Shantiniketan, a university town is the fructification of the great Indian poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s extraordinary vision.

Located in West Bengal about 80 km from the capital Kolkata, this town attracts scores of tourists all year round. Its significance stems from the fact that Tagore lived here and wrote many of his great literary classics. Hence in the realm of Indian literature and history, Shantiniketan has carved out a niche for itself.

For those who have a literary bent of mind, Shantiniketan is a definite stop over on your travel itinery. Do allow yourself sufficient time to read and absorb some of the classic works of the great poet.

History of Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan for long has been owned by the Tagore family. Originally it was called Bhubandanga but was later renamed as Shantiniketan or abode of peace by Rabindranath Tagore’s father since he felt that the place radiated peace and tranquility.

Rabindranath Tagore firmly believed that education can be best nurtured in a natural environment and he gave structure to his dreams when he founded a school based on his ideals called Patha Bhavana. The following years saw Tagore rise in prominence as a poet for which he went on to receive the Nobel prize in 1913. In 1921 the school grew to become a university. Its eminence grew even further when in 1951 it was made one of the central universities in India. Indira Gandhi, Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen and Satyajit Ray are amongst some of its illustrious students.

Tourism in Shantiniketan

Prayer is an integral part of Shantiniketan. The serene atmosphere at Upasana Griha or prayer hall is to be perceived. Adorned with Belgian glass and marble steps, the place looks even more ethereal in the evening when it comes to life under the flickering beam of candles lit all around the prayer hall. Prayer is held every Wednesday.

Dehali is a two storied abode that Tagore shared with his soul mate and wife Mrinalini Devi while Shantiniketan Griha is a relic in this township. It is the oldest building still standing.

For those interested in art Kala Bhavan and Black House may hold some special interest. Kala Bhavan is the college for crafts and fine arts. Within its confines there are several exquisite exhibits of fresco paintings, sculptures and murals as well as a good collection of literary books. Some relief works of great exponents of the art form such as Prabhas Sen is found in the mud building more famously called Black House. Of course, for dance and music you may want to stop over at Sangeeth Bhavan.

Interestingly there is also a centre for Chinese studies or China Bhavana.

The Uttarayan complex has a multitude of buildings and Tagore was known to have operated from the northern section of this complex.

If you want to venture out a little more you can visit the temple Kankalitala situated on the banks of the river Kopai.

You can spend your evening relaxing at the many gardens and parks which abound here or try to indulge in some shopping.

You are recommended to try some of the authentic Bengali cuisine which is particularly famous for its mouth watering fish curry.

If you crave for some spiritual or literary bliss in a natural ambience then Shantiniketan is the place you need to visit. You can easily fit this into you package tour if you do intend to visit the western parts of India during your tour.