Introduction
Are you looking for a peaceful and culturally rich getaway in West Bengal? Look no further than Santiniketan, a small town located about 160 kilometers from Kolkata. With its serene surroundings, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture, Santiniketan is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. In this blog section, we will take you through the top 5 places to visit in Santiniketan.
Visva Bharati University: Let's start with the heart of Santiniketan VisvaBharati University. Founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, this university showcases a unique blend of education and culture. The sprawling campus is home to several departments, including fine arts, dance, music, and literature, making it an ideal place for creative minds to thrive. Don't miss out on attending one of their cultural events or exploring their impressive museum.
Khoai Boner Pukur: A trip to Santiniketan would be incomplete without visiting Khoai Boner Pukur or Kopai Riverbed. This scenic location is known for its red earth cliffs that add a rustic charm to the landscape. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbed or indulge in some local snacks from the vendors here while admiring the stunning views around you.
Tagore's Ashram: Another must visit place in Santiniketan is Tagore's Ashram or Rabindra Bhavana. This was where Rabindranath Tagore lived with his family and created some of his iconic works like Gitanjali and Kabuliwala.
Tagore's Ashram
Welcome to Santiniketan, a small town in West Bengal that holds a significant place in the heart of every Indian, all thanks to Tagore's Ashram. This serene and peaceful abode was once the home of one of India's greatest poets, Rabindranath Tagore. It is not just an ashram but also a school, university, and cultural center that holds immense importance in preserving India's cultural heritage.
Tagore's connection to Santiniketan goes back to his childhood when he used to visit his ancestral home here during summer vacations. However, it was not until 1901 that he made Santiniketan his permanent residence and established an ashram. He aimed to create a space where students can learn and live close to nature, away from the confines of traditional educational systems. Thus, Santiniketan became a hub for learning and creativity under Tagore's guidance.
The layout and design of the ashram are deeply rooted in Tagore's belief in the harmony between human beings and nature. The ashram is spread over 1300 acres of land with lush greenery, open fields, and serene water bodies. The campus has several buildings that serve different purposes; each designed with utmost simplicity yet reflecting Bengal's architectural style.
One of the must visit places in Santiniketan is Kala Bhavan, the art college within Tagore's Ashram. It offers various courses on fine arts, painting, sculpture making along with traditional music and dance forms. The annual Poush Mela festival held here showcases the talents of students through exhibitions and performances.
Visva Bharati University
Welcome to Santiniketan, a small town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, known for its rich cultural heritage and the prestigious Visva Bharati University. Founded by the renowned Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, this university holds a special place in the hearts of every Indian.
Let's delve deeper into the history of Visva Bharati University and its founder.
Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Gurudev, was a visionary who had a deep understanding of education and culture. He believed that education is not just limited to textbooks and classrooms but should encompass all aspects of life. With this idea in mind, he established Visva Bharati University as an international center for learning where students from different cultures could come together to exchange knowledge.
Initially, the university was established as an experimental school named Brahmacharya Ashram. Later on, it evolved into a full fledged university with various departments offering courses in Arts, Science, and Humanities. The main campus of the university is located at Santiniketan, which literally means "Abode of Peace ''. This serene town is also home to many important places associated with Gurudev Tagore and his works.
Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Welcome to the enchanting world of nature at Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Santiniketan, West Bengal. Tucked away in the picturesque town of Santiniketan, this sanctuary is a must visit for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. If you are planning a trip to Santiniketan, make sure to include this sanctuary in your itinerary, as it offers a unique and memorable experience.
Known for its diverse flora and fauna, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 2.08 square kilometers and was established in 1977. It is home to various species of animals and birds, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Santiniketan and is just a short drive away.
One of the best things about Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is that it offers a blend of both adventure and relaxation. You can explore the sanctuary on foot or take a safari ride to get a closer look at the animals in their natural habitat. The lush green surroundings and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal place to unwind and escape the hustle bustle of city life.
Amar Kutir Handicrafts Centre
Santiniketan, a small town in West Bengal, holds numerous gems waiting to be explored. One such gem is the Amar Kutir Handicrafts Centre, situated in the heart of Santiniketan. This center is not just a popular tourist spot but also a hub for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of India.
So, if you are planning a trip to Santiniketan, make sure to add Amar Kutir Handicrafts Centre to your list of must visit places. In this blog section, we will introduce you to this wonderful center and why it should be on your itinerary.
Located amidst the lush greenery of Santiniketan, Amar Kutir was founded in 1923 by Rabindranath Tagore with the aim of promoting indigenous arts and crafts. It is a cooperative society that supports the livelihoods of local artisans and their families by showcasing and selling their handmade products.
One of the major attractions of Amar Kutir is its vast collection of traditional handicrafts, from terracotta sculptures and wooden carvings to Batik paintings and Kantha embroidery. Each piece is unique and has its own story to tell. The quality and intricate workmanship of these handicrafts have earned them recognition not only in India but also internationally.
Apart from shopping for souvenirs, you can also witness live demonstrations by skilled craftsmen at work. This gives you an opportunity to learn about their techniques and appreciate their hard work. The center also conducts workshops where visitors can learn how to make some basic handicrafts themselves.
Must-visit attractions in Santiniketan, highlighting the art and cultural significance of this Bengali town.
If you are planning a trip to West Bengal, make sure to include the charming town of Santiniketan in your itinerary. Located about 2 hours away from Kolkata, Santiniketan is a must visit destination for art and culture lovers. This town is known for its rich cultural heritage, as it is home to the renowned VisvaBharati University founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
As you wander through the streets of Santiniketan, it's hard not to feel the influence of Tagore's literary and artistic genius. The town itself was established as an experimental school by Tagore in 1901 and has grown into a university that attracts students from all over the world.
One of the top attractions in Santiniketan is undoubtedly the VisvaBharati University campus. This sprawling campus is a unique blend of traditional Bengali architecture and modern influences. As you step foot on this campus, you will be transported back in time to when Tagore himself walked these very grounds.
You can start your exploration of the campus with Chhatimtala, which translates to "tree of knowledge." This banyan tree was where Tagore used to hold his classes under its shade. It still serves as a popular spot for students and visitors alike to sit and contemplate.
Next, make your way to Kala Bhavana, the university's prestigious school of fine arts. This stunning building showcases a fusion of local Bengali style with influences from Western architecture. Inside, you can admire an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures created by some of India's most renowned artists.
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Are you planning to travel to a location that is new to you?
Do not forget to go through the travel blogs of Nick Tsagaris McDonalds which is a bulk of information and will prove to be of great use to you while your travel.
His travel experiences have been of great use to the people who have read his blogs before deciding a travel destination.
