Shantiniketan, tucked away in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, is a cultural gem. This small-town famous for its peaceful scenery and ties to Rabindranath Tagore, combines art, culture, and calm. In Fact, Shantiniketan as an ideology or as an expression of artistic love which oozes out on several occasions from many a heart and soul. It is the place where love and art blossomed. This is the place where Rabindranath Tagore made it his home and created most of his literary classic pieces. The campus at Shantiniketan is ornamented with many sculptures, frescos, murals, and paintings of most eminent personalities of Bengali history and literature. It is famous as a cultural heritage and a site of historical importance.

Presently, it has developed into a town with all facilities being available and thus have become one of the favourite tourist attractions for many people from all over the world. The place is quite affordable and perfect for a short weekend getaway.

This weekend if you are planning to do a short trip to Shantiniketan, then this blog is for you! Here is a detailed plan to help you get the most out of your weekend trip to Shantiniketan.

How to reach Bolpur- Shantiniketan from Kolkata?

By Train– One can avail trains from either Howrah Station or Sealdah Station to reach Bolpur-Shantiniketan.There are many trains departing from Howrah to Bolpur like the famous Shantiniketan express, Visva-Bharati Express and more. After reaching the Bolpur Station you must hire a Toto Rikshaw or Car to reach to your resort.

By Car- Kolkata to Shantiniketan by road takes close to 4 hours. You can come by your own car via NH19 and NH114.

By Bus– Bolpur may be reached in intra-state buses (AC and Non-AC) that ply from Kolkata, Durgapur and other important cities of the state.

Where to stay at Shantiniketan?

There are numerous hotels in Shantiniketan; indeed, it becomes quite crowded during the winter season and thus selecting a suitable one is difficult. Instead, you can consider checking staying at Bolpur as it still has more options available for the same and very much close to Shantiniketan. There are almost all kinds of properties such as resorts in Shantiniketan – from economy to luxurious ones- to suit all financial capabilities.

Click here and check the best resorts in Shantiniketan; from luxurious one to the budget-friendly hotels, the entire range is available to suit one’s personal needs.

2 Nights 3 Day Detailed Itinerary for Shantiniketan Trip

Day 1: Arrival at Shantiniketan and Local Sight Seeing

• Arrival: If you come by Shantiniketan Express from Howrah, you will reach Shantiniketan by 1 Pm.
• Check-in: Get comfortable in your hotel, resort, or cozy local homestay.
• Afternoon: Have your Lunch at any Bengali restaurant close by or at your resort. You can try local favorites like hilsa cooked in mustard sauce or deep-fried bread with spicy potato curry.
• After Lunch book a Toto Rikshaw and start your Local Sight Seeing by visiting Srijani Shilpogram.

Srijani Shilpogram

It is a large complex, developed and maintained by the EZCC (Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre), where all the works of different artisans are showcased here. Cultural programs are also held in the complex. The replicas of traditional houses of eastern states of India are a must-see. The culture and traditions of the rural people of the eastern and north-eastern states in India are represented here. Managed by the Ministry of Culture, GOl, the premises are within 4km from Deer Park.

• Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs.10 for adults / Rs.5 for children. Additional charges for Camera

• Now start your journey towards Amar Kutir.

Amar Kutir

Amar-Kutir Society for Rural Development: this is an attractive place for shopping handicraft items. You may also visit Eco Park beside the showroom.

• Around 4km from Srijani Shilpagram

Evening: Stroll through the Khoai area known for its one-of-a-kind red laterite earth and beautiful views. Snap photos of the stunning scenery that gave Tagore ideas for his poems.

Visit Kopai Village and relax by Kopai River, a peaceful place to think and unwind.

Night: It you love Baul Music or have interest in folk music and dance, your resort may be able to organize Baul singers and madol dance on the lawns of the property on request. This is similar to how Desert Camps in Jaisalmer organize cultural programs in the evenings. It is advisable to have dinner in the hotel.

Day 2: Nature, Culture, and Shopping

• Morning: After breakfast at your resort book a Toto Rikshaw and take a tour towards Visva-Bharati University campus.

Visva Bharati University

Your Shantiniketan trip will be incomplete if you do not visit the formost important place Visva Bharati University. At its inception, it was called “Patha Bhavana”, established by Rabindranath Tagore himself. This transformation happened just after a few years when Tagore won the very first non-European Nobel Prize for Literature in the year of 1913. Some parts of the university are open to visitation by people just to absorb the atmosphere of learning profusely available all around. Walk around its quiet campus and well-known spots like:

• Kala Bhavana: The art center with beautiful sculptures and wall paintings.
• Sangeet Bhavana: Where you can experience Tagore’s music and dance traditions.
• Chhatimtala: A peaceful place under a Chhatim tree where Tagore used to meditate.
• Upasana Griha: Shantiniketan has so much to offer, what with Upasana Griha being one among many other interesting things. This hall is where meditation and prayers are conducted by using music as the medium. It is made purely of glass imported from Belgium; in the evening this is a magnificent sight to behold.

Rabindra Bhavana Museum

Check out the Rabindra Bhavana Museum, which displays the poet’s personal items, writings, and art, where you will learn about the life and impact of the famous poet. From the most rare collection of photos to the real-life incidents, chronicling his remarkable journey to the Nobel Prize, visitors are taken on an inspiring exploration of the life of the great Nobel Laureate. Visit here to have a memorable experience.

Uttarayan Complex

After the museum, visit the Uttarayan Complex where you’ll find Tagore’s five houses. Each home has its own special design and shows what the poet had in mind.

Afternoon: Enjoy Bengali Lunch at a restaurant close by and headed towards Khoai Haat, as this will be the final destination of the day.

Khoai Haat

After having lunch, Take a walk-through Khoai Haat or Sonajhuri Haat the popular local market held every Saturday and Sunday in the cool shade of Saal trees in the quiet Sonajhuri forest. This is the only unique marketplace that showcases cultural and ethnic goods made by local artisans. From exquisite handicrafts, handloom sarees, leather and jute bags to exclusive junk jewelry, there is indeed something interesting for every visitor.

To increase attraction, the Baul music is wonderfully sung by local singers with much feeling and buoyancy coupled with high-strung tribal dance performances collectively create an effervescent, ecstatic atmosphere. Listen to the beats and get into a dance groove for some fantastic reels on Instagram!

Khoai is half a kilometer away from Prakriti Bhavan and houses the market. Even though it is a marketplace, it offers a lot of local delicacies such as very tempting snacks. It is really tempting to feast on traditional sweets, delicious pickles, and those crispy fried delicacies served from food stalls spread across the fairground, delighting all senses.

Day 3: Temple Visit and Farewell

Early Morning: After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to Kankalitala, situated about 9 km away from Shantiniketan.

Lunch: Savor a homely Bengali meal at a nearby restaurant or at your resort and start packing.

Departure: Bid goodbye to Shantiniketan and return to your home city, taking back cherished memories of this soulful retreat.

Travel Tips for Shantiniketan

The whole experience of Shantiniketan is not just restricted to a weekend visit; it takes a long time to go into your heart. It is a place which resonates with peace and harmony and that is what we need to experience in our busy everyday life. Shantiniketan remains a popular weekend destination from Kolkata for many. From Tagore’s legacy to the rustic charm of Khoai, every corner of this cultural haven tells a story. Now, pack your bags and hit the road for this emotional journey of rediscovering art, nature, and yourself.