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Santiniketan
State rank: 4 out of 35 Places To Visit In West Bengal
Weather:
Ideal duration: 1-2 days
Best time: Mid Aug-Mar (Read More)
Nearest Airport: Kolkata (Check Flights)
"Rabindranath Tagore's Eternal Abode"
Santiniketan Tourism
Known to few, mainly as Rabindranath Tagore's home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The town comprises mainly of Visva Bharati University.
The University was set up by Rabindranath Tagore's father and later popularized by him to radically change the concept of education in India. Today, this beautifully laid out university and small sleepy town has acquired the status of a unique tourist haven, where lines of knowledge and aesthetic brilliance merge.
Places to Visit In Santiniketan
Top Hotels in Santiniketan
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Swapnonir
INR 1,665 /night onwards
Panthashala Guest House
INR 1,500 /night onwards
Muktadhara Guest House
INR 1,800 /night onwards
View All Hotels in Santiniketan >More on Santiniketan
The Tagore Connection
Santiniketan is best known as the residing place of Rabindra Nath Tagore for an extended period. This is the place where his father, Debendranath Tagore, indulged in spiritual pursuits as well. Places like Tagore's ashrama, Chattimtala, Rabindra Bhaban Museum and Uttrayan complex make up for great tourist attraction. They play a significant role as a tie between the present and the history. These places can provide great stimulation to history lovers, as many of the old items related to the Tagores are also available for the visitors.
Restaurants and Local Food in Santiniketan
Santiniketan has a variety of eating places and cuisines to offer. The campus of Visva Bharati and the surrounding town has a number of small and medium restaurants.
Beer and wine shops are sparsely located but a drink that is worth trying is the rice beer, especially popular during all the fares. It's much lighter than normal beer but is brewed in the region and not easy to find elsewhere.
One Day Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Santiniketan and freshen up at your hotel. Visit Tagore's ashrama which was built by Debendranath Tagore on his arrival at Santiniketan. Then, go to Chattimtala which is known as his meditation spot. Head towards Rabindra Bhaban Museum which is the home to the remaining valuable items of the Tagore family.
Day 2: Dedicate the day to artistic revelations. Visit Kala Bhavan which empowers artistic ability among students. Then go to Amar Kutir where handcrafted items are exhibited. Go to Uttrayan Complex which was an abode to Rabindranath Tagore. Visit Nippon Bhavan which is dedicated to strengthening India and Japan's diplomatic relations.
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Santiniketan Reviews
This is a perfect on-budget place for a weekend getaway with homely accommodation and food. I recommend visiting during winter or spring, also not staying for more than a week. There are historic sites such as Tagore's house, the university he founded, Khoyi haat, etc. only drawbacks are there are frequent power cuts and plenty of mosquitoes.
Santiniketan is a place rich in folk culture. It is surrounded by various tourist attractions and this place is ideal if you are planning for a weekend getaway. The main mode of transportation here is Toto. Buses are available too, but they do not have access to go to as many places as the totos. The food here consists mainly of Bengali cuisine which is sold at almost every hotel and dhaba. Apart from this, street food is also available. The Sonajhuri Mela is held every Saturday at Khoai and this fair is the perfect place to bring back souvenirs. Functional ATM vestibules are also present so there shouldn't be any problems regarding money.
3 months ago by Devyani Chandra
- The place is beautiful, the local people are honest and unlikely to cheat you. But it is best to stay on the guard, especially with your belongings. It is best to select a hotel once you reach the place. Rooms are easily available, so no need to worry. Also staying inside the campus is the safest option.
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Holidify's Opinion
What's Great?
Rich in culture. Reflects the heritage of India due to its strong historical roots. Home to gorgeous gardens. Events like Pousmela and Basanta Utsav also attract a lot of tourists.
What's not so Great?
No airways connectivity. Not an all-weather tourist spot. Quite small in area so fewer options for sightseeing. Not easy to reach from other parts of the country directly.
For Whom
Santiniketan is the perfect place for those people who like to travel to unpopular places and explore the unknown. It can also stimulate those individuals who like to indulge into history and heritage. Moreover, Santiniketan is the right place for those people who want to understand how different festivals are celebrated in West India.
AdHow to Reach Santiniketan
Santiniketan cannot be reached directly via airways due to the lack of air connectivity. You have to rely on Kolkata's international airport if you are travelling via plane. Santiniketan doesn't ha... (Read More)
Latest questions by travellers on Santiniketan
Answer: Hotels are available in Santiniketan. They are all clean and homely, but you won't find anything too luxurious. Rates start at about Rs. 1500-2000.
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