Rest of Bengal

An International University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures of the East & the West could meet and mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati, the University represents Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures. Shantiniketan, the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram or hermitage founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. In 1901 his son, Rabindranath converted it into an experimental open-air school with just five students. It proved a success. He widened the scope of studies which gradually formed the nucleus of a University.

Another interesting feature about Santiniketan is that splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others adorn the campus.

Shantiniketan is synonymous to Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore's memories come alive in this town. Located 212 kms from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a centre of oriental education and culture where under a tree with five pupils, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagre founded an open-air school in 1901 with a unique vision of a world where man exists in perfect harmony with nature. The world famous Visva Bharati University is now a unique centre of international studies and culture.

	Attractions Visva Bharati University 2 km from the nearest railway station Bolpur, is now a centre of international studies and culture. The university is also open to visitors. Only 58 km from Shantiniketan is Bakreswar, famous for its natural hot springs. Shriniketan Three km from Shantiniketan is Sriniketan, a centre for traditional handicrafts like batik (on leather, cloth and silk), pottery, weaving kantha embroidery and dokra tribal handicrafts. Festivals & Fairs: Paus Mela, which starts on the 7th day of the Bengali calender month of Paus, is the most important annual festival of Shantiniketan. It is a colourful festival - a meeting ground for the rural and urban milieu. Beside this many others mela like Vasantotsav, Barsha Mangal, Halakarshan utsav also attractive festival.

You can call this place a University town and a centre of learning. The Uttarayan complex, where the poet lived consists of several buildings such as Udayana. Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi, reflect the architectural genius.

In addition, there are other places of tourist interest Kala Bhavan (College of Fine Arts and Crafts), Sangit Bhavan (College of Music and Dance), Vidya Bhavan (College of Humanities), Siksha-Bhavan (College of Science) and Vinaya Bhavan (Teacher's Training College), Cheena Bhavan and Hindi Bhavan. The Shantiniketan campus of Viswa Bharati has grown up to a centre for learning with a love towards art, music and humanities. At Shriniketan, mainly a centre for Rural Service and Studies (Palli Samgathan Bibhaga), there is a college of Agriculture (Palli Siksha Sadan) as well.

The places of interest are mainly on the campus and have a distinctive feature of some of the best in Indian art and culture.

Shantiniketan is the embodiment of serenity and peace, far removed from the concrete jungle. Here imposing sculptures of Ram Kinkar greet you at every turn of the road. Paintings of Nandalal, Abanindranath and Binod Bihari captivate your senses.

Visit to the famous Viswabharati University is itself an experience. The art galleries, Tagore Museum and visit to the house of a Baul (Ballad Singer of Bengal) will offer you an exquisite experience. Visitors may have special interest in Santal (Austric Tribe) villages, the original tribes of the land.

Places of Interest

China Bhavan
The Chinese Faculty.

Chhatimtala
Here Maharshi Devendranath, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate. Prayers are held usually at Convocation time. Successful graduates of the Vishwa Bharati University are presented a branch of five leaves each from the Saptaparni trees, which abound in the area.

Kala Bhavan
The College of Fine Arts & Crafts has an museum exhibiting sculptures, frescoes & murals and a library of art books.

Patha Bhavan
Now a secondary school, it is of particular interest as an example of the traditional `Brahmacharya Ashram'.

Prayer Hall
Founded by the poet's father in 1863, the hall is made of glass. Prayers are held on Wednesday.

Bichitra
Also called Rabindra Bhavan, a research centre and museum where the poet's personal belongings, paintings & various editions of his works are exhibited.

Sangeet Bhavan
College of Dance and Music. The University is replete with works on Art, Music and the Humanities.

Uttarayan Complex
The poet lived and worked in the Northern Complex consisting of several buildings as: Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi. The Bichitra ( or, Rabindra Bhavan ) designed by the poet's son Rathindranath Tagore.

Festivals and Foods
Shantiniketan is also famous for its various festivals which mark the changing seasons. The major festivals are Poush Mela (December), Maghotsab (February), Basanta Utsab (March), Varsha Mangal (July-August), Sharodutsab (Oct-Nov). The delicacies here are inspired by the typical bengali culture and hence include fish, rices, sweets.

Culture and Community
The essence of Bengali culture can be prominently seen on the streets of Shantiniketan Another interesting feature about Shantiniketan is splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others, adorning the campus.

Travel Information

Connectivity
From Calcutta Shantiniketan is 136 kms: By train from Howrah to Bolpur. Shantiniketan is 2 kms from Bolpur.
From Calcutta Shantiniketan is 175 kms: By road

Altitude and Climate
Altitude : S5.8 meters
Summer : 39.4o C Max 34.39o C Min
Winter : 15.7o C Max 12.1oC Min
Rainfall :125 cm (June - September), Heavy in July and August