in 1888 by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore. The area has several buildings associated with the Tagores - Santiniketan building, Nutan Bari, Dehali etc. School classes and major functions are held in the ''Amra Kunja'' (mango grove). Some of the Visva Bharati institutions are also located here. Tourists are not allowed to stray into areas where outdoor classes are held as they disturb studies. Some distance away on the eastern side is a small hillock with a large banyan tree. It was a favourite of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore.


==Get around==
* '''Chhatimtala''', Prayer place (under the "Chhatim" tree) of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore.
{{mapframe|23.668|87.676}}
[[File:Meditation Seat - Chhatimtala - Northern View - Santiniketan 2014-06-29 5305.JPG|thumb|Chhatimtala]]
You can also look at the [http://www.visvabharati.ac.in/CampusMap.html map of the Visva-Bharati campus] in Santiniketan.


===By rickshaw===
* '''Brahma Mandir''', Upasana Griha, constructed in 1891.
Electric rickshaws (locally known as ''totos'') are the most convenient and cheap means of transportation these days. The older cycle rickshaws are still available and can be availed, though it would cost more. If you are a tourist, don't get on the cycle rickshaws in front of the museum that are manned by persistent teenagers as they will take you on a farcical circulatory route to make you spend more. Choose the older guys. Or just walk round the town.


===By car===
* Look out for sculptures and frescoes of Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij and Binode Bihari Mukherjee, particularly around Kala Bhavana. ''Kalo Bari'' beside Sangeet Bhavana is interesting.
Hired cars and taxis are not always readily available.


===By bicycle===
* '''Uttarayan complex''', Closed on Wednesdays. The complex has several buildings associated with Tagore's memory - Udayan, Konark, Shyamali (mud hut), Punascha and Udichi. The complex has well-laid out gardens. Combined entry fee for Uttarayan complex and Rabindra Bhaban Museum is Rs 5. Cameras and hand bags not allowed.
If you are planning an extended stay, it may be worth your while to purchase a bicycle from one of the many local cycle shops. A brand new bicycle costs ₹3,200-3,600.


==See==
* '''Rabindra Bhaban Museum''', Open on working days from 10:30-16:30. Open on Sundays. Closed on Wednesadys. The house is called Bichitra. Constructed in Tagore's birth centenary year 1961. There are original manuscripts, letters, documents, medals (including Nobel Prize medallion), plaques, certificates, paintings, photographs etc. During Poush Mela the place is over-crowded and queues for entry are long.
[[File:Kala Bhavana (cropped).jpg|thumb|Kala Bhavana]]
[[File:River Kopai - Ballavpur - Birbhum 2014-06-29 5627.JPG|thumb|Kopai River]]
[[Image:Santiniketan 1.JPG|thumb|Statue of the Buddha by Ramkinkar Baij]]
[[File:At Prakriti Bhavan, a museum of natural sculptures - 9416740762.jpg|thumb|Prakriti Bhavan]]
[[File:Santiniketan-Griha-Northern-View.jpg|thumb|North side of the Santiniketan Griha]]
Santiniketan has several buildings associated with the Tagore family—Santiniketan Griha, Nutan Bari, Dehali etc. School classes and major functions are held in the ''Amra Kunja'' (mango grove). Some distance away on the eastern side is a small hillock with a large banyan tree. It was a favourite of Maharishi Debendranath Tagore. Visitors are not allowed to loiter around educational centres during working hours as these disturb the classes being held.


* {{see
* '''Khoai Mela''', The mela starts from around 15:00 and goes on till about 17:30-18:00 only on Saturdays and is worth visiting.
| name=Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary | alt=Deer Park | url= | email=

| address= | lat=23.685011 | long=87.653021 | directions=
* '''Amar Kutir''', Many handicrafts like cloth, leather, batiks, hand-loomed fabrics and similar available.
| phone= | tollfree=

| hours=10AM–4PM (closed W) | price=
* '''Kopai river''' , Known as ''Amader chhoto nodi'' in many of Tagore's poems, particularly those for children.
| wikidata=Q4851306

| lastedit=2022-08-09

| content=At the northwestern fringes of Santiniketan, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is just the perfect getaway for your next weekend. The lush sanctuary contains three large waterbodies (ঝিল ''jhil'') which host migratory as well as resident birds in plenty. It is home to numerous spotted deer, blackbucks and other resident animals like jackals and foxes. The whole sanctuary is a protected area with watchtowers and jungle paths to walk around and catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife.
*<see name="Shilpa Gram" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">
}}

* {{see
Shilpa Gram is close to the Ballavpur deer sanctuary. It is designed very nicely and showcases tranditional handicrafts of eastern region (including Bihar, Assam, Orissa, Manipur, Andaman, Jharkhand etc). Each state is represented by a traditional house which has collection of paintings, articrafts etc. The place is maintained neatly and has good collection of cultural elements.</see>
| name=Bangladesh Bhavana | alt= | url= | email=

| address= | lat=23.673336 | long=87.693414 | directions=
*<see name="Prakriti Bhavan" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://prakritibhavan.org/home.php" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Located in the Ballavpur area of Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal. It is India's one and only Nature Art museum with an impressive indoor display of natural sculptures in driftwood, dry wood and a sprawling open air garden of natural rock sculptures.
| phone= | tollfree=
Set in the most picturesque part of Santiniketan it is an aesthetic manifestation of the legacy of Tagore's Santiniketan in linking man with nature through Art, music and poetry</see>
| hours= | price=
===Visva Bharati===
| wikidata=Q55502650

| content=Well-designed new addition with auditorium.
* '''Cheena Bhavana''', the China study centre.
}}

* {{see
* '''Hindi Bhavana''', Hindi study centre.
| name=Cheena Bhavana | alt=চীনা ভবন ''Cīnā Bhaban'' | url= | email=

| address= | lat=23.67921 | long=87.68671 | directions=
* '''Nippon Bhavana''', for Indo-Japanese studies.
| phone= | tollfree=

| hours= | price=
* '''Kala Bhavana''', College of fine arts and crafts, has a museum exhibiting sculptures, frescoes and murals and a library of art books.
| wikidata=Q85751720

| lastedit=2022-08-10
* '''Patha Bhavana''', Now a secondary school, is of particular interest, being an example of the traditional ''Brahmacharya Ashram''.
| content=A centre of Sino-Indian cultural studies promoting historical study and modern relations between the two countries. The library is known for a major collection of Chinese books and journals, especially Buddhist scriptures and texts.

}}
* '''Sangeet Bhavana''', College of music and dance.
* {{see

| name=Chhatimtala | alt= | url= | email=
* '''Vidya Bhavana''', College of humanities.
| address= | lat=23.6815 | long=87.68528 | directions=

| phone= | tollfree=
* '''Siksha Bhavana''', College of science.
| hours= | price=

| wikidata=Q90985277
* '''Vinaya Bhavana''', Teacher's training college.
| lastedit=2022-08-10

| content=Prayer place (under the ''chātim'' tree) of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore.
* '''Sriniketan Campus''', This campus has two Bhabans. When Rabindranath started this Univertsity,he had two visions in his mind - one is spread of education and another is rural reconstruction. Sriniketan is campus for Rural Reconstruction. It offers B.Sc., M.Sc in Agriculture, BSW and MSW, masters degree in rural development, anthropology and CIT.
}}

* {{see
:* '''Visiting Hours''', Winter: 14:00-16:30 hours. Summer: 14:30-17:30. During vacations: 07:30-11:00.
| name=Gitanjali Rail Museum | alt=গীতাঞ্জলি রেল সংগ্রহালয় ''Gītāñjali Rel Saṅgrahālaẏ'' | url= | email=
| address=Station Rd | lat=23.65779 | long=87.698047 | directions=opposite {{station|Bolpur Shantiniketan|city=india|er}}
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=9AM–1PM and 2:30PM–5PM (closed W) | price=
| wikidata=Q111461289
| lastedit=2022-08-09
| content=The museum showcases some aspects of the life of Rabindranath Tagore, other than railways.
}}
* {{see
| name=Gour Prangan | alt=Sinha Sadan | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.68014 | long=87.68569 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2023-05-28
| content=The old buildings of the Visva-Bharati University, named after the Sinha zamindar family.
}}
* {{See
| name=Hindi Bhavana | alt=হিন্দি ভবন ''Hindi Bhaban'' | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.6789 | long=87.6881 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| content=Hindi study centre. There's a mural in the building painted by Benode Behari Mukherjee.
}}
* {{see
| name=Kala Bhavana | alt=কলা ভবন ''Kalā Bhaban'' | url=http://www.visva-bharati.ac.in/InstitutionsCentresSchools/Contents/InstitutionContents.htm?f=KalaBhavana.htm | email=
| address= | lat=23.6815 | long=87.6829 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q16852532
| lastedit=2022-08-10
| content=College of fine arts and crafts, has a museum exhibiting sculptures, frescoes and murals and a library of art books.
}}
* {{see
| name=Kopai River | alt=কোপাই ''Kopāi'' | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.6904 | long=87.6488 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q6430921
| lastedit=2022-08-09
| content=A picturesque river north and west of Santiniketan, which meets the Bakreshwar River in [[Labhpur]]. Several tourists gather at the riverside to take pictures and/or videos of the river. There are several resorts at the Kopai River as well.
}}
* {{see
| name=Patha Bhavana | alt= | url=http://www.visvabharati.ac.in/PathaBhavana.html | email=
| address= | lat=23.6805 | long=87.6854 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q7144673
| lastedit=2022-08-10
| content=Secondary school, is of particular interest, being an example of the traditional ''gurukula'' method of learning, although things have changed slightly.
}}
* {{see
| name=Prakriti Bhavan | alt=প্রকৃতি ভবন ''Prakr̥ti Bhaban'' | url=https://prakritibhavan.org/ | email=
| address=Amar Kutir Rd, Kabi Mohanpur | lat=23.6897 | long=87.6648 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=9AM–5PM daily | price=
| lastedit=2023-05-28
| image=At Prakriti Bhavan, a museum of natural sculptures - 9413971799.jpg
| content=India's only nature art museum with an impressive indoor display of natural sculptures in driftwood, and dry wood and a sprawling open-air garden of natural rock sculptures. Set in the most picturesque part of Santiniketan it is an aesthetic manifestation of the legacy of Tagore's Santiniketan in linking people with nature through art, music and poetry.
}}
* {{see
| name=Rabindra Bhavana | alt= | url=https://www.visvabharati.ac.in/RabindraBhavana.html | email=
| address= | lat=23.682459 | long=87.684234 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=10:30AM–4:30PM (closed W and Th). During Poush Mela the place is over-crowded and queues for entry are long | price=Combined entry fee for Uttarayan complex and Rabindra Bhavana Museum is ₹10 for students, ₹50 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
| wikidata=Q85418436
| lastedit=2022-08-10
| content=The museum hall is called Bichitra. Constructed in Tagore's birth centenary year 1961. There are original manuscripts, letters, documents, medals (including Nobel Prize medallion), plaques, certificates, paintings, photographs etc. The five houses used by Tagore during his life named Udayan, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi. No photography in Rabindra Bhavana and Uttarayan complex.
}}
* {{see
| name=Santiniketan Griha | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.681277 | long=87.686087 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=closed W | price=
| wikidata=Q70891887
| lastedit=2022-08-10
| content=
}}
* {{see
| name=Shilpagram | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.6718 | long=87.6685 | directions=near Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=It is designed very nicely and showcases traditional handicrafts of [[Eastern India|eastern]] and [[North-Eastern India|north-eastern India]] (including [[Bihar]], [[Assam]], [[Odisha]], [[Manipur]], [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] and [[Jharkhand]]). Each state is represented by a traditional house which has a collection of paintings and articraft. The place is maintained neatly and has a good collection of cultural elements.
}}
* {{see
| name=Sriniketan | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.66 | long=87.66 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q7586440
| lastedit=2023-05-28
| content=The dream village of Rabindranath Tagore.
}}
* {{see
| name=Surul Rajbari | alt=সুরুল রাজবাড়ি ''Surul Rājbāṛi'' | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.66255 | long=87.6672 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=8AM–6PM | price=
| lastedit=2022-08-09
| content=The palace of the Sinha zamindars. The small temples with terracotta carvings are to the left of the Rajbari as one faces the Rajbari. Durga Puja still takes place here in a complete home fashion as it used more than 250 years back when it was started.
}}


==Do==
==Do==
In Santiniketan, seasonal changes bring their own colours and beauties with various festivals. The festivals are organised on traditional Indian forms and rituals.

* {{do
===Guides===
| name=Barṣāmangal | alt=বর্ষামঙ্গল | url= | email=

| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
Those who are knowledgeable about Rabindranath Tagore, his contribution to Bengali culture and his activities can enjoy a visit to Santiniketan thoroughly. Semi-official guides charge Rs 150 for showing around Santiniketan and Rs 300 for the entire area including Sriniketan and Amar Kutir. They are knowledgeable and explain things well. They are particulalrly helpful in identifying sculptures and frescoes.
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=

| hours= | price=
===Fairs and festivals===
| content= Festival of rains during August/September. Tagore was a poet of nature and some of his finest creations were about the rain.

}}
* '''Poush Mela''', The fair is held at Santiniketan from 7th-9th Poush (December 22/23-25). Tribal sports, folk songs and dances including songs by bauls, the itinerant singers, are a part of the fair and festivities. Some sort of "bhanga mela" or broken fair, with some shops, continue till the end of December.
* {{do

| name=Basanta Utsab | alt=বসন্ত উৎসব | url= | email=
:* Accommodation is heavily booked during this period. Anybody wanting to visit during his period will need to plan ahead for hotel bookings.
| address= | lat=23.6792 | long=87.6836 | directions=

| phone= | tollfree=
* '''Maghotsav''', Anniversary of Brahmo Samaj celebrated on the 11th of Magha (''25th January''), with prayers and songs at Chhatimtala.
| hours= | price=

| lastedit=2022-08-11
* '''Vasanta Utsav''', Held to celebrate Holi (March). The students dance and sing their ways through Amrakunja, followed by open-air variety programmes.
| content=Santiniketan's own style of Holi and it welcomes the arrival of spring. The students dance and sing their way through Amrakunja, followed by open-air variety programmes. Accommodation is heavily booked during this period. Anybody wanting to visit during his period will have to plan.

}}
:* Accommodation is heavily booked during this period. Anybody wanting to visit during his period will have to plan ahead.
* {{do

| name=Māghotsab | alt=মাঘোৎসব | url= | email=
* '''Rabindra Jayanti''', Although the birth anniversary of Rabindranath falls on 25th Baisakh (May 8/9), the anniversary as well as the Bengali New Year (''Nabo Barsho'') is celebrated on the first day of the Bengali New Year (''Poila Baisakh'') in mid-April with songs, dances, and recitations by the students.
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=

| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
* '''Briksharopana''' planting of saplings and '''Halakarshana''' ploughing of the fields on 22nd and 23rd Sravana (August).
| hours= | price=

| content= Anniversary of Brahmo Samaj celebrated on the 11 Magh (25 January), with prayers and songs at Chhatimtala.
* '''Varshamangal''', Festival of rains during August/September. Tagore was a poet of nature and some of his finest creations were about the rains.
}}

* {{do
==Learn==
| name=Poush Mela | alt=পৌষমেলা ''Pauṣmelā'' | url= | email=

| address= | lat=23.6788 | long=87.6906 | directions=
*Study at '''Visva Bharati University''', [http://www.visva-bharati.ac.in/].
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Poush Mela | wikidata=Q7235746
| lastedit=2022-12-11
| content=The fair is held from 7-9 Poush (22/23-25 December). Tribal sports, folk songs and dances including songs by bauls, and itinerant singers, are a part of the fair and festivities. Some sort of "bhanga mela" or broken fair, with some shops, continue till the end of December. Accommodation is heavily booked during this period. Anybody wanting to visit during this period will need to plan for hotel bookings.
}}
* {{do
| name=Rabindra Jayanti | alt=রবীন্দ্র জয়ন্তী ''Rabīndra Jaẏantī'' | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q24935239
| lastedit=2023-05-18
| content=Although the birth anniversary of Rabindranath falls on 25 Boishakh (8/9 May), the anniversary as well as the Bengali New Year (নববর্ষ ''Nababarṣa'') is celebrated in Boishakh (পয়লা বৈশাখ ''Paẏla Baiśākh''; 14/15 April) with songs, dances, and recitations by the students.
}}


==Buy==
==Buy==
[[File:Saturday Haat.jpg|thumb|Sonajhuri Hat]]

*'''Handicrafts''', Batik prints, leather craft. A favourable time for shopping is during the "Pous Mela". The unique style of embroidery associated with Santiniketan is known as'kantha stitch'. 'Sudha Karu Shilpa' in Andrews Palii, Santinikeatn, 'Amar Kutir' in Sriniketan, and 'Basundhara' in Sonajhuripalli offer quality kantha stitchwork in the form of Sarees, Dupattas etc throughout the year. Other handicrafts like dokra (artistic brassware from nearby Dariapur), leather bags, bamboo toys and locally handwoven cotton are also worth a look.
A favourable time for shopping is during the Poush Mela. The unique style of embroidery associated with Santiniketan is known as the 'Kantha stitch'. 'Sudha Karu Shilpa' in Andrews Palli, 'Amar Kutir' at the Kopai River, and 'Basundhara' in Sonajhuri offer quality Kantha stitchwork in the form of sarees, and dupattas throughout the year. Other handicrafts like dhokra (artistic brassware from nearby [[Ausgram]]), leather bags, bamboo toys and locally handwoven cotton are also worth a look.
* {{buy

| name=Amar Kutir | alt=আমার কুটির ''Āmār Kuṭir'' | url= | email=
* '''Rabindranath, Santiniketan, Sriniketan''', by Tapan Kumar Basak, price, Rs 30 available locally.
| address= | lat=23.6861 | long=87.6481 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Amar Kutir | wikidata=Q4740018
| lastedit=2023-05-18
| content=Many handicrafts like cloth, leather, batiks, hand-loomed fabrics and similar are available.
}}
* {{buy
| name=Sonajhuri Hat | alt=সোনাঝুড়ি হাট ''Sonājhuṛi Hāṭ'' | url= | email=
| address=Sonajhuri | lat=23.6915 | long=87.6711 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=Sa–Su 3PM–5:30PM | price=
| image=Saturday Haat.jpg
| lastedit=2023-05-18
| content=This is a village market and one can buy local handicrafts and listen to baul songs. Sonajhuri Hat is a great place to see and collect wooden crafts, terracotta crafts, raw metal ornaments, dhokra (ডোকরা ''ḍokrā'') art and local made clothes. It is an excellent place to experience the local culture of Santiniketan.
}}


==Eat==
==Eat==
* {{eat
'''SK Restaurant''', near Jambuni Bus stand opposite to Gitanjali Prekhagriha, is very good, both in terms of food quality and quantity. Open 10 am to 10 pm.
| name=Madhurima | alt= | url= | email=
Look for "morabba", a Siuri speciality (type of sweet meat).
| address=Santiniketan Rd | lat=23.66666 | long=87.69505 | directions=
*<eat name="SK RESTAURANT" alt="" address="BOLPUR-SANTINIKETAN ROAD" directions="OPP. TO GITANJALI" phone="9434132416" url="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SK-Restaurant/337542346274563?sk=wall" hours="10 AM TO 10 PM" price="" lat="" long="">QUALITY FOOD @ SK RESTAURANT</eat>
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2022-08-10
| content=A sweet shop on the way to Santiniketan.
}}
*{{eat
| name=SK Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/SK-Restaurant/337542346274563?sk=wall | email=
| address=Bolpur-Santiniketan Rd | lat=23.66504 | long=87.68295 | directions=
| phone=+91 9434132416 | tollfree=
| hours=10AM-10PM daily | price=
| lastedit=2022-08-09
| content=This restaurant, near Jambuni Bus stands opposite Gitanjali Prekhagriha, and is very good, both in terms of food quality and quantity. Look for "morabba", a [[Suri]] speciality (type of sweet meat).
}}


==Drink==
==Drink==
Santiniketan and the surrounding areas offer a few bottle shops for wine and liquor purchases. A few restaurants have permits to serve beer (Kharimati restaurant, Park Hotel restaurant) and one local bar with a liquor licence is the Moon Bar at the new Kharimati Hotel. During tribal festivals, the Santals enjoy rice beer which is served warm, is quite tasty and has a low alcohol content.


==Sleep==
Santiniketan and the surrounding areas offer a few bottle shops for wine and liquor purchases. A few restaurants have permits to serve beer (Kharimati restaurant, Park Hotel restaurant) and one local bar with a liquor license is the Moon Bar at the new Kharimati Hotel. During tribal festivals, the Santals enjoy rice beer which is served warm and is quite tasty. Although rice beer is a weak drink by Western standards, give it a try if you get the opportunity.
{{cautionbox|To avoid the unsavory, corrupt, and thoroughly untrustworthy booking services based in [[Kolkata]], it is best to get a place to stay on arrival without reservation.}}

{{sleeppricerange|₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|₹3000}}
==Hotel Facilities==
<sleep name="Santiniketan Tourist Lodge" alt="West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation" address="bolpur" directions="" phone="+91 34 6325 2699" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs.400-1900" lat="" long="">
IMPORTANT - READ THIS:
Due to persistent violations of Wikitravel's policies ANY edits to this section must be explained with either an edit comment or a comment on the article's talk page or else they will be reverted. Repeated violations may lead to temporary bans on further editing. See also http://wikitravel.org/en/Wikitravel:Don%27t_tout.
</sleep>
{{cautionbox|To avoid the unsavory, corrupt, and thoroughly untrustworthy booking services based in [[Kolkata]], it is best to get a place to stay on arrival without advance reservation.}}

{{Style|Please use standard Budget, Mid-range and Spluge catagories for Eat and Sleep listings}}

* <sleep name="Santiniketan Tourist Lodge" alt="West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation" address="bolpur" directions="" phone="+91 34 6325 2699" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs.400-1150" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></sleep>

* <sleep name="Hotel Camellia" alt="" address="Prantik" directions="" phone="+91 34 6325 4778, +91 34 6325 5044, +91 34 6325 5043" url="http://www.camelliagroup.org/santiniketan" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs.950-2000" lat="" long="" email="" fax="+91 3463 255044"></sleep>

* <sleep name="Chutti Holiday Resort" alt="" address="241 Charupalli, Jamboni" directions="off Sriniketan Rd" phone="+91 34 6325 2692, +91 34 6325 5015" url="http://www.chhutiresort.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Reservation from Kolkata: +91 33 99 0357 0921 Ilaco House, 3/1 Brabourne Road, Kolkata</sleep>

* <sleep name="Jiraan-The retreat" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+91 93 3351 0012, +91 93 3208 3644" url="http://jiraanresort.googlepages.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs 700-1,500" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></sleep>

* <sleep name="Manashi Lodge" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="91 34 6325 4200" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs 250-500" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></sleep>

* <sleep name="Bolpur Lodge" alt="" address="Bhubandanga" directions="" phone="+91 34 6325 2662, +91 34 6325 2737" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs. 150-550" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></sleep>

* <sleep name="Hotel Royal Bengal" alt="" address="Bhubandanga" directions="" phone="+91 98 3079 2002, +91 95 6344 6188" email="" fax="" url="http://www.hotelroyalbengal.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs 599-1,299">27 A/C and non A/C rooms with attached bathroom and 24 hr hot/cold water, conference hall &amp; art gallery. Multi-cuisine restaurant has continental, Indian &amp; Chinese options, car parking, IDD telephones and cableTV in rooms.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Park Guest House" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+91 34 6322 6286" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs 472 for non-A/C, Rs 850 for A/C rooms" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></sleep>

* <sleep name="Hotel Rangamati" alt="" address="Bhuban Danga" directions="" phone="+91 34 6325 2305" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs 880-1,173" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></sleep>

* <sleep name="Mark &amp; Meadows Resort" alt="" address="Sriniketan Rd" directions="Gurmukh Jethwani" phone="+91 94 3400 7777" url="www.markandmeadows.com" checkin="09:00" checkout="09:00" price="Rs 1,450-3,500" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">3 star property spread over 5 acres with swimming pool, fishing pond, games room, children's park, multicusine restaurant, banquet halls, conference halls, 32 cottage style A/C rooms with running hot/cold water.</sleep>

*<sleep name="Rater Tara Diner Rabi Guest House" alt="Star at Night, Sun During Day" address="Tinni House, Phul Danga, Taltor Rd, Behind PHE Bunglow." directions="1km from university campus near to canal and Bird Sanctuary" phone="+91 98 3004 8007, +91 94 3301 4277" url="http://www.santiniketantour.com" checkin="1pm" checkout="12 noon" price="Rs.1250.00 onwards" lat="" long="" email="">A double storied garden guesthouse having AC rooms, CTV, Refrigerator, attached western toilets with Geyser, fan etc. All rooms & toilets are well maintained & linens are cleaned. Separate driver accommodation is available on nominal charges, Car parking is free. Locality is totally sound & air pollution free.
</sleep>

*<sleep name="Country Roads Home Stay" alt="" address="Adjacent to Mela Math" directions="" phone="+91 99 0339 8059" url="http://sites.google.com/site/countryroadshomestay/Home" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rs 750" lat="" long="">American breakfast included. Well maintained. 24 hr cold water available and fridge.</sleep>

*<sleep name="Krishna Chura Homestay" alt="" address="Purbapally, Shantiniketan, Bolpur" directions="" phone="+91 97 48445544" url="http://www.homestayeast.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="23.685728" long="87.693356">Hospitable family home with modern facilities.</sleep>

==Get out==

[[Image:Map of Birbhum.jpg|300px|right|]]

* '''[[Surul]]''' - near Sriniketan, temples with exquisite terracotta carvings.

* '''[[Kankalitala]]''' - 9 km, on the bank of the river Kopai, one of the satipeethas.


* {{sleep
* '''[[Labhpur]]-[[Fullara]]''' - 30 km, a Satipitha, birth place of Tarashankar Bandopadhyay.
| name=Rangabitan Tourism Property | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.6832807 | long=87.6499236 | directions=
| phone=+91 86979 84960 | tollfree= | fax=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| wikidata=
| lastedit=2022-12-07
| content=Run by West Bengal Tourism.
}}


===Budget===
* '''[[Nanoor]]''' - 20 km, birth place of Chandidas, 14th century Sanskrit poet, famous for his ''Vaishnav Padavalis''. There is a temple dedicated to Devi Basuli.
* {{sleep
| name=Bolpur Lodge | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Bhubandanga | lat=23.6701 | long=87.6894 | directions=
| phone=+91 3463 252662, +91 3463 252737 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=₹150-300
| content=
}}
*{{sleep
| name=Country Roads Home Stay | url=http://sites.google.com/site/countryroadshomestay/Home | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=adjacent to Mela Math
| phone=+91 9903398059 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=₹750
| checkin= | checkout=
| content=American breakfast included. Well maintained. 24 hr cold water available and fridge.
}}
*{{sleep
| name=Krishna Chura Homestay | url=http://www.homestayeast.com/ | email=
| address=Purbapally | lat=23.685728 | long=87.693356 | directions=
| phone=+91 9748445544 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| checkin= | checkout=
| content=Hospitable family home with modern facilities.
}}
* {{sleep
| name= Maharshi Niwas | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat= 23.6834| long= 87.6575 | directions=
| phone=+91 3463-202821| tollfree= | fax=
| price=₹1050 per day per cottage| checkin= | checkout=
| content= 10 AC double-bedded cottages
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Manashi Lodge | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+91 3463 254200 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=₹250-500
| checkin= | checkout=
| content=
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Park Guest House | url= http://www.parkguesthouse.in/ | email=
| address= | lat= 23.6852 | long= 87.6778| directions=
| phone=+91 3463 226286 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=₹472 for non-A/C, ₹850 for A/C rooms
| checkin= | checkout=
| content=
}}
* {{sleep
| name= Rangamati Tourist Lodge | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Bolpur Rd | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+91 3463-252305| tollfree= | fax=
| price= ₹310-₹750| checkin= | checkout=
| content=
}}
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Hotel Sathi | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Bhubandanga | lat=23.6732 | long=87.6881 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₹750
| lastedit=2019-08-01
| content=
}}
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Hotel Basundhara | alt= | url=http://www.hotelbasundhara.in | [email protected]
| address=Baganpara, Simantapally | lat=23.670818 | long=87.677141 | directions=
| phone=+91-9434132549 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=₹450 Non-AC - ₹750 AC
| lastedit=2019-12-18
| content=Hotel Basundhara is a highly reputed name as the Best Hotel in Bolpur, Santiniketan. A fully equipped AC conference hall is available with all modern facilities and amenities.
}}


===Mid-range===
* '''[[Kendubillo]]''' - 30 km, on the bank of the river Ajay, birth place of 12th century Sanskrit poet Joydeb, author of the masterpiece ''Geeta Govinda''. A fair is held here on Makar Sankranti (mid January). Baul songs are the principal attraction of this mela. There is a temple with terracota decorations.
* {{sleep
| name=Camellia Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.camelliagroup.in/mainsite/hospitality/camellia-hotel-shantiniketan | email=
| address=Prantik | lat=23.6944 | long=87.6927 | directions=
| phone=+91 3463 262043, +91 33 2334 4069, +91 3463 2321 9688, +91 9007030199 | tollfree= | fax=
| checkin=8AM | checkout= | price=₹950-2000
| content=
}}
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Hotel Royal Bengal | alt= | url=http://www.hotelroyalbengal.com | [email protected]
| address=Bhubandanga | lat=23.6689 | long=87.6895 | directions=
| phone=+91 90 0798 2002, +91 97 4810 2002 | tollfree=
| checkin=noon | checkout=11AM | price=₹1550-2,650
| content=40 A/C rooms with attached western toilets with Hot & Cold water, cable TV in rooms, WI-FI, Telephone, Room service & House-keeping facilities. The multi-cuisine restaurant has continental, Indian & Chinese options, car parking, IDD telephones and, Landscaped garden along with a children’s play area, banquet/conference facilities, and Live cultural shows can be arranged (fee). 24-hr security and off-street parking.
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Jiraan-The retreat | url=http://jiraanresort.googlepages.com/ | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+91 9333510012, +91 9332083644 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=₹700-1,500
| checkin= | checkout=
| content=
}}
*{{listing | type=sleep
| name=Rater Tara Diner Rabi Guest House | alt=Star at Night, Sun During Day | url= | email=
| address=Tinni House, Phul Danga, Taltor Rd, Behind PHE Bungalow | lat=23.6914 | long=87.6848 | directions=1 km from university campus near to the canal and Bird Sanctuary
| phone=+91 98 3004 8007, +91 94 3301 4277 | tollfree=
| checkin=1PM | checkout noon | price=From ₹1250
| content=A double-storied garden guesthouse having AC rooms, CTV, Refrigerator, attached western toilets with hot water, fan etc. All rooms & toilets are well maintained & linens are cleaned. Separate driver accommodation is available on nominal charges, car parking is free.
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Shantobitan Tourism Property | alt= Santiniketan Tourist Lodge | url=https://www.wbtdcl.com/ | [email protected]
| address= | lat=23.6702 | long=87.6912 | directions=
| phone=+91 3463-252398, +91 9732100920 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=₹700-900 Non-AC, ₹1900-2400 AC
| content=Run by West Bengal Tourism.
}}


===Splurge===
* '''[[Bakreshwar]]''' - 58 km, Satipitha, also famous for the Bakranath Shiva temple and hot springs.
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Chutti Holiday Resort | alt= | url=http://www.chhutiresort.com/ | email=
| address=241 Charupalli, Jamboni | lat=23.68 | long=87.68 | directions=off Sriniketan Rd
| phone=+91 34 6325 2692, +91 34 6325 5015 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=₹1,650- 3,540 Special packages available
| content=Reservation from Kolkata: +91 33 99 0357 0921 Ilaco House, 3/1 Brabourne Road
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Mark & Meadows Resort | url=http://www.markandmeadows.com | email=
| address=Sriniketan Rd | lat= 23.6665| long= 87.6689 | directions=Gurmukh Jethwani
| phone=+91 94 3400 7777 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=₹1,450-3,500
| checkin=9AM | checkout=9AM
| content=3 star property spread over 5 acres with swimming pool, fishing pond, games room, children's park, multi-cuisine restaurant, banquet halls, conference halls, 32 cottage style A/C rooms with running hot/cold water.
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Raktokorobi Karugram | alt=রক্তকরবী কারুগ্রাম ''Raktakarabī Kārugrām'' | url=http://www.raktokorobikarugram.com | email=
| address=Ruppur | lat=23.668291 | long=87.615652 | directions=7 km from Surul More (Sriniketan)
| phone=+91 9903392484 | tollfree=
| checkin=11AM | checkout=10AM | price=₹3500
| content=There are 9 AC duplex huts, all designed traditionally so that visitors can feel at one with the natural space around them and to promote local artistry. The duplex huts have been created using mud, and murals have been painted by various tribal artists. Each cottage has a living room, a bedroom, a changing room, a bathroom, and an open terrace. The multicuisine restaurant serves quality Indian and Chinese dishes. Parking and driver's accommodation free.
}}
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Sonajhuri Homestay | alt= | url= | [email protected]
| address=Sonajuhri | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+91 9830011715 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=₹3200
| lastedit=2019-05-02
| content=
}}


==Nearby==
* '''[[Tarapith]]''' - 88 km, Saktipeetha, famous temple of Tara Devi.
[[File:Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park 13.jpg|thumb|Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park]]
[[File:Kankalitala (28 May 2023).jpg|thumb|Kankalitala Temple]]
[[File:Raipur Rajbari (Palace) in Birbhum 33.jpg|thumb|Raipur Rajbari]]
* {{listing | type=around
| name=Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.623056 | long=87.589167 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=10AM–4PM (closed W) | price=₹10 for students, ₹5 for children
| wikidata=Q55642870
| lastedit=2023-05-28
| content=The only fossil park in West Bengal. The fossils are laid out in a manicured lawn surrounded by pathways separated by hedge walls. Bilingual boards narrate the details of not only the fossils, but also about the process of fossilisation. The fossils displayed are trunk portions of angiosperm (flowering plants).
}}
* {{listing | type=around
| name=Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay | alt=Bolpur University | url=https://biswabanglabiswabidyalay.org/ | email=
| address= | lat=23.639381 | long=87.678256 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q105409652
| lastedit=2022-12-11
| content=Although the university is newer and less visited compared to the Visva-Bharati University, it also celebrates the festivals that are celebrated in Visva-Bharati.
}}
* {{listing | type=around
| name=Kankalitala | alt=কংকালীতলা ''Kaṅkālītalā'' | url= | email=
| address= | lat=23.714688 | long=87.722815 | directions={{km|9}} from Santiniketan
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q14220201
| lastedit=2022-08-18
| content=It is the last of the 51 Shakti Pithas. According to mythology, when the dead body of Goddess Shakti was cut by Lord Vishnu, her waist (কংকাল ''kaṅkāl'') fell at Kankalitala. Baul dances are also organised in the temple premises.
}}
* {{listing | type=around
| name=Raipur Rajbari | alt=রায়পুর রাজবাড়ি ''Raẏpur Rājbāṛi'' | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q105215638
| lastedit=2023-05-28
| content=The old zamindar palace that belonged to Bhuban Mohan Sinha, who gave his {{acre|20}} of land to Debendranath Tagore, the founder of present-day Santiniketan. The palace is partly in shambles, as of 2021.
}}


==Go next==
* '''[[Nalhati]]''' - 100 km, Shaktipeetha


* '''[[Bakreshwar]]''' — 58 km, Shaktipitha, also famous for the Bakranath Shiva temple and hot springs.
* '''[[Sainthia]]''' - 44 km, Shaktipeetha
* '''[[Durgapur]]''' — 60 km, the steel city. You can travel on to '''[[Bishnupur (Rarh)|Bishnupur]]''' another 70 km in the same direction or on to '''[[Asansol]]''', another 30 km, along NH 19.
* '''[[Kendubillo]]''' — 30 km, on the bank of the river Ajay, believed by many to be the birthplace of 12th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva, author of the masterpiece ''Geeta Govinda''. A fair is held here on Makar Sankranti (mid-January). Baul songs are the principal attraction of this meal. There is a temple with terracotta decorations.
* '''[[Labhpur]]''' — 30 km, the birthplace of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay and home to the Fullara Temple, a Shakti Pitha.
* '''[[Massanjore]]''' — 75 km (in Jharkhand), a dam across the river Mayurakshi with a picturesque reservoir. You can travel on to '''[[Deoghar]]''' another 98 km in the same direction.
* '''[[Nalhati]]''' — 100 km, another Shakti Pitha
* '''[[Nanoor]]''' — 20 km, birthplace of Chandidas, 14th century Sanskrit poet, famous for his ''Vaishnava Padavalis''. There is a temple dedicated to Devi Basuli.
* '''[[Sainthia]]''' — 44 km, another Shakti Pitha
* '''[[Tarapith]]''' — 88 km, another Shakti Pitha, famous temple of Tara Devi
* '''[[Dubrajpur]]''' — 44 km, Rajbari (Palace), terracotta temples and natural rock formation


{{geo|23.6833|87.6833}}
* '''[[Massanjore]]''' - 75 km, in Dumka district of Jharkhand, a dam across the river Mayurakshi with a picturesque reservoir. One can travel on to '''[[Deoghar]]''' another 98 km in the same direction.


{{isPartOf|Birbhum}}
* '''[[Durgapur]]''' - 60 km, the steel city. One can travel on to '''[[Bishnupur (West Bengal)|Vishnupur]]''' another 70 km in the same direction or on to '''[[Asansol]]''', another 30 km, along NH2.


{{isPartOf|Birbhum-Murshidabad}}
[[WikiPedia:Santiniketan]]
{{usablecity}}
{{usablecity}}
{{cityguide}}

Latest revision as of 12:52, 3 October 2024

South side of the Santiniketan Griha

Santiniketan (Bengali: শান্তিনিকেতন Śāntiniketan, SHAHN-tih-nih-keh-tawn), also spelt Shantiniketan, is a university town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. It was established by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century, and then developed by his son, Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance, whose vision became what is now a university town with the ancient gurukula method of learning. It has produced such diverse personalities as Indira Gandhi (once a Prime Minister of India), Satyajit Ray (an Oscar-winning filmmaker) and Amartya Sen (a Nobel laureate) and has been home to great artists and musicians. Santiniketan is also famous for the baul culture. Around 1.2 million visitors visit Santiniketan annually. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September 2023.

Understand

[edit]

An itinerant baul singer entertaining tourists in Sonajhuri
Gour Prangan

In 1863, Debendranath Tagore took on permanent lease 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of land, along with two chātim (ছাতিম) trees from zamindar Bhuban Mohan Sinha. The leased area was a small village and the den of a gang of notorious dacoits. After the leader of the gang surrendered to Debendranath, they started helping him in developing the area. Debendranath built a guest house there and named it Santiniketan (literally the "abode of peace"). Gradually, the whole area came to be known as Santiniketan.

In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore established a school in Santiniketan, called Brahmacaryāśram (ব্রহ্মচর্যাশ্রম), which became the Visva-Bharati University in 1921. A brainchild of Rabindranath, the Visva-Bharati University is a unique learning centre in the sense that the education takes place under a tree, instead of in a classroom. It got the status of a central university by 1951.

Several artists are also closely associated with Santiniketan other than Rabindranath Tagore and his father, including Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij and Benode Behari Mukherjee. Their works can be found throughout the town.

Climate

[edit]
Santiniketan
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
12
 
 
25
12
 
 
 
25
 
 
28
15
 
 
 
33
 
 
33
19
 
 
 
52
 
 
37
23
 
 
 
114
 
 
37
25
 
 
 
230
 
 
35
26
 
 
 
343
 
 
33
26
 
 
 
297
 
 
33
26
 
 
 
268
 
 
32
25
 
 
 
88
 
 
32
23
 
 
 
11
 
 
30
17
 
 
 
9
 
 
26
13
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Source: IMD
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
0.5
 
 
76
53
 
 
 
1
 
 
83
58
 
 
 
1.3
 
 
92
67
 
 
 
2
 
 
98
74
 
 
 
4.5
 
 
98
77
 
 
 
9
 
 
95
79
 
 
 
14
 
 
91
79
 
 
 
12
 
 
91
79
 
 
 
11
 
 
90
78
 
 
 
3.5
 
 
89
73
 
 
 
0.4
 
 
85
63
 
 
 
0.4
 
 
79
55
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

The climate of Santiniketan is moderately warm, with summer temperatures at around 35–42 °C (maximum) and winter at 10–15 °C (minimum). Summer is felt for three months, March, April and May. December, January and February are the winter months. June, July, August and September see heavy rainfall. The annual average temperature is 26.2 °C. About 1480 mm of rain falls per year, with 76 days seeing the rain.

Read

[edit]
  • Rabindranath, Santiniketan, Sriniketan by Tapan Kumar Basak. Available locally.

Get in

[edit]
Upasana Griha (Prayer Hall)

By plane

[edit]

The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP IATA) at Durgapur, but flights are infrequent. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU IATA) in Kolkata is the nearest major airport that is close to Santiniketan.

By train

[edit]
See also: Rail travel in India

Santiniketan is two to three hours by train from Kolkata. Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express offer the fastest service. For schedules check with Indian Railways.

There are two railway stations in Santiniketan, namely 1 Bolpur Shantiniketan  ER  Bolpur Shantiniketan railway station on Wikipedia (BHP) and 2 Prantik  ER  Prantik railway station on Wikipedia. Most express trains stop at Bolpur Shantiniketan.

If you are travelling with a lot of baggage, you may struggle for space even in reserved cars, and hiring a car may be a better alternative to reach Santiniketan.

Express trains that stop at Bolpur Shantiniketan:

  • From Howrah, Kolkata (HWH): Ganadevta Express, Jamalpur Express, Kavi Guru Express, Malda Intercity Express, NJP Shatabdi Express, NJP Vande Bharat Express (fastest, non-stop), Saraighat Express and Shantiniketan Express (the only train that originates and/or terminates at HWH and BHP, so you a better chance of finding seats on this train if you buy unreserved tickets).
  • From Sealdah (SDAH), Kolkata: Darjeeling Mail and Kanchenjunga Express.
  • From New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri: Darjeeling Mail, Howhrah Shatabdi Express, Howrah Vande Bharat Express and Kanchenjunga Express.

By bus

[edit]

From Kolkata, there are two options: The Asansol bus (alight near Panagarh) and the Suri bus (alight near Ilambazar). From both places, local buses are available for Santiniketan.

  • 3 Bolpur Bus Stand. 

By car

[edit]

Santiniketan is 212 km (132 mi) from Kolkata by road. Good drivers can cover the distance in about 3 hours.

Santiniketan is connected with Kolkata by an excellent 4-lane expressway. From Kolkata, travel to Dankuni and take the Durgapur Expressway (NH 19). It will bypass Saktigarh, Bardhaman and Panagarh. At Panagarh (Darjeeling More), turn right. After crossing the Ajay River, take the road to the right at Ilambazar and proceed towards Bolpur. At the Santiniketan–Sriniketan junction (also called Surul More) take the road to the left. Coming from the direction of Kolkata, one can also take the NH 114 route via Talit, Guskara, Bhedia and Surul More by taking a right turn from the Durgapur Expressway just after crossing Bardhaman on the right (where the Renaissance Township is on the left) and taking this route via Nababhat More. It saves time and the distance is less from the above route by about 50 km.

Get around

[edit]
Map
Map of Santiniketan
Chhatimtala

You can also look at the map of the Visva-Bharati campus in Santiniketan.

By rickshaw

[edit]

Electric rickshaws (locally known as totos) are the most convenient and cheap means of transportation these days. The older cycle rickshaws are still available and can be availed, though it would cost more. If you are a tourist, don't get on the cycle rickshaws in front of the museum that are manned by persistent teenagers as they will take you on a farcical circulatory route to make you spend more. Choose the older guys. Or just walk round the town.

By car

[edit]

Hired cars and taxis are not always readily available.

By bicycle

[edit]

If you are planning an extended stay, it may be worth your while to purchase a bicycle from one of the many local cycle shops. A brand new bicycle costs ₹3,200-3,600.

See

[edit]
Kala Bhavana
Kopai River
Statue of the Buddha by Ramkinkar Baij
Prakriti Bhavan
North side of the Santiniketan Griha

Santiniketan has several buildings associated with the Tagore family—Santiniketan Griha, Nutan Bari, Dehali etc. School classes and major functions are held in the Amra Kunja (mango grove). Some distance away on the eastern side is a small hillock with a large banyan tree. It was a favourite of Maharishi Debendranath Tagore. Visitors are not allowed to loiter around educational centres during working hours as these disturb the classes being held.

  • 1 Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary (Deer Park). 10AM–4PM (closed W). At the northwestern fringes of Santiniketan, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is just the perfect getaway for your next weekend. The lush sanctuary contains three large waterbodies (ঝিল jhil) which host migratory as well as resident birds in plenty. It is home to numerous spotted deer, blackbucks and other resident animals like jackals and foxes. The whole sanctuary is a protected area with watchtowers and jungle paths to walk around and catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife. Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary (Q4851306) on Wikidata Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 2 Bangladesh Bhavana. Well-designed new addition with auditorium. Bangladesh Bhaban (Q55502650) on Wikidata 
  • 3 Cheena Bhavana (চীনা ভবন Cīnā Bhaban). A centre of Sino-Indian cultural studies promoting historical study and modern relations between the two countries. The library is known for a major collection of Chinese books and journals, especially Buddhist scriptures and texts. Cheena Bhavana (Q85751720) on Wikidata Cheena Bhavana on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 4 Chhatimtala. Prayer place (under the chātim tree) of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore. Chhatimtala (Q90985277) on Wikidata (updated Aug 2022)
  • 5 Gitanjali Rail Museum (গীতাঞ্জলি রেল সংগ্রহালয় Gītāñjali Rel Saṅgrahālaẏ), Station Rd (opposite Bolpur Shantiniketan  ER ). 9AM–1PM and 2:30PM–5PM (closed W). The museum showcases some aspects of the life of Rabindranath Tagore, other than railways. Gitanjali Rail Museum (Q111461289) on Wikidata (updated Aug 2022)
  • 6 Gour Prangan (Sinha Sadan). The old buildings of the Visva-Bharati University, named after the Sinha zamindar family. (updated May 2023)
  • 7 Hindi Bhavana (হিন্দি ভবন Hindi Bhaban). Hindi study centre. There's a mural in the building painted by Benode Behari Mukherjee. 
  • 8 Kala Bhavana (কলা ভবন Kalā Bhaban). College of fine arts and crafts, has a museum exhibiting sculptures, frescoes and murals and a library of art books. Kala Bhavana (Q16852532) on Wikidata Kala Bhavana on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 9 Kopai River (কোপাই Kopāi). A picturesque river north and west of Santiniketan, which meets the Bakreshwar River in Labhpur. Several tourists gather at the riverside to take pictures and/or videos of the river. There are several resorts at the Kopai River as well. Kopai River (Q6430921) on Wikidata Kopai River on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 10 Patha Bhavana. Secondary school, is of particular interest, being an example of the traditional gurukula method of learning, although things have changed slightly. Patha Bhavana (Q7144673) on Wikidata Patha Bhavana, Santiniketan on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 11 Prakriti Bhavan (প্রকৃতি ভবন Prakr̥ti Bhaban), Amar Kutir Rd, Kabi Mohanpur. 9AM–5PM daily. India's only nature art museum with an impressive indoor display of natural sculptures in driftwood, and dry wood and a sprawling open-air garden of natural rock sculptures. Set in the most picturesque part of Santiniketan it is an aesthetic manifestation of the legacy of Tagore's Santiniketan in linking people with nature through art, music and poetry. (updated May 2023)
  • 12 Rabindra Bhavana. 10:30AM–4:30PM (closed W and Th). During Poush Mela the place is over-crowded and queues for entry are long. The museum hall is called Bichitra. Constructed in Tagore's birth centenary year 1961. There are original manuscripts, letters, documents, medals (including Nobel Prize medallion), plaques, certificates, paintings, photographs etc. The five houses used by Tagore during his life named Udayan, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi. No photography in Rabindra Bhavana and Uttarayan complex. Combined entry fee for Uttarayan complex and Rabindra Bhavana Museum is ₹10 for students, ₹50 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners. Rabindra Bhavana Museum (Q85418436) on Wikidata (updated Aug 2022)
  • 13 Santiniketan Griha. closed W. Santiniketan Griha (Q70891887) on Wikidata (updated Aug 2022)
  • 14 Shilpagram (near Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary). It is designed very nicely and showcases traditional handicrafts of eastern and north-eastern India (including Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Manipur, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Jharkhand). Each state is represented by a traditional house which has a collection of paintings and articraft. The place is maintained neatly and has a good collection of cultural elements. 
  • 15 Sriniketan. The dream village of Rabindranath Tagore. Sriniketan (Q7586440) on Wikidata Sriniketan on Wikipedia (updated May 2023)
  • 16 Surul Rajbari (সুরুল রাজবাড়ি Surul Rājbāṛi). 8AM–6PM. The palace of the Sinha zamindars. The small temples with terracotta carvings are to the left of the Rajbari as one faces the Rajbari. Durga Puja still takes place here in a complete home fashion as it used more than 250 years back when it was started. (updated Aug 2022)

Do

[edit]

In Santiniketan, seasonal changes bring their own colours and beauties with various festivals. The festivals are organised on traditional Indian forms and rituals.

  • Barṣāmangal (বর্ষামঙ্গল). Festival of rains during August/September. Tagore was a poet of nature and some of his finest creations were about the rain. 
  • 1 Basanta Utsab (বসন্ত উৎসব). Santiniketan's own style of Holi and it welcomes the arrival of spring. The students dance and sing their way through Amrakunja, followed by open-air variety programmes. Accommodation is heavily booked during this period. Anybody wanting to visit during his period will have to plan. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Māghotsab (মাঘোৎসব). Anniversary of Brahmo Samaj celebrated on the 11 Magh (25 January), with prayers and songs at Chhatimtala. 
  • 2 Poush Mela (পৌষমেলা Pauṣmelā). The fair is held from 7-9 Poush (22/23-25 December). Tribal sports, folk songs and dances including songs by bauls, and itinerant singers, are a part of the fair and festivities. Some sort of "bhanga mela" or broken fair, with some shops, continue till the end of December. Accommodation is heavily booked during this period. Anybody wanting to visit during this period will need to plan for hotel bookings. Poush Mela (Q7235746) on Wikidata Poush Mela on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2022)
  • Rabindra Jayanti (রবীন্দ্র জয়ন্তী Rabīndra Jaẏantī). Although the birth anniversary of Rabindranath falls on 25 Boishakh (8/9 May), the anniversary as well as the Bengali New Year (নববর্ষ Nababarṣa) is celebrated in Boishakh (পয়লা বৈশাখ Paẏla Baiśākh; 14/15 April) with songs, dances, and recitations by the students. Rabindra Jayanti (Q24935239) on Wikidata Rabindra Jayanti on Wikipedia (updated May 2023)

Buy

[edit]
Sonajhuri Hat

A favourable time for shopping is during the Poush Mela. The unique style of embroidery associated with Santiniketan is known as the 'Kantha stitch'. 'Sudha Karu Shilpa' in Andrews Palli, 'Amar Kutir' at the Kopai River, and 'Basundhara' in Sonajhuri offer quality Kantha stitchwork in the form of sarees, and dupattas throughout the year. Other handicrafts like dhokra (artistic brassware from nearby Ausgram), leather bags, bamboo toys and locally handwoven cotton are also worth a look.

  • 1 Amar Kutir (আমার কুটির Āmār Kuṭir). Many handicrafts like cloth, leather, batiks, hand-loomed fabrics and similar are available. Amar Kutir (Q4740018) on Wikidata Amar Kutir on Wikipedia (updated May 2023)
  • 2 Sonajhuri Hat (সোনাঝুড়ি হাট Sonājhuṛi Hāṭ), Sonajhuri. Sa–Su 3PM–5:30PM. This is a village market and one can buy local handicrafts and listen to baul songs. Sonajhuri Hat is a great place to see and collect wooden crafts, terracotta crafts, raw metal ornaments, dhokra (ডোকরা ḍokrā) art and local made clothes. It is an excellent place to experience the local culture of Santiniketan. (updated May 2023)

Eat

[edit]
  • 1 Madhurima, Santiniketan Rd. A sweet shop on the way to Santiniketan. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 2 SK Restaurant, Bolpur-Santiniketan Rd, ☏ +91 9434132416. 10AM-10PM daily. This restaurant, near Jambuni Bus stands opposite Gitanjali Prekhagriha, and is very good, both in terms of food quality and quantity. Look for "morabba", a Suri speciality (type of sweet meat). (updated Aug 2022)

Drink

[edit]

Santiniketan and the surrounding areas offer a few bottle shops for wine and liquor purchases. A few restaurants have permits to serve beer (Kharimati restaurant, Park Hotel restaurant) and one local bar with a liquor licence is the Moon Bar at the new Kharimati Hotel. During tribal festivals, the Santals enjoy rice beer which is served warm, is quite tasty and has a low alcohol content.

Sleep

[edit]
Caution Note: To avoid the unsavory, corrupt, and thoroughly untrustworthy booking services based in Kolkata, it is best to get a place to stay on arrival without reservation.
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget ₹1000
Mid-range ₹1000 to ₹3000
Splurge ₹3000
  • 1 Rangabitan Tourism Property, ☏ +91 86979 84960. Run by West Bengal Tourism. (updated Dec 2022)

Budget

[edit]

Mid-range

[edit]
  • 8 Camellia Hotel, Prantik, ☏ +91 3463 262043, +91 33 2334 4069, +91 3463 2321 9688, +91 9007030199. Check-in: 8AM. ₹950-2000. 
  • 9 Hotel Royal Bengal, Bhubandanga, ☏ +91 90 0798 2002, +91 97 4810 2002, . Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. 40 A/C rooms with attached western toilets with Hot & Cold water, cable TV in rooms, WI-FI, Telephone, Room service & House-keeping facilities. The multi-cuisine restaurant has continental, Indian & Chinese options, car parking, IDD telephones and, Landscaped garden along with a children’s play area, banquet/conference facilities, and Live cultural shows can be arranged (fee). 24-hr security and off-street parking. ₹1550-2,650. 
  • Jiraan-The retreat, ☏ +91 9333510012, +91 9332083644. ₹700-1,500. 
  • 10 Rater Tara Diner Rabi Guest House (Star at Night, Sun During Day), Tinni House, Phul Danga, Taltor Rd, Behind PHE Bungalow (1 km from university campus near to the canal and Bird Sanctuary), ☏ +91 98 3004 8007, +91 94 3301 4277. Check-in: 1PM. A double-storied garden guesthouse having AC rooms, CTV, Refrigerator, attached western toilets with hot water, fan etc. All rooms & toilets are well maintained & linens are cleaned. Separate driver accommodation is available on nominal charges, car parking is free. From ₹1250. 
  • 11 Shantobitan Tourism Property (Santiniketan Tourist Lodge), ☏ +91 3463-252398, +91 9732100920, . Run by West Bengal Tourism. ₹700-900 Non-AC, ₹1900-2400 AC. 

Splurge

[edit]
  • 12 Chutti Holiday Resort, 241 Charupalli, Jamboni (off Sriniketan Rd), ☏ +91 34 6325 2692, +91 34 6325 5015. Reservation from Kolkata: +91 33 99 0357 0921 Ilaco House, 3/1 Brabourne Road ₹1,650- 3,540 Special packages available. 
  • 13 Mark & Meadows Resort, Sriniketan Rd (Gurmukh Jethwani), ☏ +91 94 3400 7777. Check-in: 9AM, check-out: 9AM. 3 star property spread over 5 acres with swimming pool, fishing pond, games room, children's park, multi-cuisine restaurant, banquet halls, conference halls, 32 cottage style A/C rooms with running hot/cold water. ₹1,450-3,500. 
  • 14 Raktokorobi Karugram (রক্তকরবী কারুগ্রাম Raktakarabī Kārugrām), Ruppur (7 km from Surul More (Sriniketan)), ☏ +91 9903392484. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 10AM. There are 9 AC duplex huts, all designed traditionally so that visitors can feel at one with the natural space around them and to promote local artistry. The duplex huts have been created using mud, and murals have been painted by various tribal artists. Each cottage has a living room, a bedroom, a changing room, a bathroom, and an open terrace. The multicuisine restaurant serves quality Indian and Chinese dishes. Parking and driver's accommodation free. ₹3500. 
  • Sonajhuri Homestay, Sonajuhri, ☏ +91 9830011715, . ₹3200. (updated May 2019)

Nearby

[edit]
Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park
Kankalitala Temple
Raipur Rajbari
  • 1 Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park. 10AM–4PM (closed W). The only fossil park in West Bengal. The fossils are laid out in a manicured lawn surrounded by pathways separated by hedge walls. Bilingual boards narrate the details of not only the fossils, but also about the process of fossilisation. The fossils displayed are trunk portions of angiosperm (flowering plants). ₹10 for students, ₹5 for children. Amkhoi Fossil Park (Q55642870) on Wikidata Amkhoi Fossil Park on Wikipedia (updated May 2023)
  • 2 Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay (Bolpur University). Although the university is newer and less visited compared to the Visva-Bharati University, it also celebrates the festivals that are celebrated in Visva-Bharati. Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay (Q105409652) on Wikidata Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2022)
  • 3 Kankalitala (কংকালীতলা Kaṅkālītalā) (9 km (5.6 mi) from Santiniketan). It is the last of the 51 Shakti Pithas. According to mythology, when the dead body of Goddess Shakti was cut by Lord Vishnu, her waist (কংকাল kaṅkāl) fell at Kankalitala. Baul dances are also organised in the temple premises. Kankalitala (Q14220201) on Wikidata Kankalitala on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 4 Raipur Rajbari (রায়পুর রাজবাড়ি Raẏpur Rājbāṛi). The old zamindar palace that belonged to Bhuban Mohan Sinha, who gave his 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of land to Debendranath Tagore, the founder of present-day Santiniketan. The palace is partly in shambles, as of 2021. Raipur Rajbari (Q105215638) on Wikidata (updated May 2023)

Go next

[edit]
  • Bakreshwar — 58 km, Shaktipitha, also famous for the Bakranath Shiva temple and hot springs.
  • Durgapur — 60 km, the steel city. You can travel on to Bishnupur another 70 km in the same direction or on to Asansol, another 30 km, along NH 19.
  • Kendubillo — 30 km, on the bank of the river Ajay, believed by many to be the birthplace of 12th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva, author of the masterpiece Geeta Govinda. A fair is held here on Makar Sankranti (mid-January). Baul songs are the principal attraction of this meal. There is a temple with terracotta decorations.
  • Labhpur — 30 km, the birthplace of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay and home to the Fullara Temple, a Shakti Pitha.
  • Massanjore — 75 km (in Jharkhand), a dam across the river Mayurakshi with a picturesque reservoir. You can travel on to Deoghar another 98 km in the same direction.
  • Nalhati — 100 km, another Shakti Pitha
  • Nanoor — 20 km, birthplace of Chandidas, 14th century Sanskrit poet, famous for his Vaishnava Padavalis. There is a temple dedicated to Devi Basuli.
  • Sainthia — 44 km, another Shakti Pitha
  • Tarapith — 88 km, another Shakti Pitha, famous temple of Tara Devi
  • Dubrajpur — 44 km, Rajbari (Palace), terracotta temples and natural rock formation



This city travel guide to Santiniketan is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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