Monsoon Holidays: Shantiniketan - Kolkata's quiet Sojourn

Most of the main attractions of Shantiniketan include the various buildings of the Visva-Bharati campus. An interesting part of the campus is the Uttarayan Complex, where the famous poet lived. This part of the complex is comprised of several buildings - Udayan, Konark, Shyamali, Punascha Udichi. The Bichitra Bhavan is one of the highlights here. Also known as the Rabindra Bhavan it houses a research institute and a museum.

The other buildings worth checking include China Bhavan (Chinese faculty), Kala Bhavan (college of arts and crafts), Patha Bhavan (the school), Sangeet Bhavan (school of dance and music) and the prayer hall. The Kala Bhavan gallery has paintings by Bengal's renowned artists like Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. The sculptures of Ramkinkar Baiz are also amongst the attractions of Shantiniketan.

Places Nearby
Besides the in campus highlights, there are a good number of places located around Shantiniketan. Kankalitala, 9 km away on the bank of the Kopai is a sacred Hindu shrine. Deer Park (closed on Wednesday), 4 km from Shantiniketan is another interesting place to visit. Nanoor, 23 km from Shantiniketan is the birth place of the 14th century Vaishnava poet Chandidas. Regular buses are available from Bolpur Railway Station. One can also visit Joydev- Kenduli, which is the birth place of Joydev, the author of Geet Govinda, the 12th century masterpiece in Sanskrit.

February celebrates Maghotsava, which marks the anniversary of the Brahmo Samaj and the Founding of Shriniketan.

March witnesses the celebration of Vasanta Utsava, which coincides with Holi.

Varsha Mangagal is celebrated in July-August. Cultural shows are held and a tree planting ceremony is preceded by Halokarshan (ploughing).

An autumnal festival - Sharadotsava - of song and dance before the University closes for the Puja holidays is celebrated in October-November.

The Calendar year comes to a close in December with the celebration of Paush Utsava. A colourful fair marks the foundation day. Tribal dances and songs are a part of the fair. Tribal crafts in silver and Dhokra metalware are popular with visitors.

Shantiniketan has few hotels, which cater to the accommodation needs of the travellers. Hotels in Shantiniketan include budget hotels and mid price hotels. West Bengal Tourism also has a tourist lodge here. Check out hotels in Shantiniketan.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Kolkata, 213 km away.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 2 km away. Regular trains connect Bolpur with Howrah and Sealdah.

By Road: Good roads connect Shantiniketan with Kolkata, the distance is 213 km.