Santiniketan Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Santiniketan with this detailed travel guide featuring places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food scene, where to stay, local culture, safety & health, transportation options, and more!


Introduction to Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a small town situated in Birbhum district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Kolkata and is known for its association with Rabindranath Tagore, a famous poet, and Nobel laureate. Santiniketan is also home to Visva Bharati University, a world-famous institution founded by Tagore. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, and its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm people make it an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

List of Places to Visit in Santiniketan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rabindra Bhavan Museum: It is a museum located on the campus of Visva Bharati University dedicated to the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore. It houses Tagore’s paintings, manuscripts, and personal belongings.
  • Kala Bhavana Museum: It is another museum on the university’s campus that focuses on Indian art and culture. It exhibits works of famous Indian artists like Nandalal Bose, Benode Behari Mukherjee, and Ramkinkar Baij.
  • Rabindra Sadan: It is a cultural complex in the heart of Santiniketan that hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
  • Deer Park: Covering an area of about 3 hectares, the park is home to several species of deer and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Natural Attractions of Santiniketan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Khoai: It is a shallow canyon-like formation near Santiniketan. The place offers a unique landscape with red soil hills and stunning sunsets.
  • Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a popular destination for bird watchers and nature lovers. The sanctuary has a rich biodiversity with several species of birds, animals, and reptiles.
  • Santiniketan Park: It is a beautiful park located in the heart of the town, perfect for a morning or evening walk.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santiniketan

There are a plethora of hiking and biking routes in and around Santiniketan. Some popular routes include:

  • Rabindranath Tagore’s Ashram to Kopai River: It is a scenic route that takes you through the dense forest of the area.
  • Lalbandh: It is a beautiful lake located in Bolpur, which is a few kilometers from Santiniketan. The area around the lake offers many biking and hiking routes.
  • Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary: You can explore the sanctuary on foot or by bike, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Santiniketan: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Srijani Shilpagram: It is a handicraft village located a few kilometers from Santiniketan that offers a glimpse of traditional rural Bengal life. You can also buy handicrafts from the village.
  • Enjoy a Baul performance: Baul is a genre of music that originated in Bengal. It is a soulful and unique music form that you should not miss while in Santiniketan.
  • Take a guided tour of Visva Bharati University: The university campus is spread over 1300 acres and offers a unique blend of architecture, arts, and nature. A guided tour will help you understand the history and cultural significance of the university.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santiniketan

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, Check-in, Explore surroundings
Day 2 Visit Khoai, Deer Park, and Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 3 Visit Rabindranath Tagore’s Ashram, Kala Bhavana Museum, and Rabindra Bhavan Museum
Day 4 Explore Srijani Shilpagram, Lalbandh, and Santiniketan Santhal Village
Day 5 Take a guided tour of Visva Bharati University, attend a Baul performance
Day 6 Hiking/Biking in Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy a picnic near the Kopai River
Day 7 Departure from Santiniketan

Food and Drink Scene of Santiniketan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Luchi and Chholar Dal: It is a famous breakfast dish in Bengal. Luchi is a deep-fried bread made of refined flour, and Chholar dal is a lentil-based curry.
  • Poush Mela Specials: If you are visiting Santiniketan around December, don’t miss the Poush Mela. The festival offers many unique dishes, including Pitha, Bhapa Doi, and Baked Rosogolla.
  • Rosogolla: Rosogolla is a famous Bengali sweet, and you can find it in most sweet shops in Santiniketan.

Local Beverages

  • Cha/chai: Tea is the most popular beverage in India, and Santiniketan is no exception. You can find many tea stalls in and around the town.
  • Gol Gappe Sharbat: It is a refreshing drink made of tamarind and mint leaves. It is a popular street food in Santiniketan.

Where to Stay in Santiniketan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santiniketan has many accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury. Some popular options are:

  • Rangamati Garden Resort: It is a luxury resort located in the heart of the town. The resort offers many facilities like a swimming pool, free wifi, and a restaurant.
  • Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge: It is a budget-friendly option located near the university campus. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities.
  • Sriniketan Hotel and Restaurant: It is another budget-friendly option located a few kilometers from Santiniketan. The hotel offers clean rooms and a restaurant serving Bengali cuisine.

What to Buy in Santiniketan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Batik and Kantha: Batik is a form of wax-resistant dyeing technique that originated in Java, Indonesia. Kantha is a form of embroidery that originated in Bengal. You can find many shops in Santiniketan selling these products.
  • Tant sarees: Tant sarees are a traditional handloom saree made of cotton. They are light and comfortable to wear and come in many vibrant colors.
  • Bamboo crafts: Bamboo crafts are a specialty of the rural artisans of Bengal. You can find many souvenirs, including baskets, trays, and lampshades, made of bamboo in Santiniketan.

Local Culture and Customs of Santiniketan

Santiniketan has a rich cultural heritage, and there are a few things you should keep in mind while visiting the town:

  • Respect local customs: Santiniketan is a conservative town, and you should dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
  • Follow the rules of the university campus: If you are visiting Visva Bharati University, make sure to follow the rules and regulations of the university.
  • Be respectful to the locals: The people of Santiniketan are friendly and warm, and you should be respectful to them.

Best Time to Visit Santiniketan

The best time to visit Santiniketan is between October to March when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer chances of rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santiniketan

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Carry your valid ID proof with you at all times.
  • Take a guide with you while hiking or biking.

Don’t:

  • Smoke, drink or eat meat in public places.
  • Touch any religious objects or shrines without permission.
  • Litter in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a relatively safe town, but it is always better to take precautions:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Carry a map and don’t venture in unknown areas.
  • Stay away from street dogs.

Health in Santiniketan

  • Carry mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.
  • Stay hydrated and drink bottled water.
  • Carry a first-aid kit with basic medicines.

Getting to Santiniketan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santiniketan

The nearest airports to Santiniketan are in Kolkata and Durgapur.

Bus Stations Near Santiniketan

Santiniketan has a bus stand near the railway station, and buses run frequently from nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

You can also take a train from Kolkata or Durgapur to the nearest railway station, which is Bolpur. From there, you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach Santiniketan.

How to Get Around in Santiniketan

The best way to get around in Santiniketan is by hiring a cycle-rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw. You can also rent a bike or a scooter from vendors in the town.

Where to Go Next from Santiniketan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shantiniketan: It is a small town located a few kilometers from Santiniketan, known for its association with Rabindranath Tagore. You can visit Tagore’s house, Udyan, and walk around the beautiful campus of Visva Bharati University.
  • Tarapith: It is a famous pilgrim town located about 50 kilometers from Santiniketan. It is known for the Tarapith Temple and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
  • Bishnupur: It is a small town located about 100 kilometers from Santiniketan, known for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees.

Conclusion

Santiniketan offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. A visit to this town will leave you relaxed, rejuvenated, and culturally enriched. Plan your trip wisely, keep your safety and health in mind, and explore the unique charms of Santiniketan.

Baul singers in Santiniketan Baul singers in Santiniketan Buddha by Ramkinkar Baij Buddha by Ramkinkar Baij An itinerant baul singer entertaining tourists in the Khoai area An itinerant baul singer entertaining tourists in the Khoai area Amra Kunja Amra Kunja Chhatimtala Chhatimtala Santiniketan Griha (view from the south) Santiniketan Griha (view from the south) The idol in Kankalitala temple The idol in Kankalitala temple