A complete guide for a trip to Shantiniketan

A perfect way to unwind is to go for a trip with your friends and family, and there is no better place compared to the peace and serenity that Shantiniketan offers.

Just 166 kilometers from Kolkata in the heart of the Birbhum district lies Shantiniketan, a place of peace and serenity and also the place of Rabindranath Tagore. The place surrounded by lush greens gives you a vibe that will surely take you away from the commotion of urban life. So, without further delay let’s talk about how to get there and what to do in Shantiniketan.

How to reach Shantiniketan

Now that you have decided to go to Shantiniketan, there are two ways to reach the place, the first one is by car and the second one is by train. If you decide to go by car, it will be a very exciting road trip. It is a very simple route through NH2 that you can take. However, the most convenient way to go to Shantiniketan is by train. You can avail of reserved tickets for Maa Tara Express or Ganadevta Express, the two most convenient trains, and drop at Bolpur station or Prantik station as per your convenience. If you are unable to get reserved tickets, then you can buy a general ticket from Howrah and hop on the 4 O’clock local train to Burdwan and from there take the Tinpahar passenger local to Shantiniketan.

About food and lodging

No need to worry about food and lodging in Shantiniketan as there are plenty of places where you can crash in and have authentic Bengali food. There are a number of hotels, resorts, bungalows, and homestays at affordable rates. However, the rates may vary as per the peak seasons which are mainly from December to March.

What to do in Shantiniketan

If you want to enjoy Shantiniketan to the fullest, then you have to plan a, 2 nights and 3day trip. The first day, you must visit the Visva Bharati University, which will take up most of the day as there are a lot of things to see, like the museum, Rabindranath’s houses and many more. Then in the evening, you can visit the Khoai forest and attain the mela, which mainly happens in January. The next day you can go to Amar Kuthi and watch the creation of handmade goods, which you can also buy. After a visit to Amar Kuthi, you can also go to the Ballavpur wildlife sanctuary.

Shantiniketan is a place of peace and culture, and if you just go there and do nothing but sit, relax, and take in the air, you will feel rejuvenated.