Shantiniketan is a university town in West Bengal, India. Shantiniketan in West Bengal is renowned for its cultural heritage, serene surroundings, and artistic ambience. So, here’s our travel guide to visit Shantiniketan to help you enjoy your next trip to this place to the fullest!
Shantiniketan is about 165 Km (100 miles) from Kolkata. Shantiniketan came to prominence due to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Our travel guide to visiting Shantiniketan will throw light on the places to visit, main attractions, things to do, hotel stays, approximate expenditure, cuisines, and much more. As a result, it is one of the top offbeat places to visit in West Bengal.
So, stay tuned till the very end of this travel guide to visit Shantiniketan!
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Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan offers a unique blend of traditional art, literature, and spirituality, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a peaceful and culturally enriching experience. Here’s our travel guide to visit Shantiniketan which will share all the required details for your next trip to this one of the best tourist places in West Bengal – currently put under the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – Top Places to Visit Shantiniketan
- Visva Bharati University: A cultural and educational institution established by Rabindranath Tagore. Explore its tranquil campus adorned with lush gardens and ancient buildings. The Uttarayan Complex within the university premises houses Tagore’s residence, Upasana Griha (prayer hall), and Patha Bhavan (school).
- Amar Kutir: A cooperative society showcasing indigenous handicrafts and traditional Bengali artistry. Stroll through its emporium and watch skilled artisans create beautiful handicrafts, pottery, and textiles.
- Rabindra Bhaban Museum: Dedicated to Tagore’s life and works, this museum displays personal belongings, manuscripts, and artwork. It offers a profound insight into the poet’s philosophies and literary creations.
- Kopai River: Take a serene walk along the riverbank and soak in the scenic beauty. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for picnics and contemplation.
- Deer Park: Ballavpur forest is nearly 3 km away from the main campus of the university. This forest is home to an extensive breed of deer. The forest is also known as the deer park.
- Kankalitala: This is a small rural town, 7 km away from Santiniketan. You can experience the beautiful semi-urban landscape in India.
That’s why Shantiniketan is one of the best tourist spots in West Bengal. The best part is you can visit Shantiniketan anytime. However, July to February is the best time to travel.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – Major Attractions in Shantiniketan
- Uttarayan Complex: We have included this complex in our travel guide to visit Shantiniketan. Admire the stunning architecture of Tagore’s residence, Uttarayan. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and serene surroundings. The complex also houses the Tagore Museum, showcasing his personal belongings and literary works.
- Kala Bhavana: The renowned institute of fine arts, Kala Bhavana, is a hub of creativity. The campus exhibits impressive artwork by students and alumni. Witness the vibrant atmosphere where art, music, and dance come alive.
- Poush Mela: An annual fair held in December, Poush Mela is a cultural extravaganza that attracts thousands of visitors. That’s why we have included this festival in our travel guide to visit Shantiniketan. Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, folk arts, and a variety of stalls selling handicrafts, artworks, and delectable local delicacies.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – Things to Do:
- Attend cultural programs at Visva Bharati to experience Bengal’s vibrant traditions. Enjoy performances of folk dance, music, and local theatre by talented students.
- Participate in workshops on pottery, handicrafts, and traditional Bengali art forms. Learn the intricacies of painting, weaving, and other artistic skills from skilled artisans.
- Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Kopai River. The mesmerising sunset views and tranquillity make it a soul-soothing experience.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – Top Hotels to Stay:
- Rangamati Garden Resort: Amidst lush greenery, this resort offers comfortable cottages, warm hospitality, and a peaceful ambience. That’s why we have recommended this hotel in this travel guide to visit Shantiniketan.
- Mark & Meadows: A boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms, modern amenities, and a serene setting.
- Camellia Resort and Spa: A luxury resort with beautiful gardens and a spa offering a range of wellness treatments. The comfortable rooms and modern amenities provide a relaxing experience.
- Panthashala Shantiniketan: This eco-friendly resort provides a unique experience with cottages made of mud and thatch. It focuses on sustainability and traditional architecture.
- Visva Bharati Guest House: Run by Visva Bharati University, this guest house provides simple yet comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It’s an excellent option for travellers seeking basic amenities.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – Local Shops & Markets:
- Kala Bhavana Craft Haat: Don’t miss this handicraft fair where you can directly buy exquisite handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, and artwork from artisans.
- Sonajhuri Haat: Shop for tribal crafts, pottery, and terracotta items. It’s a treasure trove of unique handcrafted products. That’s why this place is featured in our travel guide to visit Shantiniketan.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan: Local Cuisines to Try
- Paturi: A delectable dish where fish or vegetables are marinated in mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection. The mustard-infused flavour makes it a Bengali delicacy.
- Bhapa Ilish: Hilsa fish cooked in a delightful mustard and coconut gravy. It’s a delicacy that captures the essence of Bengal’s coastal cuisine.
- Sandesh: A delectable Bengali sweet made from fresh cottage cheese and flavoured with cardamom or saffron. It’s a must-try dessert that melts in your mouth.
- Panta bhat: Panta bhat is cooked rice soaked and fermented in water.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan: Affordable Restaurants You May Try
- Sonajhuri Restaurant: Sonajhuri Restaurant offers a good ambience to enjoy your meals. The restaurant serves a range of North Indian and Bengali dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients.
- Visva Bharati Cafeteria: Enjoy mouth-watering delicacies in one of the best restaurants in Shantiniketan.
- Shakuntala: This is another restaurant in Shantiniketan where you can try local as well as traditional Indian cuisines.
- Ghare Baire: This is one of the best restaurants in Shantiniketan offering local as well as traditional Indian cuisines.
Some other restaurants you can try are 9X9 Restaurant, Rangamati Garden Restaurant, Atithya, and The Barbecue Shantiniketan.
The charges range between INR 200-500 (USD 2.70 – USD 6.75) per head in all these restaurants. That’s why we have included them in this travel guide to visit Shantiniketan.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – Average Travel Cost
- Food: Enjoy budget meals at local eateries for around INR 200-300 (USD 2.5 – 3.5) per day. Mid-range restaurants may cost around INR 500-800 (USD 6.75 – USD 10.80) per person.
- Lodging: Budget guesthouses may cost INR 1000-2000 (USD 13.50 – USD 27.00), and premium hotels may cost INR 4000-6000 (USD 54.00 – USD 81.00) per night.
- Sightseeing: Entrance fees to museums and attractions are generally affordable, around INR 50-100 (USD 0.68 – USD 1.35) per person.
Please note that the prices are variable. We have shared the approximate figures.
Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan – How to Reach Shantiniketan
- From Kolkata: Take a train from Howrah to Bolpur (around 2.5 hours). From Bolpur, take a short rickshaw ride to Shantiniketan.
- From Anywhere in India: Reach Kolkata by train, flight, or bus, and then follow the Kolkata to Shantiniketan route.
- From Abroad: Arrive in Kolkata by flight and proceed as mentioned above.
We have also included the approximate travel cost in this travel guide to visit Shantiniketan. Here it follows:
From Kolkata (By Train):
- Train Fare: The train fare from Howrah to Bolpur (the nearest railway station to Shantiniketan) ranges from INR 150 to INR 600 (USD 2.03 – USD 8.11), depending on the class and type of train.
- Rickshaw Fare: After reaching Bolpur, you can hire a rickshaw to Shantiniketan, which may cost around INR 50 to INR 100 (USD 0.68 – USD 1.35).
Total Estimated Travel Cost (Train + Rickshaw): INR 200 to INR 700 (USD 2.70 – USD 9.45 approximately)
From Anywhere in India (By Flight/Train/Bus to Kolkata):
- Flight Fare: The flight fare to Kolkata from different cities in India can vary significantly based on the distance and time of booking. On average, domestic flight tickets may range from INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 (USD 40.54 – USD 135.15) one way or more.
- Train/Bus Fare: Train and bus fares to Kolkata will depend on the distance and mode of transport chosen. On average, train fares may range from INR 500 to INR 3,000 (USD 6.75 – USD 40.54), while bus fares could range from INR 800 to INR 2,500 (USD 10.80 – USD 33.76) one-way.
- Kolkata to Shantiniketan Travel Cost (as calculated in the previous response): INR 200 to INR 700 (USD 2.70 – USD 9.45) approximately
Total Estimated Travel Cost (Flight/Train/Bus + Kolkata to Shantiniketan Travel): INR 4,000 to INR 13,200 (USD 54.00 – USD 178.38) approximately
Please note that the cost may vary significantly depending on the starting location and mode of transport chosen.
From Abroad (By Flight to Kolkata):
- International Flight Fare: The flight fare from various countries to Kolkata will depend on their distance and airline. On average, international flight tickets to Kolkata may range from USD 300 to USD 1,500 (one-way) or more.
- Kolkata to Shantiniketan Travel Cost (as calculated in the previous response): INR 200 to INR 700 (USD 2.70 – USD 9.45) approximately
Total Estimated Travel Cost (International Flight + Kolkata to Shantiniketan Travel): USD 400 to USD 1,700 (approximately)
Please note that the cost may vary significantly depending on the country of origin, airline, and time of booking.
Wrapping up on Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan, an enchanting haven of art, culture, and spirituality, offers a delightful escape from busy city life. With its peaceful ambience, sprawling landscapes, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisines, Shantiniketan is one of the best places to visit in West Bengal. We’re sure that this travel guide to visit Shantiniketan will help you plan your next trip to this beautiful place!
FAQ on Travel Guide to Visit Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is rich in culture and is home to beautiful gardens. Pousmela and Basanta Utsav are some of the top attractions.
This travel guide to visit Shantiniketan will provide all the information to visit this beautiful place.
People who love travelling to places rich in history, culture and heritage should add this tourist place to visit in West Bengal to their bucket list.
July to February is the best time to travel.
