About Shantiniketan
Santiniketan, often known as Rabindranath Tagore's former home and now a renowned college, is a community located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The town largely revolves around Visva-Bharati University. Rabindranath Tagore's father initially established the university, and Tagore himself later championed it to profoundly transform the concept of education in India. Today, this beautifully laid-out university and quaint, peaceful town has become a unique tourist haven, where knowledge and artistic brilliance converge.
The Tagore Connection
Jewel Harbor is a wonderful spot for a delightful picnic, where you can spend quality time with your family and children. While you're there, don't miss the stunning natural beauty of the place, which truly stands out. You can spend your entire day on the banks of the Hooghly River or embark on a river cruise. Local boats offer trips around the region, or you can even take a ferry to Haldia. This ferry ride costs around INR 50 and offers an exciting experience in itself. Additionally, you'll find the remains of a Portuguese fort and a lighthouse that capture the attention of history buffs and explorers. This site was once a fort used by Portuguese pirates and has many old tales associated with its existence.
Picnic at Santiniketan
Santiniketan, a place of peace, is best visited during monsoon and winter, from July to February. Aside from days with heavy downpours, the weather remains cloudy with light showers, making it an excellent time to explore West Bengal's rich culture. The climate stays comfortably cool throughout the day, allowing tourists to explore every part of this beautiful destination, both indoors and outdoors. Some visitors may also choose to come during the transitional period of spring, which occurs in March. The weather is warmer than winter but still pleasant and comfortable. Summer, from April to June, is not recommended for travelers due to the high temperatures the region experiences, making it the most inconvenient time to visit.
What is the best time to visit Santiniketan?
Santiniketan, the home harmony, is best visited during rainstorm and winters, i.e., among July and February. Other than the days when there are overwhelming downpours, the atmosphere stays cloudy with light showers, making for a better than average time to investigate the rich culture of West Bengal. The atmosphere remains easily cool for the duration of the day enabling vacationers to investigate each part of the delightful dwelling place it is set inside or outside. Some may even decide to visit during the transitional period of spring which happens in March. The climate is hotter contrasted with the winter season, yet wonderful and agreeable. Late spring, among April and June, isn't prescribed to voyagers as a result of the high-temperature the locale encounters, making it the most badly designed time.
How To Reach Santiniketan
By Air: Santiniketan does not have its own airport. If you plan to fly to West Bengal, Kolkata is the closest airport to Santiniketan. Taxis are readily available to drive you to Santiniketan, but the journey is a considerable 200 km and takes about 3 hours.
Closest Airport: Going by street is another agreeable choice.
By Train: The most convenient way to reach Santiniketan is by train. The closest station is Bolpur Station, which is barely 2-3 km away. You can easily hire a rickshaw or a taxi to take you to your accommodation.
By road: Santiniketan is well-connected by roads. Buses from major surrounding areas like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Durgapur are available at reasonable prices. Taxis and buses also take you to Santiniketan from nearby areas at affordable rates. You also have the option to drive yourself.
